Where to Find and Purchase Authentic Crab Rangoon Appetizers

Crab rangoon – the ultimate Chinese American appetizer that is crispy and oozing with cream cheese and crab. Also known as crab puffs or cheese wontons, crab rangoon is a popular appetizer or side dish that is commonly found in many Chinese restaurants across the United States. But where can you buy high-quality, authentic crab rangoon? I did some research to find the best places to purchase crab rangoon, so you can enjoy this crispy, creamy appetizer at home.

What Exactly is Crab Rangoon?

Before discussing where to buy crab rangoon, let’s first understand what crab rangoon is. Crab rangoon consists of wonton wrappers filled with a creamy mixture of crab meat (or imitation crab), cream cheese, scallions, and garlic. The stuffed wontons are then fried to golden perfection, producing hot and crispy rangoon with a delicious filling. The combination of the crispy deep-fried wonton wrappers with the sweet crabmeat and tangy cream cheese is what makes crab rangoon so appetizing and addictive! It’s an appetizer that has become a staple on Chinese restaurant menus across America.

Why it’s Hard to Find Authentic Crab Rangoon

However, finding high-quality, authentic crab rangoon can be difficult, especially in grocery stores. The crab rangoon you find in the freezer section is often a poor imitation of the real thing. The filling can be bland and skimpy on the crab, while the wonton wrappers are soggy instead of crispy. Frozen crab rangoon can be a big disappointment if you’re craving the real deal.

Additionally, not all Chinese restaurants serve authentic crab rangoon. Some restaurants cut costs by using lower quality filling made with imitation crab meat and little cream cheese. And if the rangoon isn’t fried correctly, you miss out on the signature crispy exterior of a good crab rangoon. Because of these reasons, it can be tricky to find crab rangoon that lives up to your expectations and satisfies your cravings.

Where to Buy Genuine Crab Rangoon

So where can you find high-quality crab rangoon? Here are some of the best options to get your hands on authentic, delicious crab rangoon:

Asian Grocery Stores

One of the best places to buy fresh, handmade crab rangoon is at an Asian grocery store. Some Chinese and Asian markets have seafood departments that handmake their own crab rangoon in-house using real crab meat and other high-quality ingredients. The crab rangoon is freshly made instead of mass-produced. When you can find crab rangoon prepared right at the Asian market, this is usually the most authentic option you can purchase.

Chinese Bakeries

Head to a local Chinese bakery such as 85°C Bakery Cafe or Tous les Jours, which often sell fresh baked or fried crab rangoon on site. You can find them displayed in the bakery section or warm food area. The crab rangoon from busy Chinese bakeries are likely made in smaller batches with attention to quality. The only catch is that you have to consume the crab rangoon same day since they aren’t frozen.

High-Rated Chinese Restaurants

Of course, enjoying crab rangoon at a highly rated Chinese restaurant is an easy solution for those craving the appetizer. Yelp and Google reviews can generally pinpoint restaurants known for their exceptional crab rangoon You can also ask family and friends for recommendations of restaurants that serve great crab rangoon Focus on finding Chinese restaurants that prepare the rangoon in-house rather than warming up frozen appetizers. When dining out, order the crab rangoon as an appetizer so you can enjoy them hot and fresh.

Online Stores

If you don’t live near any Asian grocery stores or authentic Chinese restaurants, purchasing crab rangoon from online retailers is an option. There are some reputable online Asian food stores such as AppetizersUSA that ship frozen crab rangoon nationwide. Check customer reviews to evaluate the quality and flavor of the frozen appetizers. This ensures you select a brand that offers a genuine crab rangoon experience.

Make Them at Home

For the ultimate freshness and control over ingredients, you can also make crab rangoon at home. While frying the wonton wrappers takes some work, the filling only requires a few simple ingredients like cream cheese, crab meat, scallions and garlic. I recommend using lump or imitation crab meat and avoiding canned crab meat which can taste fishy. Follow an authentic crab rangoon recipe precisely so that both the crisp wrapper and creamy filling come out perfect. Making crab rangoon yourself can be time consuming but rewarding.

What to Look for in Quality Crab Rangoon

Now that you know where to buy crab rangoon, here are a few signs to identify authentic, delicious crab rangoon:

• Generous filling – Each rangoon should be packed with filling featuring noticeable chunks of crab meat. Avoid rangoon with skimpy fillings

• Real crab meat – Lump crab meat or imitation crab meat results in superior flavor. Make sure the filling isn’t only made with canned crab which can taste unpleasant

• Crispy, golden wrappers – The wonton wrappers should be fried until crispy and golden brown. Soft wrappers are a red flag for subpar rangoon.

• Balanced flavors – You should taste sweet crab, rich cream cheese, fresh scallions, and other seasonings. No single flavor should overwhelm the others.

• Made fresh – Whenever possible, buy rangoon made fresh in smaller batches instead of a frozen mass-produced product.

When purchasing or eating crab rangoon, keep these signs of quality in mind. Pay attention to the filling, the wrapper, flavors, and preparation to determine if you have authentic crab rangoon.

Satisfy Your Cravings for Crab Rangoon