Fresh-Mex Corn Wontons
Hundreds of readers cooked with every kind of corn they could get their hands on for our June/July 2009 recipe contest: corn on the cob, creamed corn, cornmeal, corn oil, even dried corn husks. Elizabeth Spano from Lyndhurst, NJ, really gave the secret ingredient its due with her fresh corn wontons, Southwestern deep-fried pockets inspired by meals she ate during the eight years she lived in Arizona. She serves them with a zesty lime dip, made with cilantro from her own garden. I like appetizers that I can eat in one or two bites, says Elizabeth, who often makes her prize dish for friends. Her best tip: Treat the wonton wrappers like pastry dough and keep them in the fridge until youre ready to use themtheyll be much easier to handle.
Hundreds of readers cooked with every kind of corn they could get their hands on for our June/July 2009 recipe contest: corn on the cob, creamed corn, cornmeal, corn oil, even dried corn husks. Elizabeth Spano from Lyndhurst, NJ, really gave the secret ingredient its due with her fresh corn wontons, Southwestern deep-fried pockets inspired by meals she ate during the eight years she lived in Arizona. She serves them with a zesty lime dip, made with cilantro from her own garden. I like appetizers that I can eat in one or two bites, says Elizabeth, who often makes her prize dish for friends. Her best tip: Treat the wonton wrappers like pastry dough and keep them in the fridge until youre ready to use themtheyll be much easier to handle.
- Carbohydrate 11.0759799102214 g
- Cholesterol 4.0794181058179 mg
- Fat 2.51097400408173 g
- Fiber 0.991685276468042 g
- Protein 2.06066054615614 g
- Saturated Fat 0.747104995862283 g
- Serving Size 1 1 wonton (45g)
- Sodium 97.2168866883257 mg
- Sugar 10.0842946337533 g
- Trans Fat 0.176757170080194 g
- Calories 73 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the corn in a steamer basket set over a saucepan of simmering water. Cover and steam 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, grate the lime zest into a small bowl and squeeze in 1 tablespoon lime juice. Add the sour cream, cilantro, hot sauce and 1/4 teaspoon salt and mix well; set the dip aside.
- Remove the corn from the steamer basket and let cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cobs. Combine with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Line a large baking sheet with paper towels, then arrange the wonton wrappers on top in a single layer. Place 1 teaspoon corn, 1/2 teaspoon tomato, 1/2 teaspoon avocado and 1/4 teaspoon red onion in the center of each wrapper.
- Heat about 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees (or place a wooden skewer in the oil to test the temperature; bubbles should form around it).
- Moisten the edges of each wonton wrapper with water, then fold in half diagonally to enclose the filling and form a triangle; press gently to seal.
- Working in batches, lower the wontons into the hot oil with tongs and fry about 1 minute. Flip and fry another 30 seconds, or until light golden.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve with the cilantro-lime dip.
A Taste of Arizona: My Fresh Corn Wonton Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook elaborate meals is often a challenge. But there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something delicious and unique for friends and family. That’s why I love appetizers – they're quick, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. My go-to appetizer? These Fresh-Mex Corn Wontons. Inspired by my time living in Arizona, these little pockets of Southwestern flavor are a true testament to the simple joy of fresh ingredients.
The key to these wontons is the perfectly cooked corn. Steaming it brings out its natural sweetness without overcooking it. I love using fresh corn on the cob – the flavor is simply unmatched. But you can get creative! I’ve experimented with frozen corn and it works perfectly well in a pinch. Once the corn is cooked and cooled, it’s time for the assembly. I like to treat the wonton wrappers like delicate pastry, keeping them chilled to prevent tearing. This little trick makes all the difference in creating perfectly formed wontons.
The filling itself is a simple yet vibrant mix: sweet corn, juicy diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a touch of red onion for a hint of sharpness. The combination is magical! It's all about balancing those sweet and savory flavors. Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your taste. Want more heat? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of red onion. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability.
For a truly authentic experience, try using fresh cilantro from your own garden. If you don't have a green thumb, you can easily purchase fresh cilantro at your local grocery store. The cilantro-lime dip is the perfect complement to the wontons. The zesty lime juice, creamy sour cream, and fragrant cilantro create a cool and refreshing counterpoint to the warm, crispy wontons. It’s the ultimate dipping sauce!
Beyond the recipe, I find that creating these wontons is a wonderful way to unwind and connect with my creativity. The process of carefully folding the wontons is almost meditative, a moment of quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's a chance to experiment with flavors and techniques, to make something beautiful and delicious that brings joy to others. The smiles on my friends’ faces as they bite into these little golden triangles are more rewarding than any gourmet meal could ever be.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and prepare for a delightful culinary adventure. These Fresh-Mex Corn Wontons are not just an appetizer; they are an experience. They are a story shared through deliciousness, a taste of Arizona in every bite, a reminder that even the simplest meals can bring great joy.
A note on presentation: I love to serve my wontons on a beautifully arranged platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges. It elevates the overall experience and makes the dish even more visually appealing. A perfect addition to any gathering, from casual get-togethers to more formal occasions.
Tips for success: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the wontons; this will ensure that they cook evenly and crisp up beautifully. And remember to treat the wonton wrappers gently to prevent tearing. Enjoy!
