Is there any better comfort food than the savory, doughy goodness of dumplings? There are many varieties of dumplings in Chinese cuisine, including soup dumplings and, of course, the highly popular wontons. Although wontons and dumplings might seem similar at first glance, each has a unique story and flavor profile. We break down some subtle differences between wontons vs. dumplings below to help you understand what makes each dish special.
Read More: Different Types of Dumplings Across Asian Cuisines
What Are Dumplings?
In the most basic sense, dumplings are defined as a dish that includes a pocket of dough stuffed with a filling. With so many variations out there, it is almost impossible to list down each kind. In China alone, there are dozens of varieties in different regions, including wontons. When comparing wontons vs. dumplings, it is important to note that while all wontons are a type of dumpling, not all dumplings are wontons. Some common types of Chinese dumplings include:
- Jiao Zi: These have a paper-thin dumpling wrapper, often with a mixture of pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Their name also varies, depending on how they are cooked: ‘shui jiao’ are boiled; ‘zheng jiao’ are steamed; and ‘guo tie’ are pan-fried.
- Xiao Long Bao: This Shanghai staple is one of the most well-known dumplings in the world — and for good reason. Soup dumplings can have a variety of fillings, like pork, chicken, or shrimp, all enveloped in a rich, savory soup.
- Siu Mai: A dim sum staple that originated in Guangdong, these are the only dumplings with an open top. The Cantonese version has a pork and shrimp filling, with mushrooms, ginger, and green onions.
History & Cultural Significance of Dumplings
The history of dumplings (or ‘jiaozi’) dates back almost 2000 years. They are associated with Northern Chinese cuisine and the nomadic cultures of Central Asia. During the Han Dynasty, a medical practitioner named Zhang Zhongjing invented them to cure frostbite during a particularly harsh winter in his village. He created a mixture of lamb, black pepper, and herbs, which were then wrapped in dough and boiled. Not only did the dumplings heal the villagers of their illness, but they also sprung up in many other cultures over the years. Each region has now developed its own variation of dumplings.
Shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity. It is a tradition for families to prepare and enjoy them together during festivals like the Lunar New Year for good luck as well as strengthening bonds.
What Are Wontons?
Wontons are a specific type of Chinese dumplings, often fried or served in soups. This highlights the distinction in the broader ‘wontons vs. dumplings’ category, where the former are just one variation among many types of dumplings. Their ingredients and cooking methods can vary in different regions, for instance, Sichuan wontons have a spicy kick while Cantonese wontons are usually served in a light, clear broth. Some common fillings include:
- Pork & Shrimp: Wonton soup is typically served with a filling of ground pork and shrimp, seasoned with scallions, garlic, and ginger.
- Beef or Chicken: Wontons with either beef or chicken fillings are often mixed with vegetables and seasoned with a blend of spices.
- Vegetables: Vegetarian wontons usually include glass noodles and vegetables (like spinach, mushrooms, and carrots), along with bean curd to bind the filling together.
Wontons: Origins & Culinary Traditions
The difference between wontons vs. dumplings also lies in their historical roots. The former is linked to Cantonese cuisine in Southern China. Although their exact origins are still unclear, some believe they first appeared during the Tang Dynasty. They were enjoyed by only the upper classes at first but grew in popularity among the working class after World War II.
Wontons are often served during festive occasions like the Winter Solstice, representing hope for a better year ahead.
From Dough to Dip: How Dumplings Are Made
- Texture: There is a significant difference between wontons vs. dumplings in terms of texture; the latter are typically much thicker, so they can hold their shape. They are also more chewy or crispy, depending on how they are cooked.
- Shape: Dumplings come in various shapes but are usually in a half-moon or round form.
- Fillings: Their fillings can be savory, sweet, or even contain no fillings at all. These may include ground pork, chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetables such as spring onions, garlic chives, or cabbage.
- Cooking Method: Another difference between wontons vs. dumplings is their preparation method: the latter can be cooked in many different ways, like boiling, steaming, pan-frying, or deep-frying.
- Dipping: They are generally served with a dipping sauce, like soy sauce or sesame oil.
Wontons: Wrappers, Fillings & Dipping
- Texture: Wonton wrappers are thinner and less elastic, even becoming transparent when boiled. This is because they are either boiled or deep-fried, so there are fewer chances of them falling apart as compared to dumplings.
- Shape: They can be folded in several ways, but not as many as dumplings can be. Wontons usually have square wrappers, which are then shaped into more intricate forms, such as triangles or purses.
- Fillings: Unlike dumplings, they always have fillings — another major difference between wontons vs. dumplings. Common ingredients include meat, like shrimp or minced pork, and vegetables, such as shallots, garlic, and ginger.
- Cooking Method: The most popular way to cook wontons is to boil them and serve them with a soup base. However, they can also be pan-fried or deep-fried.
- Dips: As the fillings are rich and well-seasoned, there is not really any need to serve them with dipping sauces.
To Wrap Up
While there are many variations of dumplings (including wontons), there is only one kind of wonton. The main difference between wontons vs. dumplings is that the former are mostly eaten as appetizers or snacks as they are smaller in size. In contrast, dumplings can be eaten as a meal itself.
Read More: Potstickers vs. Dumplings: What’s the Difference?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you use the same fillings for dumplings and wontons?
Yes, you can use similar fillings for both, like minced meats mixed with seasonings and vegetables. However, keep in mind that the taste might vary due to the difference in texture and cooking techniques between wontons vs. dumplings.
- Are there specific regional variations for wontons and dumplings?
Yes, both have regional specialties that differ in ingredients, seasonings, and preparation methods. Wontons can vary from Cantonese-style wonton soup to Sichuan-style spicy wontons. Dumplings also have numerous regional variations, such as Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, and Turkish manti.
- What types of dumplings and wontons are featured on your menu?
United Dumplings serves Sichuan wontons in red oil along with a large selection of dumplings, including shrimp dumplings, chicken dumplings, pork dumplings, vegetarian dumplings, and our popular soup dumplings.
