Life of the party: 7 showstopper appetizers

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You know the feeling when you bite into something and immediately want to share it with everyone? That’s what these seven appetizers do. They’re simple, delicious, and guaranteed to get guests chatting. If you’re aiming to make an impression without all the fuss, these are the recipes to try.

2 char siu bao on a plate with dipping sauce.
Char Siu Bao. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Samosas

Low angle shot of a samosa cut in half so that you can see the potato filling inside.
Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spiced potato filled samosas bring the lively spirit of Indian street food to your party. Crisp on the outside and aromatic on the inside, they’re a showstopper appetizer that’s not just eye-catching but also conversation-stoking.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Low angle shot of a pile of paneer pakora.
Paneer Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Fried wontons on a black plate with dipping sauce.
Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ah, the beloved pork and shrimp wontons. A classic, right? But here’s the thing, when they’re fried to crispy perfection, they become the talk of any gathering. As a showstopper appetizer, these wontons are simply irresistible. The crunch, the flavor-packed filling – they’re the kind of dish that gets the party buzzing. Serve ’em up, and you’ll have everyone huddled around the plate.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mochiko Chicken hails from Hawaii, offering a blend of Japanese influence and island flair. Its slightly sweet, slightly salty flavor profile and irresistibly crunchy texture make it a memorable appetizer guests will talk about.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Char Siu Bao

Low angle shot of two mantou buns filled with char siu filling.
Char Siu Bao. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Char Siu Bao offers a taste of Cantonese cuisine in a portable format. These fluffy, steamed buns filled with barbecued pork are a hand-held wonder that capture attention and ignite curiosity at any social event.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

Har Gow

4 har gow shrimp dumplings in a bamboo steamer basket.
Har Gow. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

You know, every party has that one dish that not only tastes amazing but also looks like a piece of art. That’s Har Gow for you. These dim sum classics are the life of the party, with their delicate pleats and juicy shrimp filling. If you’re looking for a showstopper appetizer that combines taste and aesthetics, this is it. I mean, who can resist those exquisite little parcels?
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Instant Pot Shrimp

Cooked shrimp in a green and white striped bowl, garnished with parsley.
Instant Pot Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

You got an Instant Pot? Great! You can whip up shrimp that’s so perfect, it’s bound to be the talk of the town (or at least the party). This shrimp dish is not just any appetizer; it’s a showstopper. Juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked every time, serve them up with some zesty dip and watch as they become the life of the party.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Paneer Pakora

Low angle shot of a pile of paneer pakora.
Paneer Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For all the veggie lovers out there, Paneer Pakora is the way to go. Golden, crunchy, and filled with soft paneer – they’re a showstopper appetizer that’s both hearty and delightful. Once you put these on the table, watch out! They’ll not only be the star of your spread but also the life of the party. And, hey, even if someone’s not a vegetarian, they’ll be reaching for seconds (or thirds).
Get the Recipe: Paneer Pakora

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