Wonton vs Rangoon: 7 Differences You Need To Know Now

Most fans of Chinese cuisine have probably come across Wontons and Rangoon on the menu.

While they may look similar, some key differences set the two dishes apart.

Wontons are a traditional Chinese dish made from a thin sheet of dough, typically filled with meat or vegetables and boiled in water.

On the other hand, Rangoons are deep-fried dumplings that can be found in other Southeast Asian countries, often filled with crab meat and cream cheese.

It’s easy to see why these two dishes are often confused with each other, as they share some similarities both in appearance and taste.

However, the cooking methods and ingredients used to make each dish are quite different.

Wontons are typically boiled in water, while Rangoons are deep-fried; additionally, Wontons are usually filled with meat or vegetables, while Rangoons are filled with crab meat and cream cheese.

Understanding the differences between these two dishes can help you make an informed decision the next time you order Chinese takeout.

What Is Wonton?

Wonton is a kind of Chinese dumpling that is made by filling a square-shaped wonton wrapper with ground meat, vegetables, or seafood.

The wrapper is then sealed by compressing the edges together, creating a small, triangular-shaped package, after which they are typically boiled and served in a clear broth, making the classic dish known as wonton soup.

To make wontons, you will need a medium bowl to mix the filling ingredients, such as ground pork or shrimp, garlic powder, salt, and water.

You will also need wonton wrappers, which can be found in most Chinese grocery stores or online.

The filling is placed in the center of the wrapper, and the edges are sealed together by wetting them with a tablespoon of water.

Wontons can be boiled in a pot of water or fried in oil until crispy and golden brown.

Fried wontons are a popular Cantonese dish and are often served as an appetizer in Chinese restaurants or as part of Chinese takeout restaurants.

Wontons are versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including ground chicken, beef, or vegetables.

They can also be served in different ways, such as in soup or as a fried appetizer.

The key to making delicious wontons is to ensure the filling is well-seasoned and the wrapper is properly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

What Is Rangoon?

Rangoon is a popular appetizer in Chinese and Asian cuisine, also known as crab rangoons, crab puffs, or crab cheese wontons.

It is a deep-fried dumpling filled with a mixture of cream cheese, crab meat, and other ingredients.

The filling of Rangoon can vary depending on the recipe; some recipes use imitation crab meat, while others use real crab meat or a mixture of both.

The filling is often mixed with cream cheese to create a creamy crab filling; it can also include other ingredients to add extra flavor, such as garlic, green onions, or Worcestershire sauce.

The origin of Rangoon is unclear, yet it is thought to have originated in San Francisco in the early 1900s.

It was created by Joe Young, the owner of a restaurant called Trader Vic’s, who was inspired by Chinese egg rolls and was created as a way to use up leftover ingredients.

To make Rangoon, egg roll wrappers are filled with the crab and cream cheese mixture, folded into a triangle or a pouch, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

Rangoon is typically served with a sour dipping or a sweet chili sauce.

Rangoon is a favorite appetizer in traditional family restaurants and Chinese takeout establishments; it is often served alongside other popular appetizers such as egg rolls and potstickers.

Rangoon may be stored in a single layer in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave.

In summary, Rangoon is a delicious appetizer made by filling egg roll wrappers with a creamy crab filling and deep-frying them until crispy.

It is a popular dish in Chinese and Asian cuisine.

Differences Between Wonton and Rangoon

If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, you may have come across both Wonton and Rangoon.

While they may look similar, the two have some key differences.

Here are the seven main differences between Wonton and Rangoon:

1. Taste

Wonton and Rangoon have different tastes.

Wonton is typically savory, while Rangoon is often sweet.

2. Sweet Taste

Rangoon has a sweeter taste than Wonton due to the cream cheese and sometimes sugar used in the filling.

3. Taste Buds

Wonton is more likely to appeal to those with savory taste buds, while Rangoon is more likely to appeal to those with sweet taste buds.

4. Square Wonton Wrappers

Wonton is typically made with square wrappers, while Rangoon is often made with circular wrappers.

5. Meat with Cream Cheese

Wonton is usually filled with meat and vegetables, while Rangoon is typically filled with cream cheese and sometimes crab meat.

6. Crab Mixture

Rangoon often contains a mixture of cream cheese and crab meat, while Wonton does not.

7. Creamy Filling

Rangoon has a creamy filling due to the cream cheese used, while Wonton typically has a more solid filling.

Overall, while Wonton and Rangoon may look similar, they differ in taste, ingredients, and preparation.

Whether you prefer savory or sweet, there is a Chinese dumpling out there for you.

Wonton vs. Rangoon: are they the same?

In conclusion, both Wontons and Rangoon are popular Chinese appetizers often served in all Chinese restaurants around the world.

While they may look similar, they have distinct differences in their origins, preparation, and flavors.

Wontons are typically boiled or fried and have a thinner wrapper than Rangoon, often filled with vegetables, seafood, or meat, and can be served in soups or as a side dish.

On the other hand, Rangoons are deep-fried and have a thicker wrapper made of flour and water.

They are usually filled with a mixture of crabmeat, cream cheese, and seasonings and served as an appetizer or side dish.

Wontons may be the better option if you prefer a lighter, delicate flavor; they are versatile and can be filled with various ingredients to suit your taste.

However, if you want a richer and creamier taste, Rangoons may be more to your liking; they are also a good choice for those who enjoy deep-fried dishes.

Ultimately, the decision between wontons and Rangoons comes down to personal preference; both dishes have unique characteristics and can be enjoyed in different ways.

Whether you are a fan of Wontons or Rangoons, you can be sure that you will be able to find them at your favorite Chinese restaurant.

FAQs

Can you use Wonton wrappers for Rangoon?

Yes, you can use wonton wrappers to make Rangoon.

In fact, wonton wrappers are commonly used to make Rangoon.

Wonton wrappers are thin sheets of dough made from flour, egg, and water.

They are similar to dumpling wrappers but are typically smaller and thinner.

To make Rangoons using wonton wrappers, simply fill the wrapper with a mixture of cream cheese and crab meat, fold it into the desired shape, and then fry it until crispy.

How do you make crab Rangoon?

To make crab rangoon, you will need cream cheese, crab meat, wonton wrappers, and oil for frying.

Start by mixing the cream cheese and crab meat together in a bowl.

Then, place a small amount of the mixture onto a wonton wrapper.

Fold the wrapper into the desired shape (usually a triangle or a pouch), and then seal the edges by moistening them with water.

Finally, fry the Rangoon in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.

Are Cheese Wontons and Crab Rangoon the same thing?

No, cheese wontons and crab rangoon are not the same thing.

Cheese wontons are typically filled with a mixture of cream cheese and various other ingredients, such as garlic, green onions, or water chestnuts.

They are then fried until crispy.

Crab rangoon, on the other hand, is filled with a cream cheese and crab meat mixture and is also fried until crispy.

While both dishes are similar in that they are fried appetizers made with wonton wrappers, they have different fillings and flavors.

What makes a Rangoon unique?

What makes a Rangoon unique is its filling.

Unlike other types of wontons or dumplings, Rangoons are filled with a cream cheese and crab meat mixture.

This gives them a rich, creamy texture and a special flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet.

Rangoons are also typically fried until crispy, which adds another layer of texture to the dish.

Overall, the combination of the creamy filling and crispy exterior makes Rangoons a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine.