Wonton Soup Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Wonton Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Featuring tender homemade pork-filled wontons swimming in a fragrant, silky broth infused with ginger and garlic, this traditional Chinese dish delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something cozy to nourish your soul, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Wonton Soup Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each element plays a crucial role. From the savory ground pork to the aromatic ginger and fresh green onions, every component contributes to building layers of flavor and inviting textures.
- Ground pork (1/2 pound): The hearty protein base that keeps the wontons juicy and flavorful.
- Green onions (4 total, finely chopped and sliced): Provide a fresh, crisp bite both inside the wontons and in the broth.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons total): Adds umami depth and a subtle salty kick to both filling and broth.
- Sesame oil (2 teaspoons total): Infuses a nutty aroma that gently perfumes the dish.
- Grated ginger (1 teaspoon plus 4 slices): Brings a bright warmth that balances the richness of the pork.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced and smashed): Boosts savory intensity, making every spoonful satisfying.
- White pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a mild, aromatic spice within the filling.
- Wonton wrappers (24 pieces): The delicate pockets that cradle all that tasty filling.
- Chicken broth (5 cups): The soothing, flavorful liquid that carries all the other tastes together.
- Optional baby bok choy or spinach: For an added splash of vibrant green and healthy crunch.
How to Make Wonton Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Filling
Start by mixing the ground pork with finely chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and white pepper in a bowl until everything is well combined. This mixture should be flavorful enough to stand on its own, creating juicy, umami-packed pockets that will be the star of your soup.
Step 2: Wrap the Wontons
Place a teaspoon of the pork filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Lightly moisten the edges with water to help seal the wonton. Fold each wrapper into a triangle, pressing firmly to seal all sides. Then, bring the two bottom corners together and pinch them, shaping the characteristic wonton shape. This step may take a little practice, but it’s rewarding to see your handmade creations come to life.
Step 3: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, smashed garlic cloves, ginger slices, and sliced green onions. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the broth to absorb those heavenly flavors for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the garlic and ginger slices to keep the broth clear and smooth.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
While the broth simmers, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add your wontons in small batches so they don’t stick together. They’ll cook quickly—about 4 to 5 minutes—or as soon as they float to the surface, signaling they are perfectly cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to fish them out and immediately transfer the cooked wontons into the simmering broth.
Step 5: Add Greens and Finish
If you’re adding baby bok choy or spinach, toss them in the hot broth now. They will wilt gently within a minute or two, adding a lovely freshness and a nutrient boost. Give your soup a final stir, and it’s ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Wonton Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your bowl beautifully. Sprinkle extra sliced green onions on top for brightness and crunch. For a little heat, a drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of freshly cracked white pepper will add excitement without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
This Wonton Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed jasmine rice or crispy spring rolls. The soup’s rich broth and tender wontons make it the highlight, while sides provide texture contrasts and a satisfying meal balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in traditional Chinese-style porcelain bowls to enhance the experience. For a festive touch, float edible flowers or add a few thin carrot ribbons. Alternatively, serve the wontons and broth separately for guests to build their own bowls—a fun, interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover wontons should be stored in the broth or separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consumed within two days for best taste and texture. This keeps the filling moist and prevents wrappers from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked wontons by arranging them in a single layer on a tray until frozen, then transferring them to a freezer bag. No need to thaw before cooking; just drop them directly into boiling water when ready to enjoy a quick version of this Wonton Soup Recipe.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop, ensuring it simmers but does not boil vigorously to keep the wontons intact and tender. Adding fresh greens while reheating can brighten and freshen up leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for pork for a lighter variation. Just keep an eye on the moisture content as these meats tend to be leaner, and you might want to add a little sesame oil or soy sauce to maintain flavor and juiciness.
Do I have to use wonton wrappers or can I make them from scratch?
Using store-bought wonton wrappers is a huge time saver and works perfectly. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade wrappers can be made with simple flour and water dough but require more skill and patience.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can make a delicious vegetarian version by replacing pork with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust seasonings to maintain depth and savoriness.
How long can I keep the homemade wontons in the freezer?
Frozen wontons are best used within 1 month to preserve optimal texture and flavor. Label your storage bags with the date so you can keep track easily.
What are some variations to the broth to enhance flavor?
Adding dried shiitake mushrooms, sliced carrots, or a splash of rice wine can add wonderful touches to the broth. Adjust to your taste and experiment to find your perfect blend.
Final Thoughts
This Wonton Soup Recipe is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying to share. Once you master these tender, flavorful wontons swimming in a fragrant broth, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whether you need a quick weeknight comfort or a delicious dish to impress guests. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Wonton Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This authentic Chinese Wonton Soup features tender pork-stuffed wontons served in a flavorful, aromatic chicken broth. Enhanced with fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions, this comforting soup is perfect as a light meal or appetizer. The recipe includes tips for freezing wontons and adding greens like bok choy or spinach for added nutrition.
Ingredients
For the Wontons
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 24 wonton wrappers
For the Broth
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- 4 slices fresh ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: baby bok choy or spinach for added greens
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, finely chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to ensure flavorful filling.
- Form the Wontons: Place approximately 1 teaspoon of the pork mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water to help seal. Fold the wrapper into a triangle shape and press firmly to seal the edges. Bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together and press to create the classic wonton shape.
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, smashed garlic clove, fresh ginger slices, and sliced green onions. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully. Then, remove the garlic clove and ginger slices from the broth.
- Cook the Wontons: Bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the wontons in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking them for 4 to 5 minutes or until they float to the surface and the filling is cooked through. Carefully remove the cooked wontons with a slotted spoon and transfer them into the hot broth.
- Add Greens and Serve: If using, add baby bok choy or spinach to the broth and cook just until wilted. Serve the wonton soup hot, garnished with extra sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Wontons can be frozen uncooked on a tray, then stored in a freezer bag for future use. No need to thaw before boiling; just add them directly to boiling water.
- For additional flavor and texture, consider adding sliced mushrooms or shredded carrots to the broth while simmering.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
