Chili Lime Shrimp Wonton Cups

Chili lime shrimp wonton cups are a zesty, crowd-pleasing appetizer made with crisped wonton wrappers, tangy lime sour cream, peppery arugula, and juicy baked shrimp coated in chili-lime seasoning. These bite-sized cups are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any party or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, tangy, and spicy flavor in every bite

• Great finger food for parties, game day, or potlucks

• Easy to prep ahead and assemble just before serving

• Light and fresh, but satisfying

• Customizable with your favorite greens or sauces

• Baked (not fried) for a healthier twist

• Crunchy, creamy, and juicy textures combined

• Fun and elegant presentation in mini wonton cups

• Easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds

• Ready in under an hour

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Wonton wrappers

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Lime (zest and juice)

• Ancho chili powder or homemade chili seasoning

• Ground black pepper

• Baby arugula

• Sour cream

Directions

Bake Wonton Cups

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

2. Brush both sides of each wonton wrapper with olive oil, then lightly salt one side.

3. Press wrappers into mini muffin tin cups, shaping them into defined cups.

4. Bake for 8–10 minutes until crisp and lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack.

Prepare Shrimp and Sour Cream

1. Zest the lime and add to a bowl with shrimp, remaining olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.

2. Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 8–12 minutes, until opaque and cooked through.

3. In a small bowl, mix sour cream with lime juice and a pinch of salt to create the lime sour cream.

Assemble the Cups

1. Add a few arugula leaves to the base of each cooled wonton cup.

2. Spoon in a small dollop of lime sour cream.

3. Top with a cooked shrimp.

4. Serve immediately with optional lime wedges for squeezing.

Servings and timing

Makes: 12 shrimp cups
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Greens: Swap arugula with baby spinach, watercress, or shredded romaine.

• Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, lighter topping.

• Shrimp seasoning: Try smoked paprika, cumin, or cayenne for a different flavor profile.

• Cups alternative: Use tortilla scoop chips for a quick no-bake option.

• Herb twist: Add chopped cilantro or chives on top for added freshness.

• Vegetarian option: Substitute shrimp with grilled mushrooms or chickpeas.

• Sweet heat: Add a touch of honey or agave to the chili-lime mix for a sweet-spicy kick.

• Larger servings: Use regular muffin tins for larger cups and add two shrimp per cup.

• Salsa layer: Add a small spoonful of mango or pineapple salsa under the shrimp.

• Extra crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried shallots.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store unfilled baked wonton cups in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

• Cooked shrimp can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

• To re-crisp wonton cups, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes before assembling.

• Shrimp can be served cold or gently warmed in the oven or a pan before assembling.

Make-ahead tip:

• Assemble just before serving to keep the wonton cups crisp and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I make the wonton cups ahead of time?

Yes, the wonton cups can be made up to a week in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

What’s the best way to keep the cups from getting soggy?

Only fill the cups right before serving. If making ahead, keep all components separate until assembly.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but for best flavor, toss the cooked shrimp with the lime and chili seasoning and warm briefly before assembling.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

You can use a regular muffin tin, but the cups will be larger. You may want to use two shrimp per cup in that case.

Are these good served cold?

Yes, they can be served at room temperature or chilled. Just don’t let the shrimp sit out for more than two hours.

Can I use tortilla scoops instead of wonton wrappers?

Absolutely. Tortilla scoop chips make a quick and easy substitute for baked wonton cups.

What other toppings can I use?

Try diced avocado, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, or mango salsa for extra flair.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat from the chili powder. You can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing chili powder or using a milder variety.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of baking?

Yes, grilled shrimp will work well and add a smoky flavor. Just be sure not to overcook them.

What kind of chili powder is best?

Ancho chili powder is great for a rich, mild heat. You can also use regular chili powder or a homemade spice blend.

Conclusion

Chili lime shrimp wonton cups are a bright, spicy, and crisp appetizer that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a summer gathering, or a holiday celebration, these little bites are sure to impress. Easy to prep, quick to bake, and bursting with flavor, they’re a perfect addition to your entertaining rotation.