Fried Won-tons

Fried Won-tons (油炸餛飩 -- Yóu zhá húntún)

1/2 pound ground pork (chicken or turkey)

1/4 pound shrimp, chopped into small pieces)

20 won-ton wrappers

3 water chestnuts (peeled and chopped into tiny pieces)

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 sprigs of cilantro, chopped

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon fish sauce

3 dashes white pepper powder

Salt to taste

Oil for deep frying

Sweet Chili Sauce:

4 tablespoons Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce

Some cilantro leaves, chopped

1/2 tablespoon lime juice

In a bowl, mix the ground pork, shrimp, water chestnuts, chopped cilantro, and cornstarch. Add in half the beaten egg (save the other half for wrapping the won-tons). Mix the ingredients well and season with the fish sauce, salt, and the white pepper. Set aside.

To wrap: First lay a piece of the won-ton wrapper on your palm and add 1/2 tablespoon of the filling in the middle of the wrapper. Dip your index finger into the beaten egg and trace it on the outer edges of the won-ton wrapper. Pinch the edges of the won-ton wrapper and seal the won-ton tight. It should look like a small onion with a bit of the top left on.

Heat cooking oil to 350 degrees F in a wok and deep fry the won-tons until golden brown.

Serve hot with chili sauce or eat plain.