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Asian Shrimp Salad with Crispy Wontons

Elina James
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salads
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Shrimp:
  • 400 g (about 1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp olive or vegetable oil (for sautéing)
  • For the Salad Base:
  • 3 cups shredded napa cabbage or coleslaw mix
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or cashews (optional for crunch)
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • For the Crispy Wontons:
  • 8–10 wonton wrappers, cut into thin strips
  • Oil for frying
  • Salt to taste
  • For the Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Wontons : Heat about 1 inch of oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add wonton strips in small batches and fry until golden brown (about 30 seconds per side). Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still warm. Set aside to cool.
  • Step 2: Cook the Shrimp : In a bowl, toss shrimp with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Let marinate for 10 minutes. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Step 3: Make the Dressing : In a bowl or small blender, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and oil. Whisk or blend until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more honey for sweetness or lime juice for acidity.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Salad : In a large salad bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and almonds. Drizzle with dressing and toss well to coat evenly. Arrange cooked shrimp on top. Garnish with avocado slices and crispy wonton strips. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.