If you love a bowl of comforting warmth that’s both simple and packed with flavor, this Wonton Soup Recipe is a must-try. Bringing together tender pork-filled wontons swimming in a clear, fragrant chicken broth with hints of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, this dish is a classic that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re new to homemade Chinese cooking or looking for a fresh twist on a beloved favorite, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of ease and authenticity that will have you craving seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Wonton Soup Recipe is straightforward but crucial—each item has its role in creating the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. From the ground pork that forms the savory center of the wontons to the fresh green onions that brighten the broth, every element counts.
- Ground pork: The hearty and juicy filling that gives the wontons their rich, savory base.
- Soy sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor both inside the wontons and in the broth.
- Sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma that infuses the whole dish with warmth.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a subtle zing to balance the pork’s richness.
- Garlic: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the broth beautifully.
- Green onions: Used both in the filling and as garnish, they add freshness and color.
- Cornstarch: Helps bind the pork mixture for perfectly tender wontons.
- Wonton wrappers: Thin, delicate sheets of dough that encase the filling and cook up silky smooth.
- Chicken broth: The light, savory base that holds everything together deliciously.
- White pepper (optional): Offers a gentle heat that elevates the soup without overpowering it.
- Chopped bok choy or spinach (optional): Adds a fresh, leafy texture and vibrant green color.
How to Make Wonton Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Filling
Start by combining the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, finely chopped green onion, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix everything well until the ingredients blend into a smooth, flavorful filling. This mixture packs the savory kick that defines your wontons.
Step 2: Wrap the Wontons
Place about one teaspoon of the pork filling into the center of each wonton wrapper. Lightly moisten the wrapper edges with water to act as glue, then fold the wrapper into a triangle and press firmly to seal. To get that classic wonton shape, bring the two bottom corners together and pinch them tightly. You’ll now have perfectly formed wontons ready for cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup Broth
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and if you like, a pinch of white pepper for subtle spice. This clear, fragrant base is where your wontons will cook and soak up even more flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
Carefully drop the prepared wontons into the boiling broth. Let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they float to the surface and are fully cooked. This float is a sign they’re tender, juicy, and ready to enjoy!
Step 5: Add Greens and Finish
If you want to incorporate some greens, now is the time to toss in chopped bok choy or spinach. Let them simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted, adding freshness and a lovely pop of color to your soup.
How to Serve Wonton Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your wonton soup with sliced green onions is a simple way to add a burst of fresh, peppery notes that contrast beautifully with the rich broth and tender dumplings. A few drops of extra sesame oil over the top can amplify the nutty aroma, making each spoonful irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Wonton Soup Recipe can stand alone as a satisfying meal, but pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or lightly stir-fried vegetables creates a more substantial dining experience. You could also serve it alongside crispy spring rolls for a delightful texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the soup in pretty ceramic bowls or in individual hot pots to keep it warm longer. You can also float a soft-boiled egg or add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal. These little details elevate the humble soup into something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover wonton soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the soup and wontons together in an airtight container to preserve flavor and texture, then simply reheat gently to avoid overcooking the delicate wontons.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked wontons before cooking to save time on busy days. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, cook the frozen wontons straight in hot broth, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
Gently warm your wonton soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Avoid boiling again to keep the pork juicy and the broth clear. Adding a handful of fresh greens during reheating can refresh the soup’s texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other meats besides pork for the wontons?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even finely chopped shrimp work wonderfully in wontons. Just adjust the seasoning slightly to complement the flavors of your chosen meat or seafood.
Do I have to make the wontons from scratch?
Not at all! Using store-bought wonton wrappers makes this recipe much quicker and just as delicious. They are widely available in most grocery stores, often in the refrigerated produce or Asian foods section.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sesame oil?
While sesame oil is key for that authentic nutty aroma, you can substitute with a light drizzle of toasted peanut oil or simply omit it. Just keep in mind the final flavor will be milder without it.
Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Yes, adding leafy greens like bok choy or spinach is a perfect way to enhance the nutrition and texture of your wonton soup. You can also try mushrooms or thinly sliced carrots for more variety.
Is this soup suitable for freezing after it’s cooked?
While you can freeze the soup, cooked wontons tend to become a bit soft after freezing and reheating. It’s best to freeze uncooked wontons separately and make the soup fresh when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about a bowl of homemade wonton soup, and this Wonton Soup Recipe captures all the heart and flavor of that feeling. It’s a beautiful, approachable dish that brings warmth and joy, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just indulging yourself. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and dive into making your own steaming bowls of this timeless classic—you won’t regret it!
Print
Wonton Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Wonton soup is a light and savory Chinese classic featuring delicate pork-filled dumplings served in a clear, flavorful broth with green onions and sesame oil. This comforting dish is surprisingly easy to make at home and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a full meal.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 24 wonton wrappers
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Chopped bok choy or spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the ground pork with soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, finely chopped green onion, and cornstarch until well combined to form the wonton filling.
- Assemble the Wontons: Place 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges with water, fold the wrapper into a triangle, and press to seal tightly. Then bring the bottom two corners together and pinch to form the traditional wonton shape.
- Heat the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper if using, stirring to combine the flavors.
- Cook the Wontons: Gently drop the prepared wontons into the boiling broth. Cook for 5–6 minutes or until the wontons float to the surface and are cooked through.
- Add Greens and Simmer: Add chopped bok choy or spinach if desired, and simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes until the greens are tender.
- Serve: Ladle the soup and wontons into bowls, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Uncooked wontons can be frozen for later use; simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a sealed bag.
- For added flavor and variety, include cooked shrimp or mushrooms in the wonton filling.
- Store-bought wonton wrappers are convenient and usually found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
