Complete Applebee's Won Ton Tacos

A Culinary Journey Inspired by Applebee's

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house afloat, my evenings often resemble a whirlwind of activity. But I also deeply believe in the power of sharing a good meal with my family, the kind of meal that sparks conversation and brings everyone together. That's where this recipe comes in – a delightful twist on a restaurant favorite that's surprisingly easy to make at home.

This recipe for Applebee's-inspired Won Ton Tacos started as a simple text message from an old friend. She described these incredible little tacos, crispy wonton shells cradling a flavorful chicken filling and topped with a refreshing slaw. The image was enough to pique my interest. Could I really recreate this restaurant-quality dish in my own kitchen? The answer, as I discovered, is a resounding yes. This recipe has become a staple in our household, a meal that's both quick enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve to guests.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, add or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand, and even make it ahead of time to save precious minutes on busy weeknights. The chicken marinade, for instance, can be prepared the night before, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in even more tender and delicious chicken. This little trick alone makes a big difference!

The process of creating these tacos is itself a form of relaxation for me. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the sizzle of the wonton wrappers in the hot oil, the satisfying mix of textures and flavors as I assemble the tacos – each step brings a sense of calm and accomplishment. It's a welcome break from the constant demands of daily life, a moment to focus on the simple joy of creating something delicious. And the look on my children's faces when they dig into these tasty treats? Priceless.

Beyond the convenience and deliciousness, these tacos offer a great opportunity for family involvement. My kids love helping with age-appropriate tasks, like washing and chopping the vegetables or carefully folding the wonton wrappers (although they often end up more like wonky triangles than perfect ones, the outcome is still fantastic!). This shared experience in the kitchen is just as valuable as the meal itself, forging connections and creating lasting memories.

So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or simply someone looking for a fun and flavorful weeknight meal, I highly recommend giving these Applebee's-inspired Won Ton Tacos a try. They're easier to make than you might think, and the results are worth every minute spent in the kitchen. They are a testament to the fact that delicious and memorable meals don't always require hours of preparation or a Michelin-star chef's skills. Sometimes, the simplest recipes, inspired by friendship and a touch of culinary creativity, are the most rewarding.

I encourage you to experiment with this recipe, make it your own. Add a touch of sriracha for extra heat, swap out the coleslaw mix for shredded cabbage, or try different types of dipping sauces. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking such a fun and rewarding experience. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• In a bowl or sealable plastic bag, combine stir fry sauce, Asian toasted sesame dressing, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce. Add chicken and mix well with the sauce. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• In a medium bowl, toss coleslaw mix with 2 tablespoons of Asian sesame dressing. Set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a wok over high heat. Add chicken with the marinade and stir fry until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from the wok and transfer to a bowl. Add about 1/2 inch of oil to the wok over medium high. Fold the wonton wrappers into a triangle formation but do not seal. Place into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on one side. Turn once and fry until golden brown on the other side. Drain on paper towels.
• To make tacos- place a small amount of the chicken mixture into the bottom of the fried wonton. Top with coleslaw mixture, green onion, cilantro and red onion.