Chile Relleno Wontons with Jalapeño Soy Sauce 🌶🥟
Introduction
Take your appetizer game to the next level with these Chile Relleno Wontons—a fusion of classic Mexican flavors and crispy Asian-inspired technique. Imagine gooey Monterey Jack cheese and spicy green chiles wrapped in golden, crunchy wontons, then dipped into a zesty jalapeño-soy sauce that’s sweet, salty, and just the right amount of spicy.
Perfect for game day, parties, or even a fun family dinner, these little bites pack big flavor in every crunchy, cheesy bite. If you love chile rellenos but want something easier and more portable, this recipe is going to be your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ A fun fusion twist on the classic chile relleno
✅ Easy to make with store-bought wonton wrappers
✅ Perfect party food—crispy, cheesy, and bite-sized
✅ Customizable spice level with mild or hot chilies
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 30 wonton wrappers
- 1 lb Monterey Jack cheese, cut into ½–1½-inch strips
- Green chilies and hot green chilies, cut into strips
- Oil, for frying
For the Jalapeño-Soy Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 minced jalapeño
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Wontons
- Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface.
- Place one strip of cheese and one strip of chili (choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference) in the center of each wrapper.
2. Seal the Wontons
- Lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water.
- Fold over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
- Ensure there are no gaps—this keeps the cheese from leaking out when frying.
- Let the sealed wontons rest for a few minutes.
3. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the wontons in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Jalapeño-Soy Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced jalapeño, honey, and sesame oil.
- Let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve the crispy wontons hot with the jalapeño-soy dipping sauce.
- For extra indulgence, pair with queso, salsa, or even creamy ranch dressing.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack, cheddar, or queso Oaxaca.
- Bake Instead of Fry: Brush wontons with oil and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the wontons and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Double Dip: Try serving with guacamole or salsa verde for a Tex-Mex flair.
Important Notes
⚠️ Seal tightly to prevent cheese leaks during frying.
⚠️ Don’t overcrowd the oil—fry in small batches for even crispiness.
⚠️ Use gloves when handling hot chilies to avoid irritation.
Nutrition (per 2 wontons + dipping sauce – approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
FAQs
1. Can I use canned green chilies?
Yes! Canned green chilies work perfectly and save time—just drain well before using.
2. Can I freeze these wontons?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked wontons in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the cook time.
3. Can I make them vegetarian?
They’re already vegetarian-friendly! Just keep the cheese and chili filling as is.
4. What other sauces pair well with these wontons?
They’re delicious with salsa roja, queso dip, chipotle aioli, or even sweet chili sauce for a fun fusion twist.