I’ve always loved the playful crunch of Applebee’s Wonton Tacos. There’s something irresistible about the crispy wonton shells filled with that savory beef and fresh toppings. Whenever I visited, I couldn’t get the recipe out of my mind.
Determined to recreate this favorite at home, I experimented until I nailed the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Now, you can enjoy these delectable tacos without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a game night or craving a tasty treat, this copycat recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | |
| Small onion | 1 | Finely diced |
| Garlic cloves | 2 | Minced |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet or 2 tbsp | |
| Water | 1/2 cup | |
| Wonton wrappers | 20 pieces | |
| Vegetable oil | For frying | |
| Shredded lettuce | 2 cups | |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 cup | |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | |
| Salsa or taco sauce | To taste |
Tools and Equipment
To recreate Applebee’s Wonton Tacos at home, you’ll need the following tools and equipment:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Skillet or Frying Pan | Cook the seasoned ground beef to perfection. |
| Wok or Deep Fryer | Achieve crispy wonton shells with ease. |
| Mixing Bowls | Prepare and mix your ingredients efficiently. |
| Measuring Spoons and Cups | Ensure accurate seasoning and ingredient proportions. |
| Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife | Chop onions, tomatoes, and other toppings with precision. |
| Spatula or Tongs | Handle the beef and wonton shells without breaking them. |
| Paper Towels | Drain excess oil from the fried wontons to keep them crisp. |
| Serving Platters or Plates | Present your homemade wonton tacos beautifully. |
Having these tools on hand will streamline the cooking process and help you achieve restaurant-quality results in your kitchen.
Directions
Recreating Applebee’s Wonton Tacos at home is a fun and rewarding experience. Follow these steps to make delicious, crispy wonton tacos in your own kitchen.
Prep Ingredients
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken with 1 finely diced small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Add 1 packet of taco seasoning and mix thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Make the Slaw:
- In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 grated carrot, and 2 tablespoons of your favorite dressing. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Gather Toppings:
- Shred 1 cup of lettuce, dice 1 tomato, and measure out 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Arrange sour cream and salsa or taco sauce in small bowls for serving.
Cook Chicken and Slaw
- Cook the Ground Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned ground chicken mixture to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Slaw:
- Toss the shredded cabbage and grated carrot with the prepared dressing until well combined.
- Refrigerate the slaw while you fry the wonton shells to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Fry Wonton Shells
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Wontons:
- Carefully place 4 wonton wrappers into the hot oil, folding them into a hollow taco shape.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the wonton shells and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Assemble Tacos
- Fill the Wonton Shells:
- Place a generous spoonful of the cooked ground chicken mixture into each crispy wonton shell.
- Add Slaw and Toppings:
- Top the chicken with a handful of prepared slaw.
- Sprinkle shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese over the slaw.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add a dollop of sour cream and drizzle with salsa or taco sauce.
- Serve immediately while the wonton shells are still crispy and the toppings are fresh.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef passionate about perfecting flavors and streamlining kitchen workflows, I’ve devised a make-ahead plan to ensure your Applebee’s Wonton Tacos are just as delicious when you’re ready to serve them. Follow these steps to prepare components in advance, saving you time and reducing stress on the day of your gathering.
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Cook the ground chicken with onions, garlic, and taco seasoning ahead of time.
- Cooking: In a skillet, brown 1 lb of ground chicken over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld, about 8-10 minutes.
- Storage: Let the mixture cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
2. Make the Slaw
A fresh, crunchy slaw adds the perfect balance to the savory filling.
- Preparation: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup grated carrot, and 2 tablespoons of your favorite dressing.
- Storage: Keep the slaw in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This maintains its crisp texture.
3. Fry the Wonton Shells
Achieve that signature crispy texture by frying the wonton wrappers in advance.
- Frying: Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry wonton wrappers until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- Storage: Allow the wonton shells to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness before serving.
4. Prepare Toppings
Chop and organize all your fresh toppings to streamline assembly.
- Toppings Include:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa or taco sauce
- Storage: Place each topping in separate airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Assemble When Ready
Having all components prepared in advance makes assembly quick and easy.
- Reheat the Chicken Mixture: If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
- Reheat Wonton Shells: Toast the fried wonton shells in the oven to regain their crispness.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each wonton shell with the warm chicken mixture, top with slaw, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of salsa or taco sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade Applebee’s Wonton Tacos with all their fresh, vibrant flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve perfected your Applebee’s Wonton Tacos, it’s time to elevate the dining experience with some thoughtful serving ideas. Here are my top tips to make your tacos shine:
Perfect Pairings
Pairing the tacos with complementary dishes can create a balanced and satisfying meal. Consider these options:
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
- Fresh Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips adds a refreshing contrast.
- Jicama Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw made with jicama, lime juice, and cilantro provides a light side.
Beverage Choices
Choosing the right beverages can enhance the flavors of your meal:
- Margaritas: Classic lime margaritas or fruity variations like mango or strawberry complement the savory tacos.
- Refreshing Iced Tea: A chilled glass of sweet or unsweetened iced tea with a splash of lemon.
- Craft Beers: Light lagers or hoppy IPAs pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of the tacos.
Presentation Tips
A beautiful presentation makes the meal more enjoyable:
- Plating: Arrange the wonton tacos on a large platter, garnishing with lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
- Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings and sides, allowing guests to customize their tacos.
- Garnishes: Add colorful garnishes like sliced radishes, pickled jalapeños, and fresh herbs to brighten the plate.
Extra Toppings
Enhance the tacos with additional toppings for extra flavor and texture:
- Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices for a rich texture.
- Hot Sauce: Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who like an extra kick.
- Pickled Red Onions: The tangy bite of pickled red onions adds a vibrant contrast.
Make It a Feast
Turn your meal into a festive spread with these ideas:
- Appetizers: Start with a selection of appetizers like queso dip, stuffed jalapeños, or mini quesadillas.
- Desserts: Finish off with sweet treats such as churros, flan, or a refreshing fruit salad.
- Decor: Set the mood with themed decorations like colorful tablecloths, festive napkins, and ambient lighting.
Enjoy Immediately
For the best texture and flavor, serve the wonton tacos immediately after assembling. The crispy shells paired with the savory filling and fresh toppings create a delightful contrast that’s best enjoyed right away.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you’ll not only replicate the deliciousness of Applebee’s Wonton Tacos but also create a memorable dining experience for you and your guests.
Conclusion
Trying out this copycat recipe has been a fun kitchen adventure for me. Seeing those crispy wonton shells filled with savory beef and fresh toppings brings back great memories from Applebee’s. I hope making these wonton tacos at home adds a tasty twist to your meal plans. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just treating yourself these tacos are sure to impress. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the satisfaction of recreating a favorite restaurant dish in your own kitchen.
