If you love the idea of melding the comforting melty cheese and spicy green chili flavors of traditional Mexican chile rellenos with the crispy, bite-sized fun of Asian wontons, then you are absolutely going to adore this Chile Relleno Wontons With Jalapeño Soy Sauce Recipe. It’s a playful fusion that delivers crunchy, cheesy pockets bursting with a mild heat, paired perfectly with a tangy, spicy jalapeño soy dipping sauce that will have you sneaking bite after bite faster than you can say “delicious.” This recipe is the ideal party appetizer or snack when you want something irresistibly crispy, creamy, and full of character, all in a neat little package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Chile Relleno Wontons With Jalapeño Soy Sauce Recipe comes from the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing texture, spice, and flavor—from the creamy Monterey Jack to the fresh heat of chilies and the umami-packed dipping sauce.
- 30 wonton wrappers: Essential as the crispy, golden shell that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- 1 lb Monterey Jack cheese, cut into strips: Provides a smooth, melty, mild cheese that pairs flawlessly with spicy green chilies.
- Green chilies and hot green chiles, cut into strips: Adds the signature spicy punch and vibrant color to every bite—adjust heat level to your liking.
- Oil, for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfectly crisp, golden wonton wrapper.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Forms the rich, savory base of the dipping sauce that ties together the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness of the cheese and soy sauce.
- 1 minced jalapeño: Fresh and fiery, it gives the sauce a lively kick.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Just a touch of sweetness to mellow out the heat and acidity.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Brings a toasted depth and aromatic allure to the dipping sauce.
How to Make Chile Relleno Wontons With Jalapeño Soy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wontons
Start by laying out your wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Place one strip of Monterey Jack cheese and one strip of either mild green chili or hot green chile right in the center of each wrapper. This simple assembly is where the magic begins, creating a perfect ratio of creamy cheese to spicy chili in every bite.
Step 2: Seal the Wontons
Lightly moisten the edges of each wonton wrapper with water—this works like glue to seal the filling inside. Carefully fold the wrapper over to enclose the cheese and chili, pressing firmly to seal all around and ensure no gaps remain. You want to keep all that melty goodness nestled inside. Let these sealed wontons rest for a few minutes; this brief pause helps the wrappers stick together better during frying.
Step 3: Fry the Wontons
Heat your oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). When the oil is hot, gently add the wontons in batches, frying them for about 1 to 2 minutes or until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown and irresistibly crisp texture. Once fried, transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil. The result is a crunchy, golden shell wrapped around gooey, spicy cheese—pure heaven!
Step 4: Make the Jalapeño Soy Dipping Sauce
While your wontons are cooling just a bit, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced jalapeño, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes so all those flavors meld into a perfectly balanced dipping sauce that’s tangy, sweet, spicy, and deeply savory. This simple sauce elevates the wontons from tasty snack to next-level indulgence.
How to Serve Chile Relleno Wontons With Jalapeño Soy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal to your plate. Try sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or green onions over the wontons for a bright herbaceous note. A scattering of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle nutty crunch, while a few lime wedges on the side invite a zesty squeeze that enhances the entire dish.
Side Dishes
These wontons shine as an appetizer or snack but also pair beautifully with light sides. A crisp, refreshing cucumber salad or a simple corn and black bean salad can provide contrast and keep the meal balanced. For something heartier, serve alongside Mexican rice or a vibrant pico de gallo to complement the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, elevate your presentation by arranging the wontons on a large platter lined with banana leaves or parchment paper. Provide small dipping bowls for the jalapeño soy sauce and even other dipping options like creamy ranch or smoky queso for variety. You could also skewer several wontons with decorative picks for an easy finger food option that’s both elegant and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the wontons from getting soggy, lay them in a single layer separated by parchment paper whenever possible. This way, you’ll preserve their crispiness and deliciousness for round two.
Freezing
To freeze, place the sealed but uncooked wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This allows you to fry fresh, crispy wontons whenever a craving hits. They freeze beautifully for up to 1 month.
Reheating
The best way to reheat cooked wontons is in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch. Avoid microwaving as it makes the wrappers chewy and oily. A quick 5-minute reheat at 375°F (190°C) will bring back all that golden crisp and melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Monterey Jack?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack is mild and melts well, but cheeses like mozzarella or even a mild white cheddar can work beautifully depending on your taste preference.
How spicy is the jalapeño soy sauce?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by using more or less jalapeño. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds before mincing or use a smaller amount. It’s a flexible dip that you can tailor to your spice tolerance.
Can I bake the wontons instead of frying?
While frying yields the crispiest texture, baking is a healthier alternative. Brush the wontons lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Are the wontons suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe uses cheese and chilies as the main filling with no meat, making it a great vegetarian-friendly appetizer or snack.
What else can I serve with the dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce pairs wonderfully not just with these wontons but also with grilled vegetables, dumplings, or even drizzled over rice bowls for a flavorful boost.
Final Thoughts
When you want a snack or appetizer that’s packed with flavor, fun texture, and a little spicy kick, trying out this Chile Relleno Wontons With Jalapeño Soy Sauce Recipe is an absolute must. It’s a delightful fusion that’s sure to become a favorite, whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo. Give it a go—you’ll find yourself coming back to these crispy, cheesy bites time and time again.
Print
Chile Relleno Wontons With Jalapeño Soy Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
Description
Chile Relleno Wontons with Jalapeño Soy Sauce are a crispy, cheesy appetizer combining the spicy flavors of green and hot chilies with melted Monterey Jack cheese, wrapped in wonton wrappers and fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy, mildly spicy jalapeño soy dipping sauce, these bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Wontons
- 30 wonton wrappers
- 1 lb Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 1/2 to 1 1/2-inch strips
- Green chilies and hot green chilies, cut into strips (quantity to preference)
- Oil, for frying (about 4 cups, vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Jalapeño Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 minced jalapeño
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Wontons: Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Place one strip of Monterey Jack cheese and one strip of green or hot chili onto each wrapper, depending on your spice preference.
- Seal the Wontons: Lightly moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with water. Fold the wrapper over the filling to create a triangle or rectangle shape, pressing the edges together firmly to seal completely. Ensure there are no gaps to prevent cheese leakage during frying. Let the sealed wontons rest for a few minutes to set.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying to achieve the perfect crispiness.
- Fry the Wontons: Carefully add the wontons to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each wonton for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced jalapeño, honey, and sesame oil. Stir well and let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop depth.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chile relleno wontons hot with the jalapeño soy dipping sauce on the side. For additional garnish or variation, pair with queso, salsa, or ranch dressing as desired.
Notes
- Ensure the wonton wrappers are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F for even frying.
- Adjust the amount of hot chilies according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftover wontons can be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
- This recipe yields approximately 15 servings, assuming 2 wontons per serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
