Why You’ll Love these Crispy Wonton Cups with Mango-Curry Shrimp
When it comes to impressive appetizers that don’t require hours in the kitchen, these crispy wonton cups with mango-curry shrimp are absolutely divine.
I’m obsessed with how these little bites combine crispy, golden wonton shells with creamy, flavor-packed filling. The mango chutney adds a perfect touch of sweetness while the Thai curry paste delivers just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Can you imagine serving these at your next gathering? Your guests will think you spent all day preparing them, while you’ll know they took mere minutes to assemble.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Wonton Cups with Mango-Curry Shrimp?
The beauty of these elegant appetizers lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredient list. I’m always amazed at how a handful of carefully selected components can come together to create something that tastes so complex and sophisticated. The combination of crispy wonton wrappers with the creamy, curry-infused shrimp filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have your guests reaching for seconds (and thirds).
- 12 wonton wrappers (from a 12-ounce package), cut into 4 squares each
- Vegetable oil for brushing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 5 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons mango chutney
- 3/4 teaspoon Thai green curry paste
- 12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled, cooked, and coarsely chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially with the shrimp and curry paste. Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor, but in a pinch, thawed frozen shrimp works perfectly fine—just make sure they’re well-drained to avoid watery filling. For the Thai green curry paste, you’ll find it in the international foods aisle of most grocery stores, but if it’s unavailable, red curry paste can substitute nicely with a slightly different flavor profile. And don’t skip the mango chutney—this sweet, tangy condiment brings a depth to the filling that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make these Crispy Wonton Cups with Mango-Curry Shrimp
Creating these elegant little appetizers is surprisingly simple, and I promise they’ll make you look like a culinary genius at your next gathering. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F, then take your 12 wonton wrappers and cut each one into 4 squares. Brush each square lightly with vegetable oil—this is what gives them that gorgeous golden-brown finish and crispy texture.
Press each oiled wonton square into a miniature muffin cup, making sure the oiled side faces down (a little detail that makes all the difference in how easily they’ll release later).
Pop these delicate cups into the oven and bake until they turn a beautiful golden brown, which takes about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, though—they can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in what feels like seconds!
Once done, let them cool completely in the muffin tins. What’s fantastic about these wonton cups is that you can make them up to 3 days ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay wonderfully crisp until you’re ready to fill them.
If you enjoy baking, consider using a professional bread machine to create fresh bread that would pair beautifully with these appetizers.
For the scrumptious filling, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 5 teaspoons fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons mango chutney, and 3/4 teaspoon Thai green curry paste in a medium bowl. The fragrance alone is enough to make your mouth water!
Gently fold in 12 ounces of coarsely chopped cooked shrimp, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance—just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble.
When it’s time to serve, simply arrange your crispy wonton cups on a serving platter, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the shrimp mixture into each cup, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Can you imagine anything more perfect for cocktail hour?
Crispy Wonton Cups with Mango-Curry Shrimp Substitutions and Variations
While these elegant wonton cups are perfect as written, I’m all about giving you options to make this recipe your own.
Don’t have curry paste? Swap in a pinch of curry powder or red pepper flakes for heat. The mango chutney can be replaced with pineapple jam or even orange marmalade, just adjust the sweetness to taste.
Vegetarians might prefer cubed tofu or chickpeas instead of shrimp, maybe with a bit more spice to compensate. For a dairy-free version, try using avocado instead of mayonnaise—it creates a creamy base with a different but delicious flavor profile.
What to Serve with Crispy Wonton Cups with Mango-Curry Shrimp
When planning your menu around these delightful crispy wonton cups, you’ll want complementary dishes that balance their bold flavors without overwhelming them.
I recommend a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the spicy curry.
For heartier appetites, coconut rice makes a perfect companion, its subtle sweetness echoing the mango in the shrimp filling.
Can you imagine how gorgeous these look on a platter with colorful vegetable spring rolls? Trust me, your guests will devour the entire spread before dinner even begins.
Final Thoughts
These crispy wonton cups have become one of my go-to appetizers for entertaining, and I hope they’ll find a place in your recipe collection too.
There’s something magical about the combination of crispy shells with creamy, curry-infused shrimp filling that simply works. The hint of mango chutney adds that perfect sweet note to balance the savory elements.
What’s not to love about a dish that looks fancy but comes together so easily? Plus, the make-ahead potential makes these perfect for stress-free hosting.
