Crab Rangoon Dip is a variation of the ever popular crispy Crab Rangoon appetizer, but turned into dip form! It's a perfect appetizer that goes so well with bubbly melted cheese and freshly fried homemade wonton chips.
In a large mixing bowl, add room temperature cream cheese, japanese mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth. Fold in crab meat, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, scallions, soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
Place crab mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of the cheese
Bake at 425F for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
Meanwhile, cut wonton wrappers in half into rectangles. In a saute pan or heavy bottomed pot, heat neutral oil to 375F and fry for 15-30 seconds until golden brown. Drain on a kitchen towel.
Garnish the Crab Rangoon Dip with chopped scallions and serve with the crispy wontons!
Notes
PRO TIPSWhat Kind of Crab Meat Should I Use?
I use fresh lump crab meat, which I find in the seafood section.
You can substitute with canned crab meat.
You can also try this with imitation crab meat (I have not tried this, so please let me know in the comments if you do and how you liked it!)
Use Softened Cream CheeseFor an easier time mixing your Crab Rangoon Dip ingredients, use softened cream cheese. I like to pull my cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 5-10 minutes before mixing. Doing so helps the cream cheese soften and reach room temperature, which makes it easier to mix with the other ingredients.Be Gentle with the Crab MeatWhen folding the crab meat into the rest of the Crab Rangoon Dip ingredients, be gentle! Avoid over-mixing the crab meat and breaking it down to shreds - I think Crab Rangoon Dip tastes best when there are still nice chunks of crab in the dip after baking.Homemade Wonton Chips
I use store bought wonton wrappers by the brand "Dynasty" - I find them in the refrigerated section of my local Asian grocery store.
I prefer rectangular wonton chips (vs. triangles) - I find that the triangle wonton chips are too fragile; the rectangular ones are easier to scoop the Crab Rangoon Dip without breaking. However, you can cut the wonton wrappers into whichever shape you prefer!
If you want a thicker wonton chip, you can stick two layers of wonton wrappers together and fry together.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
If you are making Crab Rangoon Dip ahead of time:
After Step #1, cover the mixed dip ingredients with saran wrap (or in an airtight container) and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you're ready to bake your Crab Rangoon Dip, resume Step #2.
If you have any leftover dip, you can store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.You can reheat any leftovers in the microwave or in the oven - this is up to your preference!