Updated from a recipe first published here in September, 2006. These favorite appetizers are fast and easy, unusual, and addictive. Serve them with or without sweet-salty-spicy sushi sauce. Makes 24.
12 medium-thick asparagus spears,
bottom woody ends trimmed
3 cups canola oil, for deep frying
48
square wonton skins
2-3 Tbsp (or more as needed) of your filling of
choice: hoisin sauce, wasabi mayonnaise, Dijon or hot Chinese mustard
Small
bowl of water (1/2 cup)
Cut each asparagus spear in half crosswise.
In a deep pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
While the oil is heating, form the wonton wraps: Place two wonton skins on a work surface, keeping remaining skins covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. Lightly dab the center of one skin with a small drop of filling. Wet the tip of your finger, and run it around the edge of the wonton. Place the second skin on top, and press down lightly to spread the filling and seal the two wontons together.
Place one piece of asparagus diagonally across one corner of the wonton skin "sandwich". Roll the wonton around the asparagus, allowing one end to protrude. Just before you get to the end, dab some water on the wonton to seal it when you finish the roll. Repeat with remaining wonton skins, filling, and asparagus.
Test the oil by standing a bamboo chopstick upright in the pot. If small bubbles appear at the base of the chopstick, the oil is hot enough. Using a wire mesh skimmer or slotted spoon, lower 5 or 6 wontons into the pot. Fry until golden, about 2-3 minutes. Remove to a plate covered with paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining wonton wraps. Serve hot.