Wontons are a delicious and versatile traditional Chinese dumpling that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They are typically made with a filling of meat, vegetables, and spices, and then wrapped in a thin dough. Wontons can be boiled, steamed, or fried.
However, like all foods, wontons can go bad if they are not stored properly. In this post, we will discuss how to tell if wontons have gone bad, as well as how to store them properly to extend their shelf life.
How long will Wontons last?
The shelf life of wontons depends on how they are stored. If they are stored properly, they can last for several days in the refrigerator or for several months in the freezer.
Uncooked Wontons
Refrigerator: Uncooked wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They should be stored in an airtight container or bag to prevent them from drying out.
- Freezer: Uncooked wontons can be frozen for up to 3 months. They should be frozen in an airtight container or bag to prevent them from freezer burn.
Cooked Wontons
- Refrigerator: Cooked wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They should be stored in an airtight container or bag to prevent them from drying out.
- Freezer: Cooked wontons can be frozen for up to 3 months. They should be frozen in an airtight container or bag to prevent them from freezer burn.
What will happen if you eat expired Wontons?
It is unlikely that you will get food poisoning from eating slightly expired wontons. However, there is a small risk, therefore, if they are more than a few days past their expiration date, it is best to be safe and discard them.
Expired wontons may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The symptoms of food poisoning from expired wontons can vary from person to person, but they typically include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal cramps, Fever, Headache, Fatigue, Muscle aches Chills and Dehydration and other gastrointestinal problems.
Homemade vs store-bought Wontons
The shelf life of homemade and store-bought wontons depends on how they are stored.
Homemade wontons
- Refrigerator: 1-2 days
- Freezer: 1-2 months
If you’re interested in making wontons at home but don’t know where to start, the following YouTube video is what you need!
Store-bought wontons
- Refrigerator: 3-4 days
- Freezer: 6-8 months
It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The actual shelf life of homemade and store-bought wontons may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and how the wontons are stored.
The impact of the ingredients on the shelf-life
The ingredients in wontons can have a significant impact on their shelf life. The following are some of the most important factors to consider:
- Meat: Meat is a perishable food item, so it is important to use fresh meat when making wontons. If you are using ground meat, be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the filling.
- Vegetables: Fresh vegetables can also spoil quickly, so it is important to use them within a few days of purchase. If you are using frozen vegetables, be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the filling.
- Liquids: Wontons that contain a lot of liquid, such as broth or water, will have a shorter shelf life than wontons that are dry. If you are adding liquids to the filling, be sure to drain them well before sealing the wontons.
- Fats: Fats can also shorten the shelf life of wontons. If you are using fatty meats or vegetables, be sure to drain them well before adding them to the filling.
- Preservation: Wontons can be preserved by freezing, canning, or dehydration. Freezing is the most common method of preservation. Wontons can be frozen raw or cooked. If you are freezing raw wontons, be sure to cook them thoroughly before thawing and eating. Canning and dehydration are less common methods of preservation. Canning requires special equipment and canning jars. Dehydration requires a food dehydrator.
How to tell if your Wontons have gone bad
Here are some signs that your wontons may have gone bad:
- Off odor: Wontons that have gone bad will have a sour, rotten, or moldy odor.
- Discoloration: Wontons that have gone bad may discolor, becoming brown, gray, or green.
- Slimy texture: Wontons that have gone bad may have a slimy or sticky texture.
- Mold: Wontons that have gone bad may have mold growing on them.
- Taste: Wontons that have gone bad will have a sour, bitter, or metallic taste.
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the wontons. Do not eat wontons that have gone bad, as they can make you sick.
Should Wontons be refrigerated?
Yes, wontons should be refrigerated. They are a perishable food item and can spoil quickly if they are not stored properly. Uncooked wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cooked wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you are not going to eat the wontons within this time frame, you can freeze them. Frozen wontons can be stored for up to 3 months.
How long will Wontons remain fresh in the fridge?
Uncooked wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cooked wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you are not going to eat the wontons within this time frame, you can freeze them. They should be stored in an airtight container or bag to prevent them from drying out. Frozen wontons can be stored for up to 3 months.
How can you reheat a Wontons?
Here are some ways to reheat wontons:
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the wontons and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the wontons on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the wontons on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
How to keep your Wontons fresh for weeks?
Use fresh ingredients. This is the most important step in ensuring the freshness of your wontons. Using fresh ingredients will help to prevent the wontons from spoiling quickly.
Cook the wontons thoroughly. Make sure to cook the wontons all the way through. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be present in the wontons.
Cool the wontons quickly. Once the wontons are cooked, cool them down as quickly as possible. This will help to prevent the wontons from spoiling.
Store the wontons in an airtight container. This will help to keep the wontons fresh and prevent them from drying out.
Freeze the wontons. Freezing the wontons is a great way to extend their shelf life. Frozen wontons can be stored for up to 3 months. In addition avoid overfilling the wontons. This can make them difficult to seal and can also lead to them bursting during cooking and Do not overcook the wontons. Overcooked wontons will be dry and tough.
Symptoms if you ate spoiled Wontons?
Eating spoiled wontons can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Headache
Following the consumption of spoiled wontons, these symptoms could start to show up a few hours later even days later. If you think you might have food poisoning, it’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking lots of liquids. If your symptoms are severe or persist for more than a few days, you should also consult a doctor.
