Introduction
Sushi, a beloved staple of Japanese cuisine, takes on an exciting twist in the form of wonton cones. These delightful bites are not just visually appealing but also offer a burst of flavor in each crunchy cone. Perfect for parties or a fun family dinner, sushi wonton cones are a creative way to present sushi's classic ingredients in a new format.
By using wonton wrappers as the base, you can easily assemble these cones with a variety of fillings, allowing for endless customization. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or contemporary twists, these cones cater to all palates. Plus, they provide a hands-on dining experience that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 12 wonton wrappers
Wonton wrappers are thin, crispy sheets made from flour and egg. They form the base of the cones, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fresh fillings. - 1 cup sushi rice
Sushi rice, a short-grain rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, is sticky and helps hold the fillings together. Its subtle flavor complements the fresh ingredients in the cones. - 1/4 cup rice vinegar
Rice vinegar adds tanginess to the sushi rice, enhancing its flavor. It also helps in achieving the desired sticky texture necessary for forming the rice into cones. - 1/2 lb sushi-grade fish (e.g., tuna, salmon)
Fresh sushi-grade fish is the star of the filling. It provides a rich, flavorful, and high-quality source of protein that is crucial for authentic sushi taste. - 1 avocado, sliced
Avocado lends a creamy texture and rich flavor to the cones. Its healthy fats balance the freshness of the fish and add a luxurious mouthfeel. - 1 cucumber, julienned
Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and a mild flavor that lightens the overall profile of the cones. It contributes essential texture and hydration. - 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
Kewpie mayonnaise, a Japanese counterpart to traditional mayo, is creamier and slightly sweeter. It enriches the cones and enhances all the flavors while adding richness. - 1 tbsp wasabi paste
Wasabi paste provides a spicy kick that complements the flavors of the fish. Use it sparingly in the filling or as a dipping option to control the heat. - Soy sauce for dipping
Soy sauce serves as a savory dipping sauce, elevating the taste of the finished cones. Its umami flavor enhances each ingredient in the sushi wontons.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the sushi rice by rinsing it thoroughly.
Rinsing sushi rice is essential for removing excess starch. This step ensures the rice cooks up sticky but not gummy, allowing it to hold together when shaped into cones. After rinsing, let it sit in fresh water for about 30 minutes to hydrate before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions.
Cooking the sushi rice correctly is crucial, as it determines the texture of your sushi rice. Follow the recommended water-to-rice ratio and cooking time. Once done, let it sit covered for a few minutes to steam and finish cooking, which enhances its chewiness.
Step 3: Mix the cooked rice with rice vinegar and let it cool.
After cooking, seasoning the rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt adds flavor and helps it become slightly sticky. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, as this makes it easier to handle when forming cones.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to crispy bake the wonton wrappers.
Baking the wonton wrappers until golden and crispy provides the perfect crunch for your cones. Preheating the oven ensures even baking, so they achieve that delightful texture without becoming soggy.
Step 5: Shape the wonton wrappers into cones using a muffin tin.
Using a muffin tin to shape the wonton wrappers allows you to create perfectly formed cones. Lightly spray the tin with cooking spray, fold the wrappers around the cups, and bake until golden and crisp for the best presentation.
Step 6: Prepare the filling by mixing fish, avocado, cucumber, and Kewpie mayo.
Combining the fish, avocado, cucumber, and Kewpie mayo creates a harmonious mixture of flavors and textures. The richness of the mayo complements the fish while the fresh vegetables add crunch, making this filling truly satisfying.
Step 7: Fill each cooked wonton cone with sushi rice and the prepared filling.
Filling the cones with sushi rice creates a solid base for the fillings. Layer the rice first, then artistically add the fish and vegetable mixture. This not only ensures great flavor distribution but also maintains the aesthetic appeal.
Step 8: Serve immediately with dipping sauces like soy sauce and wasabi.
Serving the sushi wonton cones right after preparation keeps them crispy and fresh. The contrast of temperatures and textures, along with the dipping sauces, makes each bite a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Innovative Filling Options Beyond Sushi
While sushi-grade fish is traditional, feel free to explore creative filling options. Try grilled chicken, marinated tofu, or even colorful vegetables like roasted peppers and sprouts. Each variation provides a new take on the classic concept of sushi and can cater to diverse dietary preferences.
Dressing Up Your Wonton Cones
Presentation is key when it comes to impressing guests. Consider topping your sushi wonton cones with sesame seeds, seaweed flakes, or microgreens to add visual interest and extra flavor. These garnishes can elevate your dish from simple to restaurant-quality, enhancing the overall experience.
Perfecting the Crunch Factor
Achieving the perfect crunch is vital to the success of sushi wonton cones. Ensure that your wonton wrappers are baked until golden brown, as undercooked wrappers can become chewy. Additionally, serving them immediately after filling helps maintain their crispiness, making every bite enjoyable.
FAQs
What can I substitute for sushi-grade fish?
You can use cooked shrimp, crab, or even grilled chicken for a different twist. Marinated tofu is also a fantastic plant-based option.
How do I avoid soggy wonton wrappers?
Ensure your wonton wrappers are baked until golden and let them cool fully before filling. Serve immediately to keep the crisp texture.
Can I prepare the cones ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the wonton cones in advance and store them in an airtight container. Fill them just before serving to ensure they stay crispy.
What should I do if the filling is too thick?
If the filling feels too thick, consider adding more Kewpie mayonnaise or a dash of soy sauce to loosen it. This will help achieve a smoother texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 cones, sufficient for a small gathering or as an appetizer for a larger group.
Can I make sushi wonton cones vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use cooked mushrooms, avocado, and a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers and carrots for a delicious vegetarian filling.
Conclusion
Sushi wonton cones are not just a dish; they are a culinary experience that brings creativity to your dining table. By combining classic sushi ingredients with a playful presentation, you offer a fresh take on a beloved cuisine. Plus, the opportunity to customize fillings makes this dish suitable for any occasion.
Whether you choose to stick with traditional ingredients or venture into unique combinations, these cones are sure to delight your guests and make a lasting impression. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques to make this recipe truly your own.
Recipe Card
Creative Sushi Wonton Cones for Home Entertaining
Ingredients
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 lb sushi-grade fish e.g., tuna, salmon
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 cucumber julienned
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise preferably Kewpie
- 1 tbsp wasabi paste
- Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the sushi rice by rinsing it thoroughly.
- Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions.
- Mix the cooked rice with rice vinegar and let it cool.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to crispy bake the wonton wrappers.
- Shape the wonton wrappers into cones using a muffin tin.
- Prepare the filling by mixing fish, avocado, cucumber, and Kewpie mayo.
- Fill each cooked wonton cone with sushi rice and the prepared filling.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauces like soy sauce and wasabi.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
