Garlic Prawn & Shrimp Salad Wonton Cups with Sweet Chilli Sauce: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer Recipe

Prepare to impress your guests with these effortlessly elegant Garlic Prawn (Shrimp) Salad Wonton Cups, generously drizzled with a tantalizing Sweet Chilli Sauce. An exclusive creation, these delightful bites promise a burst of flavor in every crispy cup and are incredibly simple to make. They’re the perfect addition to any gathering, especially as you plan your festive Christmas menu!

Imagine the perfect appetizer: succulent, fresh prawns (or shrimp, as you prefer) pan-fried to golden-brown, infused with aromatic garlic, then perfectly sliced. These flavorful morsels are then delicately mixed through a vibrant, zesty coleslaw salad, brightened with a generous squeeze of lemon juice, a hint of creamy mayonnaise, and a nutty touch of sesame oil. All this deliciousness is then nestled into perfectly crispy, oven-baked wonton cups, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why These Wonton Cups Are a Must-Try Appetizer

Forget the hassle of deep-frying and the guilt of excessive calories. Our Garlic Prawn Salad Wonton Cups offer a refreshingly light yet incredibly satisfying alternative. They require minimal preparation and come together in mere minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy hosts who don’t want to compromise on taste or presentation. Much like our popular Oven Fried Tempura Batter Shrimp Lettuce Cups, these wonton cups hit all the right notes: a delightful crunchy texture, a fresh and vibrant slaw, and the powerful, irresistible flavor of pan-fried garlic prawns. They are truly an explosion of flavor that will elevate any spread, from casual get-togethers to sophisticated holiday parties.

The Perfect Harmony of Flavors and Textures

The magic of these Garlic Prawn Salad Wonton Cups lies in the thoughtful combination of a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a truly memorable appetizer experience.

Crispy Oven-Baked Wonton Cups

The foundation of this dish is the crispy wonton cup. Instead of deep-frying, we opt for a healthier, oven-baked approach. This method not only reduces fat but also ensures a consistently light and crunchy shell that perfectly cradles the flavorful filling without becoming greasy. Baked in muffin tins with just a touch of cooking spray, these cups achieve a golden-brown crispness that adds an essential textural element to every bite.

Succulent Garlic Prawns (or Shrimp)

At the heart of the filling are the star ingredients: fresh prawns or shrimp. Pan-fried to perfection, they are generously seasoned with garlic, ensuring every piece is infused with an irresistible aroma and taste. The quick cooking method keeps them tender and juicy, providing a protein-rich, flavorful component that pairs wonderfully with the fresh salad and sweet chilli sauce. Whether you call them prawns or shrimp, their garlicky goodness is undeniable.

Zesty Coleslaw Salad

To complement the richness of the prawns, a refreshing coleslaw salad is prepared. This isn’t just any coleslaw; it’s a vibrant mix elevated with a bright and zesty dressing. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a tangy lift, a touch of creamy mayonnaise provides a subtle richness, and a dash of sesame oil introduces an aromatic, nutty depth. This combination ensures the salad is fresh, crunchy, and perfectly balanced, cutting through the richness of the prawns and adding a delightful crunch.

The Sweet Chilli Sauce Drizzle

No appetizer is complete without a finishing touch, and for these wonton cups, it’s the sweet chilli sauce. A generous drizzle of this vibrant sauce adds a fantastic sweet and spicy kick, tying all the flavors together beautifully. It provides that “flavour explosion” that takes these simple cups from delicious to utterly unforgettable. It’s the perfect complement to the savory prawns and the fresh salad, creating a balanced and exciting taste profile.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Wonton Cups

Creating these impressive Garlic Prawn Salad Wonton Cups is much simpler than it looks. Here’s how you can whip them up in under 20 minutes, from start to finish!

Preparing the Wonton Cups

Begin by preheating your oven and lightly spraying a muffin tin with a little cooking spray. Carefully press individual wonton wrappers into each muffin cup, shaping them to form small cup-like vessels. Bake them until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. This step can often be done while you prepare the other components, maximizing your efficiency in the kitchen.

Cooking the Garlic Prawns

While your wonton cups are baking, it’s time to prepare the star protein. Heat a pan with a little oil over medium-high heat. Add your sliced prawns (or shrimp) seasoned generously with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pan-fry them quickly, just until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make them tough. The goal is succulent, tender, garlicky prawns.

