Wonton Soup Recipe
Wonton Soup is a dish that instantly warms both the stomach and the soul, combining delicate pork-filled wontons floating in fragrant, golden broth. It’s a staple in Chinese families for good reason: each sip and every spoonful is a happy marriage of savory flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly day or looking to impress friends with a homemade touch, nothing feels quite as special as serving a pot of steaming Wonton Soup at your own table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This classic recipe keeps things beautifully simple, so every ingredient shines. Each one brings its own magic to the bowl, from the richness of pork to the bright punch of green onions, and together they create the unmistakable flavor of Wonton Soup.
- Ground Pork (1/2 pound): Adds incredible savory flavor and juicy texture for the wonton filling.
- Green Onions (2, finely chopped + 2, sliced): Offer freshness, mild oniony bite, and great color for both filling and broth.
- Soy Sauce (1 tbsp for filling + 1 tbsp for broth): Gives a salty, umami backbone to both the wontons and the soup base.
- Sesame Oil (1 tbsp for filling + 1 tsp for broth): Brings toasty, nutty aroma and flavor that’s essential to authentic Wonton Soup.
- Ginger (1 tsp grated for filling + 1/2 tsp for broth): Elevates everything with bright zing and warmth that cuts through the richness.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tsp): Adds just the right amount of tang to make the filling pop.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Lends subtle depth to the pork mixture without overpowering.
- White Pepper (1/4 tsp): Grants a gentle heat and authentic earthiness.
- Wonton Wrappers (24): The soft, pillowy envelope that holds our savory filling—look for fresh wrappers in the refrigerated section.
- Water (small bowl): Used as a simple “glue” to seal the edges of each wonton tight while assembling.
- Chicken Broth (6 cups): Creates that classic, deeply satisfying soup base around the wontons.
- Optional Baby Bok Choy or Spinach: Toss in for extra color, nutrients, and a splash of green freshness.
How to Make Wonton Soup
Step 1: Mix the Savory Wonton Filling
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and combining your ground pork with the green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully integrated and the pork takes on a cohesive, sticky texture—this ensures every bite is succulent and full of flavor.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
Lay out a few wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place about one teaspoon of the filling right in the center of each wrapper. Dip your finger into the bowl of water and trace the edges of the wrapper; this moisture seals them perfectly. Fold the wrapper into a triangle, sealing the edges, then bring the two bottom corners together and secure with a dab more water—making the classic wonton shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling, savoring the meditative rhythm.
Step 3: Prepare the Broth
Pour your chicken broth into a big pot and set it over medium heat. Once it starts to gently simmer, stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and sliced green onions. If you’re adding greens like baby bok choy or spinach, now’s the time to toss them in. The kitchen instantly fills with the aroma that makes Wonton Soup so enticing.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
Carefully drop your assembled wontons into the simmering broth. They only need about 4 to 5 minutes—once they float to the surface and the pork looks fully cooked, they’re ready. The wrappers become silky and translucent, soaking up the broth’s golden goodness while keeping the filling juicy and tender.
Step 5: Ladle and Serve
With the wontons cooked, it’s time to serve! Use a ladle to dish out plenty of plump wontons and piping-hot broth into each bowl. Make sure everyone gets both plenty of wontons and some of the vibrant green garnish from the soup. Serve right away while everything is steaming and aromatic.
How to Serve Wonton Soup
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of flavor and color, finish each bowl of Wonton Soup with a sprinkle of sliced green onions, a few cilantro leaves, or even a swirl of chili oil if you love a little heat. A dash of white pepper or a splash of extra soy sauce at the table lets everyone personalize their perfect bowl.
Side Dishes
Wonton Soup pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed or stir-fried greens, a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice, or a crisp cucumber salad. You can also serve a plate of lightly sautéed snow peas or a stack of scallion pancakes for a satisfying Chinese-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving Wonton Soup in deep ceramic bowls for an authentic look, or arrange on a tray alongside small dipping dishes of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil so guests can customize every bite. For a fun family-style meal, set out toppings like chopped herbs, slivered hot peppers, and crunchy fried shallots so everyone can build their own perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Wonton Soup, let it cool to room temperature, then store the broth and wontons separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents the wontons from becoming soggy and falling apart before you’re ready to enjoy them again. They’ll keep well for up to two days.
Freezing
Wonton Soup is super freezer-friendly! To make ahead, line uncooked wontons on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen—just drop them into simmering broth and add a minute or two to the cook time. Frozen cooked broth can also be stored in containers for a quick meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the broth over medium heat on the stovetop, then gently simmer the wontons until they’re heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make wontons tough. If reheating previously combined soup, warm it slowly and serve as soon as everything is hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein for the wonton filling?
Absolutely! While pork is traditional in Wonton Soup, feel free to substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or even a combination of shrimp and pork for a delightful twist. Adjust seasonings to taste if you switch it up.
Where can I find wonton wrappers?
Look for wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of most well-stocked grocery stores, usually near the tofu or produce. Asian markets always have a great selection, and some even offer different thicknesses for a custom touch.
Is it necessary to cook the wontons all at once?
No, you can cook as many or as few as you want at a time! Uncooked wontons freeze beautifully, so feel free to save any extras for a future Wonton Soup craving—just boil them straight from the freezer whenever you need a quick bowl.
What’s the best broth for homemade Wonton Soup?
Homemade chicken broth delivers the richest flavor, but good-quality store-bought chicken broth works perfectly for busy weeknights. You can even use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version if you change up the filling.
How do I keep the wontons from falling apart?
Be sure to dampen and seal the edges well when assembling, and handle gently when stirring them into the broth. Simmer the soup gently—vigorous boiling can make wrappers tear. A little care ensures every wonton stays plump and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a homemade bowl of Wonton Soup—both comforting and deeply satisfying, it truly feels like a taste of home. If you’ve never tried making it from scratch, I promise it’s worth every minute. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Wonton Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Wonton Soup from scratch with this easy recipe. Homemade pork wontons in a flavorful broth, a comforting Chinese soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Small bowl of water for sealing
For the Broth:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: baby bok choy or spinach
Instructions
- For the Wontons: In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Add 1 teaspoon of filling to the center. Wet the edges with water and fold into a triangle, pressing to seal. Bring the two bottom corners together and seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and sliced green onions. Add baby bok choy or spinach if using. Drop in the wontons and simmer for 4–5 minutes or until cooked through.
- Ladle broth and wontons into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
- Uncooked wontons can be frozen on a baking sheet, then stored in a freezer bag for later use. Cook from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the simmer time.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
