Name: Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American Chinese
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 3 tbsp thinly sliced scallions; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 48 wonton wrappers; Vegetable oil, for frying (approximately 3 cups for 3 inches depth)

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Introduction

Cream Cheese Rangoons are a beloved appetizer, known for their crisp, golden wrapper and creamy, flavorful filling. This Panda Express-inspired recipe lets you recreate this delicious treat at home with simple ingredients and easy steps.

A crispy five-petal fried wonton is held by a pair of wooden chopsticks above a clear glass bowl filled with bright red sweet chili sauce topped with small green chopped scallions. The wonton has a golden-brown, bubbly texture with some darker brown edges, and it is pinched at the center where the petals meet. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface scattered with more chopped scallions, with soft white cloths nearby and a white bowl filled with more fried wontons and fries in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Vegetable oil (for frying)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
3 tbsp thinly sliced scallions
1/2 tsp garlic powder
48 wonton wrappers

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium frying pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F, filling about 3 inches deep for frying.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, scallions, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 3: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Lightly brush the edges with room temperature water.
Step 4: Fold each wonton by bringing the center of each side into the middle, then pinch firmly to seal and create the classic rangoon shape. Repeat with all wrappers.
Step 5: Carefully add a few wontons to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat for all rangoons.
Step 6: Allow rangoons to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. They pair perfectly with sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of sugar or finely chopped water chestnuts to the cream cheese filling.
Try baking instead of frying for a lighter version; brush wontons with oil and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Keep the wonton wrappers covered with a damp towel while working to prevent them from drying out.

Storage

Store leftover rangoons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A crispy, golden-brown fried wonton shaped like a flower with five textured petals is being held by wooden chopsticks above a small clear glass bowl filled with bright red chili sauce, which has small green chopped herbs sprinkled on top and floating inside; the bowl rests on a white marbled surface with scattered green herbs around it, and there is a soft, off-white cloth draped gently in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before assembling the rangoons. Bring it to room temperature before filling the wrappers for easier handling.

What dipping sauces go well with cream cheese rangoons?

Sweet and sour sauce is classic, but you can also serve rangoons with duck sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy chili sauce to suit your taste.