Description
Crab Rangoon Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion dish combining creamy, tangy dressing with tender macaroni, sweet chili sauce, and imitation crab meat. Crisp wonton strips add a satisfying crunch, making it a perfect chilled salad for summer gatherings or quick meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 3 cups macaroni (uncooked, or pasta of choice)
- 4 oz cream cheese (½ brick, 125 grams)
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 4 tbsp kewpie mayonnaise (Japanese mayonnaise, or regular mayonnaise)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 green onions (green and white part, thinly sliced)
- 2 cups imitation crab meat (cut into bite size pieces)
Wonton Strips
- 6 wonton wrappers (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 green onion (thinly sliced, for garnish)
- Oil for frying (if pan frying)
- Cooking spray or oil (for air fryer or oven method)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil 3 cups of macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Thai sweet chili sauce, kewpie mayonnaise, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Tip: soften cream cheese by microwaving for 15 seconds if needed.
- Combine Salad: Add the cooked macaroni, sliced green onions, and imitation crab meat to the dressing. Toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Chill Salad: Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It can also be served immediately if preferred.
- Prepare Wonton Strips: Slice the 6 wonton wrappers into thin strips, about six strips per wrapper.
- Cook Wonton Strips – Pan Fry Method: Heat oil about 1 inch deep in a small frying pan over medium heat. Fry the wonton strips in batches for 20-30 seconds or until golden and bubbly. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cook Wonton Strips – Air Fry Method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place strips in a single layer in the basket, spray generously with cooking spray. Air fry 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Cook Wonton Strips – Oven Bake Method: Preheat oven and line a baking tray with parchment or greased foil. Lay wonton strips in a single layer, spray with cooking spray or drizzle oil, toss for even coating. Bake 4-5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve Salad: Remove chilled salad from fridge. Optionally stir in extra tablespoon of mayonnaise and Thai sweet chili sauce if a creamier sauce is desired. Top salad with crispy wonton strips and garnish with thinly sliced green onion. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese is crucial for smooth dressing consistency.
- Wonton strips can be cooked by pan frying, air frying, or baking depending on preference or equipment availability.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavors but it can also be enjoyed right away.
- Use Japanese kewpie mayonnaise for authentic flavor, though regular mayo works as a substitute.
- Imitation crab meat can be replaced with real crab for a more luxurious taste.
