Wonton Soup is a classic dish in Chinese cuisine, beloved for its delicate, savory broth and tender wontons filled with flavorful fillings. This warm and comforting dish has become a favorite around the world, often served as a starter or light meal. Whether you’re looking to prepare it on a chilly evening or want to impress your friends and family, this easy homemade wonton soup recipe is the perfect way to bring the deliciousness of Chinese cuisine into your kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate a traditional wonton soup that rivals what you’d find at your favorite Chinese restaurant. You can make the wontons from scratch or purchase pre-made wontons for a quicker version. Either way, the rich, clear broth and the delightful texture of the wontons will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a dinner party, wonton soup is an impressive yet easy-to-make dish that can cater to all tastes. This recipe is customizable, allowing you to adjust the filling, seasoning, and broth to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover vegetables or meat, making it a versatile meal to enjoy year-round.
So, let’s dive into this easy wonton soup recipe, and you’ll soon be enjoying a bowl of comforting, homemade goodness.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
This wonton soup recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves comforting, homemade meals. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making this dish:
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need an elaborate list of exotic ingredients to make delicious wonton soup. The recipe uses everyday ingredients that are easily available at your local grocery store. From the savory broth to the filling of the wontons, each ingredient adds depth and flavor to the dish.
- Customizable: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can choose the filling for the wontons based on your dietary preferences. Whether you want to make a pork, chicken, or vegetarian version, the options are endless. You can even experiment with different spices and seasonings to create a broth that suits your taste.
- Healthy and Light: Wonton soup is light yet filling, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a meal that’s not too heavy. The broth is flavorful without being greasy, and the wontons are filled with lean protein and vegetables. It’s a great option for those following a balanced diet.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner for one, a family meal, or a dish for a special occasion, wonton soup fits the bill. It’s a versatile meal that can be made in large batches for a crowd or in small portions for a personal treat.
- Quick and Easy: While making the wontons from scratch may take a bit of time, the overall process is straightforward. You don’t need to be an expert cook to get it right. Plus, if you’re short on time, you can always opt for store-bought wontons to make the process even faster.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 30-40)
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variation)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for the broth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for the broth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 2-3 cups bok choy or spinach (optional, for extra flavor and texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Used
- Large Pot or Soup Pot : Essential for simmering the broth and cooking the wontons. A large pot ensures there’s plenty of space for the wontons to float freely without overcrowding.
- Mixing Bowls : Used for preparing the filling of the wontons and mixing the broth ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons : For accurately measuring soy sauce, sesame oil, and other ingredients.
- Fork or Spoon : To mix the wonton filling thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Chopping Knife and Cutting Board : To chop vegetables like green onions, garlic, ginger, or bok choy. A sharp knife ensures easy and precise cutting.
- Slotted Spoon : This will help you gently remove the cooked wontons from the broth without breaking them. It’s ideal for lifting the delicate wontons out without disturbing the broth too much.
- Freezer-safe Tray (optional) : If you decide to make extra wontons and freeze them, a freezer-safe tray or baking sheet is useful for laying them out before storing.
- Soup Ladle : For serving the soup into bowls. A ladle helps you pour the broth and wontons without spilling.
- Small Brush or Finger : To seal the edges of the wonton wrappers when forming the dumplings. You can use a small brush dipped in water or simply use your finger to moisten the edges.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or tofu) with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, green onions, and cilantro. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Wontons: Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to create a triangle, sealing the edges tightly. You can also fold it into a purse or pleated shape, depending on your preference. Repeat until all the filling is used.
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, soy sauce, and additional sesame oil. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook the Wontons: Gently drop the prepared wontons into the simmering broth and cook for about 4-6 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface. You can also add bok choy or spinach during the last minute of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring that each serving gets plenty of broth and wontons. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Wonton soup is a light yet satisfying dish that can fit into a variety of healthy eating plans. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving (about 1 bowl of soup with 4-5 wontons and broth):
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on broth and soy sauce used)
This soup provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber from the broth and fillings. If you want to reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or vegetable broth. The wontons offer a good source of protein, while the addition of vegetables like bok choy or spinach provides vitamins and minerals.
Variations
- Vegetarian Wonton Soup: Use tofu or a vegetable mixture (such as mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots) as the filling for a vegetarian-friendly version of wonton soup.
- Spicy Wonton Soup: Add chili flakes or a small amount of sriracha sauce to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Chicken Wontons: For a leaner version, substitute ground pork with ground chicken. The flavor remains deliciously savory.
- Shrimp Wontons: Replace the meat filling with finely chopped shrimp for a seafood twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make wontons ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the wontons ahead of time and freeze them. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, drop them straight into the simmering broth from frozen.
Can I use store-bought wontons?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or want to simplify the recipe, you can use store-bought wontons. Just make sure to check for any added preservatives or unnecessary ingredients.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover wonton soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The broth may become cloudy after refrigeration, but it will still be flavorful. Reheat gently on the stove.
Is wonton soup gluten-free?
Traditional wonton soup is not gluten-free due to the wonton wrappers. However, you can find gluten-free wonton wrappers in specialty stores, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour.
Pro Tips by Emma
- Make the Soup Ahead: The broth can be made a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to develop more fully and makes your cooking time on the day of serving shorter.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Cook the wontons in batches to avoid overcrowding, which could cause them to stick together.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or even a dash of chili oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Avoid Boiling the Wontons: Once the wontons are in the broth, let them cook gently. Boiling them too vigorously can cause them to break apart.
Serving Suggestions
Wonton soup is a perfect stand-alone dish, but you can serve it alongside other delicious items to complete the meal. Pair it with a side of steamed dumplings, a light Asian cucumber salad, or some fried rice. For a more substantial meal, try adding extra protein or vegetables to the broth, or serve with a slice of crispy Chinese bread for dipping.
Easy Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe: A Delicious Comfort Dish
Equipment
- Large Pot or Soup Pot : Essential for simmering the broth and cooking the wontons. A large pot ensures there’s plenty of space for the wontons to float freely without overcrowding.
- Mixing Bowls : Used for preparing the filling of the wontons and mixing the broth ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons : For accurately measuring soy sauce, sesame oil, and other ingredients.
- Fork or Spoon : To mix the wonton filling thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Chopping Knife and Cutting Board : To chop vegetables like green onions, garlic, ginger, or bok choy. A sharp knife ensures easy and precise cutting.
- Slotted Spoon : This will help you gently remove the cooked wontons from the broth without breaking them. It’s ideal for lifting the delicate wontons out without disturbing the broth too much.
- Freezer-safe Tray (optional) : If you decide to make extra wontons and freeze them, a freezer-safe tray or baking sheet is useful for laying them out before storing.
- Soup Ladle : For serving the soup into bowls. A ladle helps you pour the broth and wontons without spilling.
- Small Brush or Finger : To seal the edges of the wonton wrappers when forming the dumplings. You can use a small brush dipped in water or simply use your finger to moisten the edges.
Ingredients
- 1 package of wonton wrappers about 30-40
- 1/2 lb ground pork or chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variation
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions scallions
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro optional
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce for the broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil for the broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
- 2-3 cups bok choy or spinach optional, for extra flavor and texture
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or tofu) with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, green onions, and cilantro. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Wontons: Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to create a triangle, sealing the edges tightly. You can also fold it into a purse or pleated shape, depending on your preference. Repeat until all the filling is used.
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, soy sauce, and additional sesame oil. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook the Wontons: Gently drop the prepared wontons into the simmering broth and cook for about 4-6 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface. You can also add bok choy or spinach during the last minute of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring that each serving gets plenty of broth and wontons. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!