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Crispy Sesame Wonton Tacos with Spicy Tuna Tartare

crispy sesame wonton tacos - featured image

A playful and flavorful appetizer featuring crispy sesame wonton shells filled with spicy tuna tartare, perfect for casual gatherings or a quick, fancy bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 wonton wrappers (round or square)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for brushing)
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (black and white mix)
  • 8 ounces fresh sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Japanese mayo like Kewpie preferred)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust for heat)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional garnishes: thinly sliced avocado, microgreens or cilantro, thin cucumber ribbons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spicy Tuna Tartare (10 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced sushi-grade tuna with mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the tuna too much. Stir in the thinly sliced green onions. Taste and adjust the sriracha or soy sauce if needed. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the wonton shells.
  2. Shape the Wonton Taco Shells (5 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush one side of each wonton wrapper with sesame oil. To form taco shells, drape each wonton over the bars of a clean metal cooling rack placed on a baking sheet—this helps create a curved taco shape. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy. (Tip: if you don’t have a cooling rack, you can shape them over the handles of two wooden spoons placed parallel on a baking sheet.)
  3. Alternatively, Fry the Wontons (10 minutes): Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry a few wontons at a time, flipping once, until golden and crisp—about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle immediately with toasted sesame seeds while still warm to help them stick.
  4. Assemble the Tacos (5 minutes): Spoon a generous amount of the spicy tuna tartare into each crispy wonton shell. Add optional garnishes like avocado slices, cucumber ribbons, or microgreens for extra flavor and color.
  5. Serve Immediately: These tacos are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch. If prepping ahead, keep tartare chilled and shells in an airtight container at room temperature; assemble just before serving.

Notes

Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt shells. Brush wontons lightly with sesame oil for best flavor. Fresh sushi-grade tuna is essential for safety and taste. Assemble tacos just before serving to maintain crispness. Baking is less messy and forgiving; frying yields extra crunch and flavor. Store tartare chilled and shells separately if prepping ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: wonton tacos, spicy tuna tartare, sesame wonton, sushi appetizer, crispy tacos, easy appetizer, fusion recipe