Crispy Thai Golden Bags

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) minced chicken 200g (7 oz) minced chicken
• 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped 1/4 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely minced 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely minced
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 20-25 square wonton wrappers 20-25 square wonton wrappers
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the minced chicken, carrots, mushrooms, water chestnuts, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, white pepper, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Take a wonton wrapper and place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center.
3. 3.
   Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, ensuring that the filling is enclosed.
4. 4.
   Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water and press firmly to seal the golden bag.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Carefully place the golden bags in the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the golden bags from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy the crispy Thai Golden Bags with your favorite dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release the aromatic oils, bruise the lemongrass stalk with the back of a knife before mincing.
• Kaffir lime leaves — Remove the tough central vein before finely chopping the leaves for a smoother texture.
• Wonton wrappers — Keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while assembling the golden bags.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the minced chicken with tofu or a mixture of finely chopped vegetables.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or a tangy tamarind sauce.
• To save time, prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble and fry the golden bags.
• Serve the golden bags as an appetizer or as part of a Thai-inspired meal.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the golden bags in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Thai Golden Bags as an appetizer or as part of a Thai meal. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Provide a variety of dipping sauces to complement the flavors of the golden bags.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden bags in a visually appealing manner on a serving platter. Consider adding a decorative element such as a lime wedge or a sprig of fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance.