The 7 Best Wonton Wrapper Substitutes
Fans of Chinese cooking techniques will be familiar with wonton wrappers, delicate dough wrappers that make a great addition to any Oriental-inspired meal. They are easy to work with and can be used to create delicious wontons, whether as a table centerpiece or a pre-dinner snack. But what if you can’t find wonton wrappers in the store? In this article, we will explore the best substitutes for wonton wrappers and provide tips on how to use them in your recipes.
1. Gyoza wrappers
Gyoza wrappers are similar to wonton wrappers and are an excellent substitute. They have a similar taste and texture, and their versatility allows them to be used in any recipe that calls for wonton wrappers. While gyoza wrappers are slightly thicker and less tender than wonton wrappers, they are still a satisfying option. It’s worth noting that unlike wonton wrappers, gyoza wrappers do not contain eggs.
2. Shumai wrappers
Shumai wrappers, commonly used in dim sum, are another great substitute for wonton wrappers. They are very similar to wonton wrappers in size, thickness, and texture. Like gyoza wrappers, shumai wrappers do not contain eggs in the batter. They are made from a blend of cake flour and bread flour, giving them a denser texture than wonton wrappers. The square shape and foldability of shumai wrappers make them easy to use as a substitute for wonton wrappers.
3. Spring roll wrappers
Spring roll wrappers are large, flat, thinly rolled pieces of dough that are often fried. They can be a good substitute if you want to make fried wontons. Made from a dough of flour, eggs, fat and oil, spring roll wrappers have a different texture when cooked than wonton wrappers. The result is a crispy outer layer and a light and fluffy inner layer. You may need to cut the spring roll wrappers into quarters to make them suitable for wontons due to their larger size.
4. Rice paper
Rice paper is a very fine and light dough that is rolled out to form a paper-thin wrapper. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine to wrap delicate foods. Rice paper is visually appealing because it is translucent, allowing you to see the ingredients inside. It can be eaten raw, making it popular for fresh summer rolls, or gently fried and simmered in soup. Rice paper has a mild flavor and a light, slightly chewy and firm texture, similar to wonton wrappers.
5. Tofu Wrappers/Beancurd Sheets
For those looking for a vegan, low-carb, or keto-friendly alternative to wonton wrappers, tofu wrappers are an excellent choice. Tofu wrappers, also known as bean curd sheets, can be purchased in a dried form that requires rehydration or as ready-to-use sheets. They have a mild flavor and a slightly chewy texture, similar to wonton wrappers. Tofu wrappers can be cooked by light frying or steaming.
6. Dumpling wrappers
Dumpling wrappers are a generic term that encompasses several types of wrappers, including wonton, gyoza, and shumai. They are similar in thickness to wonton wrappers, although they may be slightly thinner. While they may not fold as neatly as wonton wrappers, practice can improve the wrapping process. Dumpling wrappers are a versatile substitute that can be used in wonton recipes as well as gyoza and shumai recipes.
7. Egg roll wrappers
Egg roll wrappers are thicker than wonton wrappers and have a crispy outer layer with a fluffy dough inside. They are made from flour, water, egg and cornstarch and are typically deep fried. Egg roll wrappers work well in crispy fried wonton recipes. Their thickness allows them to stand up well to thick, bold sauces that may not work as effectively with thinner wonton wrappers.
Bottom line
While wonton wrappers are a popular choice for making wontons, there are several excellent substitutes. Gyoza wrappers, shumai wrappers, spring roll wrappers, rice paper, tofu wrappers, dumpling wrappers, and egg roll wrappers can all be used as alternatives. Each substitute has its own unique characteristics, such as flavor, texture, and cooking method. By experimenting with these substitutes, you can make delicious wontons even when traditional wonton wrappers are unavailable.
FAQS
Can I use gyoza wrappers instead of wonton wrappers?
Yes, gyoza wrappers are an excellent substitute for wonton wrappers. They have a similar flavor and texture, making them an excellent alternative in recipes that call for wonton wrappers.
Are Rice Paper Wrappers Gluten Free?
Yes, rice paper wrappers are generally gluten-free. They are made from rice flour and water, which do not contain gluten. However, it’s always a good idea to check the packaging to make sure there are no additional ingredients that may contain gluten.
Can I use spring roll wrappers to make fried wontons?
Yes, spring roll wrappers can be used to make fried wontons. They are larger and thinner than wonton wrappers, so you may need to cut them into smaller pieces to achieve the desired size for your wontons.
Are tofu wrappers good for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, tofu wrappers, also known as bean curd sheets, are a great option for those on a low carb or keto diet. They are low in carbohydrates and can be used as a substitute for wonton wrappers in several recipes.
Can I use dumpling wrappers instead of wonton wrappers?
Yes, dumpling wrappers can be used as a substitute for wonton wrappers. They are similar in thickness and texture, although they may not fold as neatly. Dumpling wrappers are a versatile option that can be used in wonton, gyoza and shumai recipes.
Are egg roll wrappers a good substitute for wonton wrappers?
Yes, egg roll wrappers can be used as a substitute for wonton wrappers, especially in recipes that call for crispy fried wontons. They have a thicker texture and a crispy outer layer, making them a satisfying alternative.