Inspired by the bold, addictive flavors of Din Tai Fung, these spicy wontons bring together tender dumplings and a fragrant, fiery sauce that hits all the right notes—savory, spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet. With a quick cook time and an incredibly flavorful chili oil blend, this dish makes the perfect appetizer or light main course that’s both elegant and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These spicy wontons are the kind of dish that disappears fast—once you try one, you’ll be hooked. Here’s why they’re a must-make:
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Bursting with garlic, soy, and Sichuan-inspired spices
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Quick to make—only 15 minutes from start to finish
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Customizable heat level depending on your chili oil and preferences
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Great as a starter, light meal, or part of a dumpling night spread
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Uses simple pantry staples and store-bought or homemade wontons
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Tastes like your favorite restaurant version—but made at home
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Wontons
10–12 chicken wontons (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon green onion, sliced and roughly chopped (for garnish)
Extra chili oil, for drizzling (optional)
Chili Oil Sauce
2 garlic cloves, very finely minced
1 teaspoon caster sugar (or regular sugar)
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon Sichuan pepper powder
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
1/2 teaspoon Chinese chicken stock powder (or regular stock powder)
2 tablespoons Chinese chili oil (adjust to taste; sub with sesame oil if needed)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola, peanut, or other neutral oil)
2 1/2 teaspoons light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons hot water
Directions
Make the Chili Oil Sauce:
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In a medium bowl, combine the garlic, sugar, chili flakes, Sichuan pepper powder, five spice powder, and stock powder.
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Heat the chili oil and vegetable oil in a small pan until hot but not smoking. Carefully pour the hot oil over the spice mix—it should sizzle immediately.
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Whisk in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hot water. The oil will separate slightly—this is normal. Set aside.
Cook the Wontons:
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
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Add the wontons and cook until they float to the surface—about 4 minutes for fresh or 6–8 minutes for frozen.
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked wontons and place them on a serving plate or shallow bowl.
Assemble:
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Pour the prepared chili oil sauce over the hot wontons.
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Drizzle with additional chili oil if desired for extra heat.
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Sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 wontons
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 140 kcal per serving
Variations
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Vegetarian Wontons: Use vegetable stock powder and vegetable-filled wontons.
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Extra Spicy: Add more chili flakes or use a spicier chili oil.
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Nutty Flavor: Add a swirl of sesame paste or peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, rich finish.
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Tangier Version: Increase rice vinegar slightly for a sharper contrast to the heat.
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Homemade Wontons: Use your own homemade wontons filled with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
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Sesame Boost: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
Storage/Reheating
These wontons are best served immediately, but if you have leftovers:
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Storage: Store cooked wontons and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Reheat Wontons: Gently steam or microwave with a splash of water until warmed through.
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Reheat Sauce: Rewarm in a small pan or microwave and stir well before pouring over reheated wontons.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wontons?
Yes, just increase the boiling time to about 6–8 minutes, or until they float and are heated through.
What is Sichuan pepper powder?
It’s a spice with a unique citrusy aroma and tongue-tingling sensation, common in Sichuan cuisine.
Do I need Chinese chicken stock powder?
It adds depth, but you can substitute with a pinch of regular stock powder or omit for a lighter flavor.
Is the sauce very spicy?
It can be. Adjust the chili oil and flakes to control the heat level.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
Light soy sauce or all-purpose soy sauce works best. Avoid dark soy, which is too strong and sweet for this dish.
Can I steam the wontons instead?
Yes, steaming is a great alternative to boiling. Just make sure they’re fully cooked through.
How do I make homemade wontons?
Use store-bought wrappers and fill them with a mixture of minced chicken, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Fold and seal tightly before cooking.
What should I serve with spicy wontons?
They’re great on their own, or served alongside steamed vegetables, rice, or a bowl of soup.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, double or triple the recipe as needed—just make sure to scale the sauce proportionally.
Conclusion
These Din Tai Fung–inspired spicy wontons are a delicious blend of heat, umami, and aromatic flavor that’s hard to resist. With a quick chili oil sauce and tender dumplings, they’re ideal for a cozy appetizer or light meal that feels restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re making a small batch or a full spread for guests, this recipe delivers bold taste and elegant simplicity.
Print
Spicy Wontons: Din Tai Fung Style
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 wontons
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Description
Inspired by the iconic Din Tai Fung, these spicy wontons are served in a bold and savory chili oil sauce infused with garlic, soy, and Sichuan spice. A perfect appetizer or light main dish that’s sure to delight spice lovers.
Ingredients
- Wontons:
- 10–12 chicken wontons
- 1 tablespoon green onion, sliced and roughly chopped (for garnish)
- Extra chili oil, for drizzling (optional)
- Chili Oil Sauce:
- 2 garlic cloves, very finely minced
- 1 teaspoon caster sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon Sichuan pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese chicken stock powder (or regular stock powder)
- 2 tablespoons Chinese chili oil (adjust to taste, sub with sesame oil if needed)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons hot water
Instructions
- Make the Chili Oil Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine garlic, sugar, chili flakes, Sichuan pepper powder, five spice, and chicken stock powder.
- Heat the chili oil and vegetable oil in a small pan until hot, then pour over the spice mix (it will sizzle).
- Whisk in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hot water. Set aside (separation of oil is normal).
- Cook the Wontons: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add wontons and cook until they float—about 4 minutes fresh or 6–8 minutes frozen.
- Assemble: Transfer cooked wontons to a serving dish using a slotted spoon. Pour over the sauce, drizzle with extra chili oil if desired, and garnish with green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust chili oil to suit your spice preference.
- Store leftover sauce separately and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Frozen wontons work well for a quick and easy meal.
- For vegetarian version, use veggie wontons and omit chicken stock powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wonton
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg