Wonton soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines delicate wontons with a savory broth. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 package of wonton wrappers
- 1 lb ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cups water
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp chili oil (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Wontons: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped green onions, cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Wontons: Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place about a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edges with a bit of water, then fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle. Seal the edges tightly, folding the corners together if you like for a traditional shape.
- Cook the Wontons: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently add the wontons in batches and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the top and are fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and set aside.
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and water to a boil. Let the broth simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the Soup: To serve, place a few wontons in a bowl, then ladle the hot broth over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of chili oil if you like some heat.
- Enjoy: Serve your homemade wonton soup hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish!
Tips:
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings for your wontons, such as mushrooms, spinach, or beef.
- If you prefer a richer broth, add a dash of fish sauce or a splash of rice vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
For a heartier soup, add cooked noodles to the bowl before adding the broth and wontons.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Homemade Wontons: Making your own wontons is simple and allows you to control the freshness of the ingredients. You can fill the wontons with ground pork, chicken, shrimp, or a veggie blend to suit your preferences.
- Versatile Broth: The broth is savory and light, made from chicken stock, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of ginger. It’s the perfect base for the wontons and enhances their flavor.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 45 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
- Healthy & Delicious: Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish is light but filling, offering a great balance of flavors and textures.
Tips for Success:
- Wonton Wrappers: If you have trouble finding wonton wrappers at your local store, you can substitute with dumpling wrappers or spring roll wrappers. Be sure to seal the edges of the wrappers tightly so the filling doesn’t escape while cooking.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to swap out the ground pork for chicken, turkey, or shrimp. You can also add finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or bok choy to the filling for extra flavor.
- Broth Base: For extra depth of flavor, try using homemade chicken broth. If you’re short on time, store-bought broth works just as well. You can also add a pinch of white pepper or chili flakes for some heat.
- Boiling Wontons: When boiling the wontons, be sure to cook them in batches, so they don’t stick together. Stir gently to avoid breaking the delicate wrappers. Once they float to the top, they’re ready to be added to the broth.
How to Assemble the Soup:
- Prepare the Wontons: Lay out the wonton wrappers and place a teaspoon of the pork filling in the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges with a bit of water, fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, and then bring the corners together to form a pouch. Press to seal.
- Make the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the broth infuse for about 10-15 minutes. You can also add green onions or a small amount of Chinese 5-spice for extra depth.
- Cook the Wontons: Gently drop the wontons into the simmering broth. Cook in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Once they float to the surface, let them cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Serve: Once the wontons are cooked, ladle them into bowls and pour the hot broth over them. Garnish with fresh green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair your homemade wonton soup with a side of steamed vegetables or some crispy egg rolls for a complete meal. You can also top it with extra herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Storage & Leftovers:
This wonton soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the wontons separately from the broth and reheat them individually. The soup can also be frozen for up to 1 month, though the wontons may become slightly softer when thawed.
Enjoy this cozy, homemade wonton soup with family and friends. Whether it’s a light lunch or a dinner dish, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something warm and hearty.
Additional Tips for Homemade Wonton Soup:
- Making Wonton Wrappers from Scratch: While store-bought wonton wrappers are convenient, you can also make your own if you want to take the dish to the next level. Homemade wrappers will give your wontons a delicate texture that pairs perfectly with the filling. To make your own, simply mix flour, egg, and water to form a dough, roll it out thinly, and cut into squares for filling.
- Filling Variations: The beauty of wonton soup is that you can play around with different fillings. While the classic pork filling is popular, try swapping it for ground chicken, shrimp, or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version. Add extra flavor with a bit of finely chopped mushrooms or water chestnuts for added crunch.
- Broth Customizations: You can adjust the depth of flavor in your broth by experimenting with aromatics. Adding a star anise or a few slices of Chinese dry-cured ham can infuse the broth with rich umami notes. For a more aromatic base, try adding lemongrass or a splash of rice wine.
- Storing Wonton Soup: If you have leftover wontons or broth, you can store them separately in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, be sure to cook the broth until it’s steaming hot and reheat the wontons gently so they don’t break apart. If freezing, wrap the uncooked wontons tightly in plastic wrap or freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, cook them straight from the freezer!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your homemade wonton soup as a main dish, or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. Pair it with side dishes like steamed vegetables, jasmine rice, or even a simple salad. Top with fresh cilantro, chili oil, and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Perfect for Special Occasions or Quick Weeknight Meals:
Wonton soup is versatile enough to be served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a quick and nourishing weeknight dinner. You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the wontons just before cooking. With its rich flavors and customizable nature, this recipe will soon become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Pro Tip: For an extra creamy broth, try adding a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of miso paste. This will create a silky, rich base that pairs beautifully with the delicate wontons.
Conclusion:
Homemade wonton soup is a versatile, comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. With tender, flavorful wontons and a rich, savory broth, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or as a light yet satisfying starter. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Make it your own by experimenting with different fillings, broths, and seasonings, and you’ll have a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!