Assembling the Zesty Coleslaw

In a medium bowl, combine your finely shredded cabbage and carrots (the base of your coleslaw). Add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise (adjust to your preference for creaminess), and a dash of sesame oil. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated and the flavors are evenly distributed. This fresh, zesty salad is key to balancing the dish.

Bringing it All Together: Assembly and Garnish

Once the wonton cups are baked and cooled slightly, and your prawns and slaw are ready, it’s time for assembly. Spoon a portion of the zesty coleslaw into each crispy wonton cup. Top the salad with a few pieces of your perfectly cooked garlic prawns. For an extra touch of gourmet presentation, place an additional whole prawn on top of each cup, showcasing your culinary skills. Drizzle generously with sweet chilli sauce, and garnish with thin slices of fresh shallots and bright lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal. And just like that, these exquisite appetizers are ready to serve in under 20 minutes!

Pro Tips for Effortless Entertaining

One of the greatest advantages of these Garlic Prawn Salad Wonton Cups is their versatility when it comes to preparation. Hosting a party can be stressful, but these make-ahead options will ensure you remain calm and collected.

Wonton Cup Preparation in Advance

To truly minimize last-minute stress, prepare your crispy wonton cups well in advance. You can bake them the night before your event and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, for even longer planning, prepare them days before and freeze them until you’re ready to use them! Simply pull them out of the freezer the morning of your feast and allow them to thaw completely at room temperature.

Reheating for Perfect Crispness

The beauty of these wonton cups is their ability to retain their crunch even after being stored. If you’ve prepared them in advance, you can quickly reheat them in the oven on medium heat for a few minutes just to warm them through. Miraculously, they will retain all their delightful crispiness, tasting just as fresh as if they were just baked. This makes them an absolute dream for entertaining, allowing you to focus on your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Versatile and Adaptable: Recipe Variations

While the classic Garlic Prawn Salad Wonton Cups are perfect as they are, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, consider replacing the prawns with sautéed mushrooms or roasted tofu. Spice lovers might want to add a pinch of chili flakes to the prawn seasoning or mix a little sriracha into the sweet chilli sauce. You could also swap out the coleslaw for a finely diced cucumber and mango salsa for a tropical twist, or add some fresh cilantro to the salad for an herbaceous note. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize this recipe to your heart’s content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

While fresh, raw prawns/shrimp are recommended for optimal flavor and texture, you can use pre-cooked shrimp in a pinch. If using pre-cooked shrimp, simply warm them through in the pan with the garlic for a minute or two – do not overcook, or they will become rubbery.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin for the wonton cups?

If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can still make crispy wonton cups! You can drape the wonton wrappers over the back of an upside-down muffin tin or even over small, oven-safe bowls. Just ensure they hold their shape while baking until crisp.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, you can mix a little sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sweet chilli sauce. You could also finely chop a fresh red chili and add it to the coleslaw mix or sauté it with the garlic prawns.

Are these good for meal prepping?

The individual components can be prepped in advance. The wonton cups can be baked and stored, and the prawns can be cooked and refrigerated. The coleslaw is best made fresh just before serving to maintain its crispness, but you can chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them separately from the dressing. Assemble just before serving.

What are wonton wrappers made of?

Wonton wrappers are thin sheets of dough, typically made from wheat flour, eggs, water, and salt. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine for making dumplings, wontons, and other fried or steamed dishes.

Where to Find the Full Recipe

This exquisite recipe for Garlic Prawn (Shrimp) Salad Wonton Cups with Sweet Chilli Sauce is an exclusive creation for our friends over at Best Recipes. For the complete, detailed recipe, including precise ingredient measurements and a full set of instructions, please follow this link! We extend our heartfelt thanks for supporting the wonderful companies who champion and support Cafe Delites!

Explore More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed these incredible wonton cups and are looking for more fresh and flavorful salad ideas, be sure to check out some of our other popular recipes:

• Broccolini Prosciutto Feta and Avocado Salad
• Chicken Haloumi and Avocado Salad With Lime Dressing
• Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad with Mango Avocado Salsa
• Southwestern Chicken Salad with Low Fat Creamy Dressing

Whether you’re planning a lavish holiday spread or simply looking for a quick and healthy appetizer, these Garlic Prawn & Shrimp Salad Wonton Cups are a stellar choice. Their ease of preparation, combined with their irresistible flavor and elegant presentation, makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy crafting these delicious bites, and get ready for a flurry of compliments!