Name: Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened to room temperature); 1/2 cup Cooked Shrimp (Finely chopped or use small whole cooked shrimp); 2 tablespoons Green Onions (Finely chopped (white and light green parts preferred)); 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Soy Sauce; 20 pieces Wonton Wrappers; 1 large Egg (Beaten for sealing); 2 inches Vegetable Oil (For frying); to taste Chopped Chives (For garnish); to taste Sweet Chili Sauce (For dipping)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and irresistibly crispy — these Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are the kind of appetizer that disappears before you can say “one more, please.” Perfectly golden shells give way to a rich, savory filling of cream cheese and shrimp studded with bright green onions and a hint of soy, making each bite a little party for your taste buds. Fun fact: wontons have been enjoyed for centuries in Chinese cuisine as both soups and fried snacks, and they’re beloved for their versatility and comfort-food status.

This recipe is special because it’s easy, fast, and family-friendly. You can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes, and they make an excellent finger food for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings. If you liked our crunchy stuffed snacks like the cream cheese and bacon Doritos chicken, you’ll find these wontons equally crowd-pleasing and simple to make. Try them once and you’ll understand why they become a go-to for entertaining and snacking.

For a quick idea on variations and similar crowd-pleasers, check out this cream cheese and bacon stuffed Doritos chicken recipe to spark more appetizer inspiration.

What is Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons?

Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are little fried parcels filled with a creamy combination of softened cream cheese, shrimp, and seasonings, all wrapped in thin wonton wrappers and cooked until golden and crisp. Curious about the name? Who wouldn’t be — are they wontons or little dumpling pillows of happiness? Maybe the name just hints at the romance of sharing a tasty bite with someone special — after all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Imagine serving these at a party and watching them vanish; it’s almost poetic.

Legend (or at least my dinner table anecdote) suggests they earned their reputation because a single plate can turn any skeptic into a fan, and that’s probably why families keep making them. Ready to try them? You’ll love how simple and rewarding they are.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy and Crunchy Contrast: The silky cream cheese and juicy shrimp filling contrasts perfectly with the crisp, fried wrapper. Each bite is a balance of textures and flavors that hits salty, savory, and slightly sweet when paired with dipping sauce.
Budget-Friendly and Make-Ahead Friendly: Making these at home saves money compared to takeout, and you can prepare the filling in advance or freeze un-fried wontons to pull out later — great for last-minute snacks or parties.
Flavor Boosters and Toppings: Simple garnishes like chopped chives and a side of sweet chili sauce or soy-based dip take these over the top. They also pair nicely with light salads or steamed vegetables for a more complete meal.

If you enjoyed other stuffed fried bites on the blog, like the cream cheese wontons with chicken and pepper jack, you’ll find the shrimp version just as satisfying and even quicker to assemble. Don’t wait — grab a pack of wonton wrappers and get cooking!

For another twist on cream cheese-filled wontons, check out this cream cheese wontons with chicken and pepper jack recipe.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is incredibly straightforward: mix a creamy filling, spoon it onto wrappers, seal, and fry until golden. Preparation is quick and the result is a satisfying combination of creamy interior and crispy exterior. Expect about 10 minutes prep and 8 to 10 minutes cooking time for a full batch. The standout element is the rich cream cheese that melts slightly during frying, coating the shrimp for a luscious bite.

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped (or use small whole cooked shrimp)
2 green onions, finely chopped (white and light green parts preferred)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
20 wonton wrappers
1 egg, beaten for sealing
Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches in a deep skillet)
Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
Sweet chili sauce for dipping

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped shrimp, green onions, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Mix until smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is well softened so it blends easily with the other ingredients.
Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Add about one teaspoon of filling in the center. Brush the edges with the beaten egg, then fold into a triangle or pouch shape. Press tightly to seal. Be sure to press out any air pockets to prevent splattering when frying.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the wontons in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan; this keeps the oil temperature steady.
Drain the wontons on paper towels. Sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions and serve hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons

What to Serve With

Sweet chili sauce or a soy-ginger dipping sauce for contrast
A crisp cucumber salad or Asian slaw to add freshness
Steamed rice or simple fried rice to turn them into a fuller meal
Light beers, jasmine tea, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the richness

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use fully softened cream cheese for an even, smooth filling; cold cream cheese will clump.
Chop shrimp finely if you want a uniform texture; leave whole small shrimp for more bite.
Don’t overfill the wrappers — about a teaspoon ensures easy sealing and even frying.
Maintain oil temperature around 350°F; too hot and outsides burn, too cool and wontons absorb oil and become greasy.
To bake instead of fry, spray wontons with oil and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through (they won’t be as crisp as deep-fried but still tasty).

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to regain crispiness.

Freezing: Freeze un-fried, sealed wontons on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

Shelf Life: Cooked wontons are best within 48–72 hours for flavor and texture. Frozen, unopened wontons keep longer but are best within two months.

FAQs

What type of shrimp should I use?
Cooked shrimp is best — peeled and deveined. Use small shrimp or chop larger shrimp finely so they mix smoothly with the cream cheese.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Brush or spray with oil and bake at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, turning once. They’ll be less oily but not quite as crispy as deep-fried.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and freeze the un-fried wontons on a tray, then bag them. Fry straight from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Are these safe to eat if the shrimp is raw?
Only use cooked shrimp in this recipe to ensure food safety. If using raw shrimp, cook it first until opaque and fully cooked through.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone or a firm ricotta mixed with a little sour cream can work, but cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons deliver creamy, crunchy, and savory satisfaction that’s hard to beat. They’re simple enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for parties, and flexible enough to customize with your favorite seasonings or dipping sauces. If you want more ideas for cooking these kinds of shrimp-filled treats, check out this recipe for Shrimp Rangoon Air Fryer or Deep Fried for an air-fryer twist, and this classic Cream Cheese and Shrimp Wonton Appetizers for another take on this crowd-pleasing favorite. Give these wontons a try, and don’t forget to share them — they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.