Add the sesame oil, sliced garlic, and red pepper flakes to a small, cold saucepan. Set the pan over medium low heat.
Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is just fragrant and beginning to sizzle. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool. Cool completely before enjoying.
Storage: Store any leftover garlic chili oil in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Bring to room temperature before enjoying.
For the Dumplings
Add the mushrooms, garlic, and green onions to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the mushrooms are a fine crumb– about 15 seconds.
Next add the soy sauce and panko. Pulse again until the mixture resembles a coarse paste– another 10 seconds.
Fill each of the wonton wrappers with 1-2 teaspoons of mushroom filling. To seal, dip your finger in water and rub it along the edge of the wrapper. Bring the corners of the wrapper up to the center and twist them to seal in the filling.
Brush the bottom of each wonton with water and dip it into the sesame seeds. For baking, see "baking directions" below.
Pan Fry directions
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and then add the wontons to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until they are crisp and golden brown on the bottom.
**Working quickly, add a small handful of ice cubes to the pan and immediately cover it with a lid to steam the wontons. Shake the pan gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the dumplings are tender.
Baking directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
To bake the dumplings, add a lid to the skillet of dumplings. Bake at 325º F for 10-15 minutes or until they are lightly crisp.
Remove the dumplings to a plate and garnish with additional green onion and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with garlic chili oil and enjoy.
Storage: Leftover dumplings can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Notes
Adding ice to the pan helps steam the dumplings so they cook through. We’re adding ice because it splatters less than adding water. Just make sure to add the lid very quickly so it traps the steam.
Sesame oil is the base of our garlic chili oil. Toasted sesame oil will have a more robust flavor than regular sesame oil. I’m using toasted, but either will work!
I like the flavor and texture of shiitake mushrooms, but pretty much any mushroom will work in this recipe!
Store-bought wonton wrappers (available next to the tofu in most grocery stores or in the produce section) make this recipe easier, but homemade would be even more delicious– up to you which you use!