If you’re a fan of those crispy, creamy delights from Panda Express, then you’re going to love this homemade version of Cream Cheese Rangoons. Perfect as an appetizer or a satisfying snack, these golden-brown treats bring the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant straight to your kitchen. With their deliciously rich cream cheese filling, subtle hints of scallions, and a crispy exterior, they’re bound to impress your family and friends. Trust me, once you try making these rangoons at home, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered them out!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are plenty of reasons to whip up a batch of these Cream Cheese Rangoons. Firstly, they’re a fantastic treat that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a lively party, or a holiday gathering, these crispy bites are always a hit. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and require minimal effort, making them accessible for anyone to try—even if you’re new to cooking!
"These rangoons are better than what you get at Panda! The cream cheese filling was perfectly creamy, and they fried up so crispy. I couldn’t stop at just one!" – Happy Home Cook
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons is straightforward and fun. You’ll start by preparing the filling, mixing together cream cheese, scallions, and a hint of garlic powder. Once you have your filling ready, it’s all about assembling the wontons. After that, it’s a simple frying process that results in these delicious treats. Just be sure to keep an eye on the oil temperature for the best results!
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tbsp thinly sliced scallions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 48 wonton wrappers
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can easily substitute the scallions with chopped chives or omit the garlic powder for a milder flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium frying pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F, ensuring it’s about three inches deep to allow for even frying.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sliced scallions, and garlic powder until well mixed.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of every wonton wrapper. Use your fingertip to brush the edges with room temperature water.
- Fold the wonton by bringing the corners to the center and pinch them firmly to achieve that signature shape.
- Carefully place the rangoons into the heated oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them until they’re golden brown.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked rangoons and let them drain on paper towels. Repeat until all the rangoons are fried.
- Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving with a delicious sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Cream Cheese Rangoons are best served hot and crispy. Arrange them on a platter and pair with small bowls of sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or even a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick. You could also accompany them with a refreshing cucumber salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftover rangoons (although that’s unlikely!), you can easily store them. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat them in an air fryer or oven rather than a microwave to maintain their crispiness. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the uncooked rangoons, then fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Helpful Cooking Tips
To make your rangoons even more delicious, consider these chef tips:
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; a thermometer works wonders. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the rangoons will absorb too much oil and turn greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying; this prevents the oil temperature from dropping and helps achieve that perfect crisp.
- Experiment with the filling! Adding crab meat or other seasonings can elevate the flavor to your personal taste.
Creative Twists
Want to switch things up? Here are some flavor variations you might consider:
- Add cooked crab meat or shrimp to the cream cheese mixture for a seafood twist.
- For a spicy kick, mix in some sriracha or chili flakes.
- Use flavored cream cheese, like garlic herb, for an extra savory punch.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare the rangoons?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, and frying them will take roughly 5 minutes per batch.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and fry when you’re ready to serve. Make sure to let them come to room temperature before frying.
What can I use if I can’t find wonton wrappers?
You can substitute egg roll wrappers in a pinch. Just cut them to your desired size, but do be aware that cooking times may vary slightly.
Now that you’ve learned how to create Panda Express’s beloved Cream Cheese Rangoons, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Enjoy the delightful crunch and creamy filling that will take your taste buds on a roller coaster of flavor. Happy cooking!
Cream Cheese Rangoons
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tbsp thinly sliced scallions Can be substituted with chopped chives.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder Can be omitted for a milder flavor.
For the Rangoons
- 48 pieces wonton wrappers Substitute with egg roll wrappers if necessary.
- vegetable oil (for frying) Ensure oil is deep enough for frying.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat vegetable oil in a medium frying pot to 350°F, ensuring it's about three inches deep.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sliced scallions, and garlic powder until well mixed.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Brush the edges with room temperature water.
- Fold the wonton by bringing the corners together and pinch them firmly to seal.
Cooking
- Carefully place the rangoons into the heated oil without overcrowding the pot. Fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes per batch.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove cooked rangoons and let them drain on paper towels.
Serving
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving with sweet and sour dipping sauce.