Wonton Soup

Wonton Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines delicate, soft wontons filled with savory ingredients and a clear, aromatic broth. It’s a deliciously light yet satisfying soup, perfect for chilly days or as an appetizer to a larger meal. The beauty of wonton soup lies in the delicate balance of the wontons’ filling and the clean, flavorful broth, making each bite a burst of comforting flavors. It’s easy to make at home and can be customized with a variety of fillings and garnishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s light but still full of flavor, and it offers the perfect balance of textures—from the silky wontons to the savory broth. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal or an appetizer for a larger feast. Plus, the ability to customize the wontons with different fillings, whether I like pork, shrimp, or even vegetarian options, gives me plenty of flexibility to make it my own.

Ingredients

For the wontons:

• 1/2 lb ground pork (or shrimp, or a mix of both)

• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

• 1 pack of wonton wrappers

For the broth:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 slices fresh ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, smashed

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• Salt to taste

• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

• A dash of white pepper or chili oil (optional, for extra heat)

(Her’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Wontons:

1. Prepare the filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground pork (or shrimp), chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic, sugar, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Assemble the wontons: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper to moisten. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing down the edges to seal. For an extra seal, fold the corners of the triangle toward the center to form a small pouch.

3. Repeat until all the wontons are made, placing them on a tray or parchment paper as you go.

Make the Broth:

4. Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, slices of fresh ginger, garlic cloves, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Strain the broth: Once the broth is aromatic and flavorful, remove the ginger and garlic slices. Adjust the seasoning with salt or a dash of soy sauce if needed. Keep the broth at a gentle simmer.

Cook the Wontons:

6. Cook the wontons: Gently drop the prepared wontons into the simmering broth. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot—work in batches if necessary. The wontons will float to the surface when they’re done, which should take about 4-5 minutes.

7. Serve: Once the wontons are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them into bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the wontons and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired.

Optional Extras:

8. For extra heat, I can drizzle some chili oil over the soup or sprinkle in a pinch of white pepper. The soup can also be served with a boiled egg for added protein or a handful of baby spinach for extra veggies.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people as a light meal or appetizer. It takes about 40-50 minutes to prepare and cook, including the time to make the wontons and simmer the broth. It’s an easy, customizable dish that feels like comfort food but still comes together fairly quickly.

Variations

• Shrimp Wontons: For a seafood twist, I can substitute the ground pork with finely chopped shrimp. This will give the wontons a different texture and flavor.

• Vegetarian Wontons: If I prefer a vegetarian version, I can use finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and shredded cabbage as the filling for the wontons.

• Spicy Wontons: To add more heat, I can incorporate a bit of chili paste into the wonton filling or the broth.

• Ramen Version: For a heartier version of the soup, I can add cooked ramen noodles to the broth along with the wontons.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The wontons will continue to soften in the broth, so for the best texture, I recommend storing them separately and adding the broth when reheating. To reheat, I can simply heat the broth and wontons together on the stovetop until they’re hot. If I want to store the broth for later, it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the same way.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers?

Yes, store-bought wonton wrappers are a great time-saver. I can easily find them in most grocery stores, and they work just as well for this recipe.

Can I freeze the wontons?

Yes! I can freeze the uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once they’re frozen. To cook, I can drop the frozen wontons directly into simmering broth—just give them an extra minute or two to cook through.

Can I make the broth spicier?

Definitely! If I prefer a spicier broth, I can add chili oil, chili paste, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth. I can also add sliced fresh chilies for extra heat.

Can I use a different filling for the wontons?

Absolutely! While pork and shrimp are the traditional choices, I can also use beef, chicken, or a combination of vegetables to fill the wontons. Be sure to season the filling well to add flavor.

How do I make the broth richer?

For a richer broth, I can add a little bit of miso paste or a dash of fish sauce, which will give the broth an umami boost. Alternatively, I can use a homemade or store-bought chicken stock instead of broth for more depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Wonton Soup is a wonderfully comforting dish that’s full of flavor and texture. With delicate, juicy wontons and a savory, aromatic broth, it’s the perfect balance of warmth and comfort. Whether I’m making it as a meal for myself or sharing it with others, this recipe is easy to prepare and satisfying. It’s a classic that never goes out of style and can be customized to suit any preference or dietary need. Enjoy this delicious, homemade soup whenever I’m craving something flavorful and comforting!