Wonton soup is a classic Chinese dish that is comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Filled with juicy wontons and served in a light, savory broth, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a light meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through an easy recipe for wonton soup, with tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 1 package wonton wrappers (available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores)
- ½ pound ground pork or chicken (or shrimp, finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for binding)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Broth:
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Handful of baby spinach or bok choy (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix the ground pork (or chicken/shrimp), soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of filling to the center of the wrapper.
- Wet the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertip.
- Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing firmly to seal the edges.
- Bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together and pinch them to seal, creating the traditional wonton shape.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Make the Broth
- In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and soy sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add sliced green onions and spinach or bok choy, if using.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
- Bring a separate pot of water to a gentle boil.
- Add the wontons in batches, ensuring they don’t stick together.
- Cook the wontons for 3–5 minutes, or until they float to the top.
- Transfer the cooked wontons to the simmering broth using a slotted spoon.
Step 5: Serve the Wonton Soup
- Ladle the broth and wontons into bowls.
- Garnish with extra sliced green onions or sesame oil, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Wonton Soup
- Seal the Wontons Properly: Make sure the edges are sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Don’t Overfill: Use only about a teaspoon of filling per wrapper to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cook Wontons Separately: Boil the wontons in water before adding them to the broth to prevent clouding the soup.
- Customize the Filling: You can mix and match proteins or even add finely chopped vegetables to the filling.
Variations
- Vegetarian Wonton Soup: Use finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and shredded carrots for the filling, and vegetable broth for the base.
- Spicy Wonton Soup: Add a splash of chili oil or Sriracha to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Shrimp Wonton Soup: Use chopped shrimp as the main filling and garnish with cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Noodle Wonton Soup: Add cooked noodles to the soup for a heartier meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Store the Wontons Separately: If you plan to save leftovers, keep the cooked wontons separate from the broth to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Uncooked wontons can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Pre-Made Wontons?
Yes! Pre-made wontons can save time and are readily available in the frozen section of most grocery stores.
2. How Do I Prevent Wontons from Breaking?
Avoid overfilling the wrappers and handle them gently during cooking.
3. Can I Make Wontons Ahead of Time?
Yes, assemble the wontons and store them in the fridge (for a day) or freezer (for longer storage) until you’re ready to cook them.
Final Thoughts
Wonton soup is a versatile and comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the process of creating a warm, delicious bowl of wonton soup to share with family and friends!