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Wonton wrappers are very thin layers of dough that are used to make the outer layer of dumplings or wontons in Asian cuisine. They are made with simple ingredients like wheat flour, eggs, salt, and water which are then kneaded into a dough, rolled out thinly, and cut into shape.
Wontons can be made or bought in various shapes – usually rectangular or square. You can wrap whatever filling you like inside them. These wrappings are a vital ingredient for egg rolls. Wonton wrappers are simple to make at home and easy to find at Asian markets.
You may be wondering if you have bought or made a large batch, “Do wonton wrappers go bad?” Keep reading because we have the answer for you.
Do Wonton Wrappers Go Bad?
Because wonton wrappers are made from fresh ingredients like eggs, of course, they can go stale and then bad if incorrectly stored. The first sign of stale wrappers is that they become brittle and difficult to fold. A final sign is that they develop signs of mold on them.
This would definitely be the time to throw them away!
Freezing Wonton Wrappers
Whether you bought some wonton wrappers from the market or made some extra at home, you will probably have some leftovers and want to store them for later use. Wonton wrappers can last for up to a year in the freezer.
First, brush a little cornstarch on each one to stop them from sticking together. Use a pastry brush. You can also separate them with sheets of wax wrap instead of cornstarch. Next, wrap them in clingfilm and finally in a Ziploc bag or freezer-proof container.
It is better to freeze small batches of a few rather than putting them all into one big pack. Then you will be able to take out just enough to use that day. Label the packs with what’s in the package and the date you froze them. It’s helpful to add a “use by” date as well.
Keeping Wonton Wrappers in the Refrigerator
Wonton wrappers are often sold in vacuum-sealed bags. The wrappers will not go bad in these before the expiry date, but once you have opened the bag the wrappers must be stored in the fridge.
Alternatively, put them into the freezer. Once they’ve been opened and are in the fridge they should be used within a week.
Help! My Wrappers Are Moldy and I Need Some Today
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s an easy recipe for making a batch of wonton wrappers at home. They use a few simple ingredients that you’re sure to have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups bread flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk
- About ½ cup cold water
- About ½ cup cornstarch
Instructions:
- Mix the bread flour and salt in a big bowl.
- Make a hollow in the middle of the flour and put the egg yolk into it.
- Mix it into the flour with your fingertips.
- Add the cold water a few spoonfuls at a time and mix it until the dough forms a clump.
- Add more or less water as needed.
- Turn the dough onto a clean, floured countertop and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic. Don’t skip this step!
- If you have a food processor with a dough hook, of course, you can use this.
- The dough should be firm but soft, smooth, elastic, and not sticky when you are finished kneading. If it sticks to your hands, add a little more flour.
- Cover the dough with clingfilm and leave it to rest for half an hour.
- Uncover it and divide it in half.
- Take one half and then dust the countertop with some cornstarch. Don’t use flour here as it will not give the right chewy texture at the end. Roll the dough as thinly as possible into a rectangle. Cut the shape into squares or circles, depending on your recipe. Stack them on top of one another after brushing with a little more cornflour. Do this with the other half of the dough. Use them fresh or freeze them as described above for later use.
To Conclude
Wonton wrappers do not go bad easily but like all fresh foods, they will eventually expire and go moldy. Storing them correctly and using them on time will prevent this from happening.