Cheese wontons and crab rangoons are two popular Chinese-American appetizers that seem very similar at first glance. They are both filled dumplings that are fried to a crisp, golden exterior. However, there are some key differences between the two in terms of their fillings, shapes, and origins. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how cheese wontons and crab rangoons compare.
The Fillings
The most obvious difference between cheese wontons and crab rangoons is their fillings. As their names suggest:
- Cheese wontons are filled with melted cheese.
- Crab rangoons are filled with crab meat and cream cheese.
Cheese wontons are typically filled with melted Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses. They may also include cream cheese for extra creaminess and texture. The melted cheese becomes gooey and stringy when cooked inside the crunchy wonton wrapper.
Crab rangoons feature a blend of crab meat, usually imitation or surimi crab, and cream cheese. Additional ingredients like garlic powder, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, or sesame oil may be added for extra flavor. The crab and cream cheese filling provides a creamy, seafood taste when fried up in the wonton wrapper.
The Shapes
In addition to their different fillings, cheese wontons and crab rangoons have slightly different shapes:
- Cheese wontons are classically made into little pouches or dumplings filled with the melted cheese.
- Crab rangoons are folded and sealed into little triangles, or a three-sided shape.
Cheese wontons can be folded into pouches, or rolled into little tubes surrounding the melted cheese filling. The pouches are typically created by placing a small spoonful of filling in the center of a square wonton wrapper, then folding up the edges and sealing with a bit of water. The result is a little square pouch filled with gooey cheese.
Crab rangoons are usually made by placing the crab and cream cheese filling into the center of a round wonton wrapper. The wrapper is then folded up into a triangular shape and sealed tightly to encase the filling.
When fried, both shapes result in crispy dumplings with delicious savory fillings inside. But their characteristic shapes give each type of dumpling a distinct look and experience when eating.
| Dumpling Type | Filling | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Wonton | Melted cheese | Square pouch or rolled tube |
| Crab Rangoon | Crab and cream cheese | Triangle |
Origins and Background
Cheese wontons and crab rangoons also have distinctly different backgrounds and origins:
- Cheese wontons originated in the United States and likely evolved from classic Chinese wontons.
- Crab rangoons were invented in the 1950s in California and combined Chinese and American flavors.
Cheese wontons arose as Chinese restaurants and chefs in America started experimenting with non-traditional fillings for the classic Chinese dumpling. Using familiar cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack resulted in a fusion dish that appealed to American tastes. Cheese wontons became a popular appetizer option in Chinese-American cuisine.
The earliest recipes for crab rangoons surface in the 1950s from Chinese restaurants in California. They combined classic Chinese wonton wrappers with a cream cheese-based filling flavored with crab meat. This marrying of Chinese dumpling technique with American crab and cream cheese flavors created another Chinese-American classic. Crab rangoons then spread in popularity across the U.S.
Popularity and Availability
Today, both cheese wontons and crab rangoons are beloved starters and appetizers at American Chinese restaurants across the country. However, there are some differences in their availability:
- Cheese wontons can be found at many Chinese buffets and as an appetizer choice at Americanized Chinese restaurants.
- Crab rangoons are most commonly found at take-out or casual dining Chinese restaurants as a classic appetizer.
You’ll often see cheese wontons included in the appetizer sampler platters at large Chinese buffets and on the menus of take-out restaurants. Crab rangoons are specialty appetizers usually only available as a standalone order or as part of a restaurant’s appetizer platter.
Both dumplings remain favorites because of their crispy, crunchy, deep-fried exteriors contrasting with the gooey, savory fillings inside. Frying helps develop the signature textures of each dumpling.
Cooking Methods
While crab rangoons and cheese wontons can both be fried, they can also be prepared in some different ways:
Crab Rangoons
- Frying – The most popular preparation is frying crab rangoons in oil, typically 350°F, until crispy and golden brown.
- Baking – For a lower-fat option, crab rangoons can be baked in the oven at 425°F until golden and crisp.
- Air Frying – More recently, crab rangoons are being air fried for a crisp texture without all the oil.
Cheese Wontons
- Frying – The classic preparation method is frying in oil at 350-375°F until crispy.
- Baking – For baked cheese wontons, place them on a parchment lined baking sheet in a 425°F oven.
- Microwaving – Pre-made frozen cheese wontons can be quickly microwaved until hot and melted.
Frying creates the signature crispy exterior people love in both dumplings. But baking, air frying, and microwaving can be used for quicker preparation or healthier options.
Taste and Texture
When freshly prepared, cheese wontons and crab rangoons offer an irresistible contrast of textures:
- The crispy, crunchy wonton exterior
- The soft, gooey filling inside
The fillings also provide very different tastes:
- Cheese wontons have a rich, savory cheese flavor with a smooth, molten texture.
- Crab rangoons offer a creamy seafood flavor with bites of crab meat throughout.
Both make for the perfect hot and crispy appetizer to start off a Chinese meal. Cheese wontons satisfy cheesy cravings, while crab rangoons provide a taste of the sea. It’s hard to pick just one favorite!
Nutrition Comparison
If you’re looking for a healthier appetizer option, cheese wontons and crab rangoons have some nutritional differences. Here’s a general nutrition comparison of 4 fried dumplings:
| Nutrition Facts | Cheese Wontons | Crab Rangoons |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 | 190 |
| Fat | 13g | 10g |
| Carbs | 18g | 17g |
| Protein | 7g | 7g |
Crab rangoons are slightly lower in calories and fat when fried. However, the difference is small enough that either dumpling makes for a delicious indulgence. When baked instead of fried, crab rangoons or cheese wontons can be a lighter appetizer choice.
Price Comparison
When dining out or ordering take-out, cheese wontons tend to be more budget-friendly than crab rangoons:
- Appetizer orders of 4 cheese wontons range from $2-4 at most restaurants.
- Orders of 4 crab rangoons are typically $4-6.
Crab is generally more expensive than cheese, which accounts for the price difference. Cheese wontons are usually the cheapest appetizer option. But for a seafood treat, crab rangoons may be worth the slight splurge.
Convenience Comparison
For quick homemade appetizers, cheese wontons can be a bit easier to throw together. Pre-made wonton wrappers and shredded cheese need just a few minutes of assembly. Crab rangoons require a few more ingredients for the filling, like cream cheese, crab meat, seasonings, etc.
However, you can also find frozen prepared versions of both in the freezer aisle for super simple cooking:
- Pre-filled cheese wontons just need to be fried, baked, or microwaved.
- Pre-made crab rangoons can also be cooked straight from frozen.
The pre-made versions mean whichever dumpling you prefer can be on the table in under 10 minutes. They make for perfect easy appetizers.
Conclusion
Cheese wontons and crab rangoons have their similarities – they are both filled dumplings that get crispy and golden when fried. However, the differences in fillings, shapes, origins, and more set them apart.
Cheese wontons bring the rich, indulgent flavors of melty cheese enrobed in a crispy wonton wrapper. Crab rangoons offer a taste of the sea with their creamy crab and cheese filling. Both make for fantastic hot appetizers that contrast crunchy textures with gooey centers.
In the end, it comes down to whether you want the classic cheesy flavor of a cheese wonton or the sweet seafood flavor of a crab rangoon. Foodies may want to order some of each to enjoy the best of both worlds. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these iconic Chinese-American dumpling appetizers.