The warm, aromatic broth of homemade wonton soup is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Each wonton is filled with a savory blend of pork and shrimp, offering a perfect bite every time. The soft dumplings and the fragrant broth create a harmonious combination that’s comforting and rich in umami flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a quick yet wholesome meal or a dish to impress guests, this Wonton Soup delivers in both taste and presentation. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can bring an authentic Chinese dining experience to your home. Serve it with fresh scallions and bok choy for extra freshness, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound shrimp, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 30 wonton wrappers
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup baby bok choy, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for broth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped shrimp, minced green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges with water and fold into a triangle, pressing the edges to seal.
- Bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together, sealing with water to create a traditional wonton shape. Repeat for all wrappers.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Drop in the wontons one by one and cook for 4-5 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Add bok choy and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
Wonton Soup: The Ultimate Guide to a Classic Chinese Dish
Wonton Soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine, beloved for its delicate dumplings swimming in a flavorful, aromatic broth. While often enjoyed at restaurants, making it at home is easier than you think—and even more satisfying! This guide will take you through every step, from making the perfect wonton filling to crafting a rich, savory broth.
What is Wonton Soup?
Wonton Soup consists of dumplings—typically filled with ground meat (such as pork or shrimp) and seasonings—cooked in a light yet flavorful broth. Originating from Chinese cuisine, wontons have been a symbol of comfort food for centuries, enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, combine ground pork, chopped shrimp, minced green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper.
- Stir well until the mixture is fully combined. The filling should be slightly sticky, which helps with shaping the wontons.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
- Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center.
- Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper diagonally into a triangle and press the edges firmly to seal.
- Bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and press to seal.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Make the Broth
- Heat a small amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir and bring to a boil.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
- Once the broth is boiling, gently drop the wontons into the pot.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the wontons float to the top.
- Add the bok choy and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the broth and wontons into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat Wonton Soup
Storing Wontons Separately
If you have leftover wontons, store them separately from the broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart prevents the wontons from becoming too soggy.
Freezing Wontons for Later Use
- Place uncooked wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
- Cook directly from frozen—just add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Bring the broth to a simmer, add the wontons, and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat the broth first, then add the wontons and microwave in short intervals until warm.
Variations and Customizations
Different Fillings
- Chicken & Mushroom: A lighter alternative to pork and shrimp.
- Vegetarian Wontons: Use finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and cabbage.
- Spicy Wontons: Add a touch of chili oil or Szechuan peppercorns for heat.
Broth Options
- Spicy Miso Broth: Mix in a spoonful of miso paste and chili flakes for a Japanese-inspired twist.
- Bone Broth Base: Simmer chicken bones for a few hours for an extra rich and nutritious broth.
- Ginger & Turmeric Broth: Add fresh turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost.
Tips for the Best Wonton Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, pork, and herbs enhance the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overfill the Wontons: Too much filling can cause them to burst while cooking.
- Seal Properly: Ensure the wontons are tightly sealed to prevent them from opening in the broth.
- Serve Immediately: Wonton Soup is best enjoyed fresh, as the wontons can become too soft if left in the broth for too long.
Why Make Wonton Soup at Home?
- Healthier Alternative: Unlike restaurant versions, this homemade Wonton Soup allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding excessive sodium and preservatives.
- Customizable: You can adjust the filling to your preference, swapping pork for chicken or even making a vegetarian version.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner or an appetizer for a special gathering, Wonton Soup is always a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts: The Comfort and Joy of Homemade Wonton Soup
Wonton Soup is more than just a dish—it’s a symbol of warmth, tradition, and the joy of homemade cooking. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, serving it to family and friends, or exploring the art of dumpling-making for the first time, this recipe offers a rewarding culinary experience.
One of the greatest advantages of making wonton soup at home is the ability to control the ingredients and tailor it to your own tastes. Unlike restaurant versions, which may contain excessive sodium or preservatives, a homemade version allows you to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. You can experiment with different fillings—perhaps trying a vegetarian variation with mushrooms and tofu or a spicy version with chili oil and Szechuan peppercorns. The broth itself can also be customized to your liking, whether you prefer a light, clear chicken broth or a deeply infused, slow-simmered bone broth.
Beyond its taste, Wonton Soup carries a sense of tradition and nostalgia. In Chinese culture, making wontons is often a communal activity, bringing together family members of different generations. There is something deeply satisfying about the process—spooning the filling onto each delicate wrapper, folding them carefully, and watching them transform into beautiful dumplings ready to be cooked. It’s an act of patience and love, much like other classic homemade dishes passed down through families.
Another wonderful aspect of Wonton Soup is its versatility. It can be a light appetizer, a comforting main course, or even a nourishing meal when you’re feeling under the weather. The combination of tender dumplings, rich broth, and fresh greens makes it a balanced dish that provides both warmth and sustenance. Plus, the ability to make and freeze wontons in advance means that you can always have a quick and delicious meal ready when you need it.
For those new to making dumplings, the process might seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you’ll find it to be surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. Learning how to fold wontons properly, how to season the filling just right, and how to build a flavorful broth are all skills that will serve you well in the kitchen. Over time, you may even develop your own signature version of this dish, adding personal touches that make it uniquely yours.
As you enjoy each spoonful of your homemade Wonton Soup, take a moment to appreciate the effort and care that went into creating it. Cooking is not just about following a recipe—it’s about the experience, the creativity, and the joy of sharing something delicious with others. Whether you’re making this soup as a comforting treat for yourself or preparing a big pot for loved ones, know that every bowl carries a story, a tradition, and a whole lot of love.
So go ahead—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embrace the magic of homemade Wonton Soup. With each batch you make, you’ll gain confidence, refine your technique, and most importantly, create memories that last far beyond the meal itself. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth, delicious aromas, and the joy of good food! 🍜✨