Wonton Soup: A Warm and Comforting Classic

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of steaming hot wonton soup to warm you up on a chilly day. The delicate dumplings floating in a flavorful broth make this dish both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something light yet filling, or just looking for a homemade meal that’s easy to make, wonton soup is the perfect choice.

What makes this soup even better is that it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Many people think making dumplings is tricky, but once you get the hang of folding them, it’s actually quite fun! Plus, you can customize the filling to your taste—chicken, pork, shrimp, or even vegetables.

If you’ve ever ordered wonton soup from a restaurant and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” you’re in the right place! This recipe will show you how to create a delicious, homemade version that tastes just as good—if not better—than takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Wonton Soup

• It’s easy to make – The ingredients are simple, and you can prepare the wontons in advance to save time.
• It’s packed with flavor – The combination of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich and tasty broth.
• It’s customizable – You can adjust the filling to include your favorite proteins and vegetables.
• It’s light yet satisfying – The broth is clear and nourishing, while the wontons make it hearty enough for a meal.

Ingredients

For the Wontons

• ½ pound (225g) ground pork (or chicken/shrimp)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 20-25 wonton wrappers

For the Broth

• 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Optional Toppings

• Sliced green onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Bok choy or spinach
• Chili oil (for extra spice)

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you start, gather these essential kitchen tools to make preparing wonton soup easy and fun:

• Mixing bowl – For combining the wonton filling.
• Cutting board and knife – To chop green onions, garlic, and other ingredients.
• Small spoon – For scooping the filling onto the wonton wrappers.
• Pastry brush or small bowl of water – To seal the wontons properly.
• Large pot – To cook the broth and boil the wontons.
• Slotted spoon – For removing cooked wontons without breaking them.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Wonton Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork (or chosen protein), grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
2. Mix everything well until the filling is smooth and evenly combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Fold the Wontons

1. Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface.
2. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling to the center.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal.
5. Bring the two bottom corners together and press to seal (you can also leave them as simple triangles if preferred).
6. Repeat until all the filling is used.

Step 3: Make the Broth

1. In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat.
2. Add grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper.
3. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Wontons

1. Bring a separate pot of water to a boil.
2. Carefully drop in the wontons, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the wontons float to the top.
4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked wontons to serving bowls.

Step 5: Assemble the Soup

1. Pour the hot broth over the wontons in each bowl.
2. Add any optional toppings, such as sliced green onions, cilantro, or bok choy.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overfill the wontons – A small amount of filling (about 1 teaspoon) is enough. Too much filling can make them hard to seal and cook properly.
• Seal them well – Use water to seal the edges tightly so the wontons don’t open while cooking.
• Cook wontons separately – Boiling them in a separate pot instead of in the broth keeps the soup clear and clean.
• Make extra and freeze – Uncooked wontons can be frozen on a tray and then stored in a bag. Just cook them straight from frozen when you need a quick meal!
• Taste the broth – Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding a little more soy sauce or sesame oil if needed.

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to enjoy your homemade wonton soup! It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about wonton soup is how versatile it is! Here are some ingredient swaps and variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Protein options – Instead of ground pork, try ground chicken, turkey, shrimp, or even a mix of two proteins.
• Vegetarian option – Use finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or mashed chickpeas instead of meat. Add a little soy sauce and sesame oil for extra flavor.
• Gluten-free wrappers – If you need a gluten-free option, look for rice paper or gluten-free wonton wrappers at the store. You can also serve the filling as dumplings without the wrapper.
• Broth variations – Try vegetable broth for a lighter, plant-based soup, or add a splash of miso for extra umami flavor.
• Spice it up – If you like heat, add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chili peppers to your bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Wonton soup is delicious on its own, but you can make it a full meal by pairing it with:

• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables – Bok choy, snow peas, or broccoli make great sides.
• Fried rice or plain white rice – A small bowl of rice can make the meal more filling.
• Spring rolls or dumplings – Enjoy a variety of textures by serving crispy spring rolls or pan-fried dumplings alongside your soup.
• Extra toppings – Top your soup with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of soy sauce for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your wonton soup properly:

• Storage
  • Keep the broth and wontons separate to prevent them from getting soggy.
  • Store cooked wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Store the broth in a separate container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Uncooked wontons can be frozen on a tray until firm, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating
  • To reheat the broth, warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot.
  • For refrigerated wontons, place them in simmering water for 1-2 minutes to heat through before adding to the broth.
  • If using frozen wontons, cook them straight from the freezer in boiling water for 5-7 minutes before adding to the soup.

FAQ

1. Can I make wonton soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the wontons in advance and freeze them. The broth can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just cook the wontons when you’re ready to eat.

2. Can I use store-bought wontons?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made frozen wontons work well in this soup. Just cook them in boiling water before adding them to the broth.

3. How do I prevent my wontons from falling apart?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly with water and avoid overcooking them. Gentle stirring while cooking also helps keep them intact.

4. What can I do if my broth is too salty?
If your broth tastes too salty, add a little more water or unsalted broth to balance the flavor.

5. Can I add noodles to wonton soup?
Yes! Adding thin egg noodles or rice noodles can make the soup even heartier. Cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving.

Now that you know everything about making wonton soup, it’s time to enjoy a warm, homemade bowl full of flavor and comfort!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!