Shanghai Big Wontons (Pork and Shepherd's Purse Wontons)
Dumplings no longer! Shanghai's "Eating Wonton" filled with the scent of nazuna
Description
Japanese wontons are mostly just wrappers floating in soup. Shanghai's 'Big Wontons' are larger than Gyoza, packed dense like golf balls with pork and 'Shepherd's Purse (Ji Cai)'. Eaten entirely as a formidable 'staple carb' rather than a soup garnish.
Restaurants serving Shanghai Big Wontons (Pork and Shepherd's Purse Wontons)
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On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Wonton wrappers(thick)
- Minced pork
- Ji Cai(Shepherd's purse/or Bok choy)
- Chicken broth
- Dried baby shrimp
- Egg strips
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe & Differences]
- (Filling) Knead minced pork with salt, soy, and sesame oil. The absolute mandatory ingredient in Shanghai is finely chopped 'Ji Cai' (Shepherd's Purse). Mixing massive amounts into the meat provides a uniquely refreshing, grassy aroma.
- (Wrapper/Shape) Use slightly thick, trapezoidal wrappers. Roll the heavy filling up, pull the two ends together, and pinch to form a plump shape resembling a 'Nurse's Cap' or an ancient Chinese gold ingot (Yuanbao).
- (Soup) Make a clean chicken broth garnished with egg strips, dried baby shrimp (Xia Pi), seaweed, and scallions.
- Boil the massive wontons until they float.
- Transfer to the bowl and pour the soup. Tossing them in sesame paste to make 'Cold Wontons' is also incredibly popular.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Unique refreshing aroma of Shepherd's purse(Ji Cai)
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Substitute shepherd's purse with bok choy or spinach)
Pairing
Black vinegar (dipped) / Oolong Tea
Trivia
[Trivia] To Shanghai locals, 'Jiaozi (Dumplings)' are a Northern food. Their true soul food is the 'Big Wonton'. Consumed all day from breakfast to midnight snacks at specialized Wonton shops across the city.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] The goal is not drinking soup, but 'eating the giant meatball that is the wonton'. Place it on a spoon, drizzle a little black vinegar or chili oil, and chew down on the pork and Ji Cai umami.
Allergen
Wheat, Pork, Soybeans, Shrimp, Eggs