Crab Rangoon Nachos Recipe

When crispy nachos meet the decadence and sweet, creamy flavor of Chinese crab rangoon wontons, you know the result will be fiery. According to Ksenia Prints of At the Immigrant's Table, the TikTok-famous recipe for crab rangoon nachos pays tribute to the influence of Chinese cuisine on American pop culture, blending the beloved crab rangoon recipe with the casual indulgence of nachos.

Picture crispy wonton chips, reminiscent of the traditional Chinese food take-out favorite, topped with a creamy mix of imitation crab and cream cheese, and drizzled with a spicy mix of mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. While this dish surely tastes divine, it also demonstrates the unexpected ways that pop culture can completely reinvent international cuisines — and even catapult forgotten classics to new heights of popularity. Make this dish for your friends for game night, and watch the expressions of surprise and delight that emerge as your guests taste the unique marriage of flavors that is crab rangoon nachos.

These nachos ingredients include flake-style imitation crab meat, spreadable cream cheese, plain wonton wrappers, shredded cheese, sweet Thai chili sauce, Kewpie mayo or spicy mayo, and green onions. These carefully selected ingredients create a surprising blend of Chinese flavors with the typical texture of nachos. The chopped imitation crab meat and softened cream cheese provide a savory base, while the plain wonton wrappers replace tortilla chips for a crispy foundation.

With the addition of shredded cheese, the nachos take on a melty, gooey goodness. Drizzling them with the sweet Thai chili sauce and either Kewpie mayo or spicy mayo, and sprinkling them with green onions adds an extra kick of flavor.

To start, preheat your oven to 400 F. Line a 13x9-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

To come close to the shape and crunch of traditional tortilla chips, take the plain wonton wrappers and cut them into triangle shapes. Arrange the triangles on the baking sheet and give them a light coating of cooking spray. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes until the tops turn golden. Flip the chips over and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Once done, set them aside and repeat the process until all the wrappers have been transformed into crispy wonton chips. These should taste as crispy as tortilla chips and look quite similar.

In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of chopped imitation crab meat with the softened cream cheese. Mix them well until thoroughly combined. This will add creaminess to the crab meat, making it feel even more luxurious. 

Now, it's time to assemble the nachos. Spread the crispy wonton chips on the baking sheet. Layer the crab mixture evenly over the chips. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the crab mixture, followed by the remaining ¾ cup of imitation crab and the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Transfer the assembled nachos to the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once the cheese has melted, remove the  crab rangoon nachos from the oven (take care not to overcook and burn the chips). Drizzle the nachos first with Kewpie mayo or spicy mayo, and then top with sweet Thai chili sauce. Finish off with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions to give it a spicy, fresh finish.

Serve the nachos immediately while the cheese is gooey and the sauces are at their best. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to two days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before enjoying them again.