Wonton Soup Recipe

Wonton Soup is a classic Chinese dish that combines delicate dumplings filled with seasoned meat or seafood and a light, flavorful broth. It’s a comforting, warm, and satisfying soup that’s perfect as an appetizer or a full meal. The beauty of wonton soup lies in its balance of textures — tender, silky wontons float in a fragrant broth while crisp vegetables and aromatics elevate the flavors.

Homemade wonton soup allows you to enjoy fresh, hand-wrapped dumplings without the preservatives found in store-bought versions. Whether served on a cold evening, at a family dinner, or for special occasions, this soup is nourishing, customizable, and endlessly comforting.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines soft, flavorful wontons with a light, aromatic broth that’s deeply satisfying. Each bite delivers a combination of textures — the delicate wrapper, juicy filling, and flavorful broth — which makes the soup feel luxurious yet homey.

What’s more, it’s highly customizable. You can change the filling from pork to shrimp, chicken, or even vegetarian options. The soup is a perfect canvas for fresh herbs, greens, and seasonings, allowing you to make it your own every time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfectly soft, juicy wontons that melt in your mouth.
• The light, aromatic broth enhances the flavor without being heavy.
• Great for family meals, celebrations, or cozy nights.
• Customizable with vegetables, proteins, and aromatics.
• It’s fun to make yet comforting and rewarding.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus 20–30 minutes for wrapping wontons)
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories per Serving: ~250–300 kcal
• Course: Soup / Appetizer
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

For the Wontons

• 1/2 lb ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 30–40 wonton wrappers

For the Broth

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Thinly sliced scallions
• Baby spinach or bok choy
• Fresh cilantro
• Chili oil or Sriracha

Directions (Quick Overview)

1. Prepare wonton filling and wrap dumplings.
2. Simmer broth with aromatics.
3. Cook wontons in simmering broth until tender.
4. Add optional vegetables and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve hot, garnished with scallions and herbs.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, scallions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper.
2. Mix until ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2: Wrap the Wontons

1. Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper.
2. Moisten edges with water, fold into a triangle, and press edges to seal.
3. Optionally, fold the corners together for traditional wonton shapes.
4. Repeat until all filling is used.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

1. In a large pot, combine chicken or vegetable broth, sliced ginger, and garlic.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Wontons

1. Carefully add wontons to the simmering broth.
2. Cook for 4–6 minutes, or until wontons float and the filling is fully cooked.

Step 5: Add Vegetables (Optional)

1. Add baby spinach or bok choy and simmer for 1–2 minutes until tender.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle wontons and broth into bowls.
2. Garnish with sliced scallions, fresh cilantro, and optional chili oil.
3. Serve hot immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve as an appetizer or main course with steamed rice or a side of dumplings.
• Offer garnishes such as chili oil, Sriracha, or extra soy sauce on the side.
• Can be enjoyed as a light lunch, cozy dinner, or part of a multi-course Asian meal.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overfill wontons — a small amount of filling prevents tearing.
• Seal edges well to prevent filling from leaking into the broth.
• Simmer gently — avoid boiling to keep wontons intact.
• Customize broth — add mushrooms, scallions, or seaweed for extra flavor.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil enhance aroma and freshness.

Variations

1. Shrimp Wonton Soup: Use minced shrimp or a combination of shrimp and pork for the filling.
2. Chicken Wonton Soup: Use ground chicken and add a splash of fish sauce for flavor.
3. Vegetarian Wontons: Fill with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables.
4. Spicy Wonton Soup: Add chili oil, fresh chilies, or Sriracha to the broth.
5. Seaweed Wonton Soup: Include wakame or nori for an umami boost.

Freezing and Storage

• Uncooked Wontons: Can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen.
• Cooked Soup: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove; avoid overcooking wontons.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for broth and cooking wontons
• Mixing bowl for filling
• Knife and cutting board
• Ladle for serving
• Optional: steamer or pot for prepping vegetables

Conclusion

Wonton Soup is a delicate, comforting, and flavorful dish that showcases the harmony of soft dumplings and aromatic broth. Its simplicity, versatility, and depth of flavor make it a must-try for anyone who enjoys Asian cuisine.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or a special occasion, homemade wonton soup is rewarding to prepare and delightful to eat. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory broth, tender filling, and fresh garnishes, making it a classic dish that never goes out of style.