Wonton soup is a classic Chinese dish that’s light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something comforting, this recipe brings the delicate flavors of homemade wontons together with a rich, aromatic broth. With simple steps, you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Wonton Soup
For the Wonton Filling:
- 8 ounces (225 g) lean ground pork
- 1 tablespoon (6 g) green onions, chopped
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.6 g) white pepper
- 1 tablespoon (4 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 24 wonton wrappers
For the Broth:
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tablespoon (7 g) raw sugar
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.3 g) white pepper
- 3 slices ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 large cloves garlic, smashed
Step-by-Step Instructions for Wonton Soup
1. Prepare the Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ginger, white pepper, and parsley. Mix with a fork, then use your hands to gently finish combining. Be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the meat, and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
2. Make the Broth
- In a 3-quart (2.8-liter) pot, combine the chicken broth, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, white pepper, ginger slices, and smashed garlic cloves.
- Heat over medium-low, allowing the flavors to infuse as the broth simmers.
3. Shape the Wontons
- While the broth simmers, prepare a large pot of boiling water for the wontons.
- To make the wontons, place a heaping teaspoon of filling on the floured side of each wrapper. Dab a little water along the edges of the wrapper, then fold and seal as desired.
- To test the filling’s seasoning, cook a couple of wontons in the boiling water for 4–5 minutes, until they float. Taste and adjust the filling seasoning if needed before finishing the rest.
4. Cook the Wontons
- Once all the wontons are folded, boil them in batches in the prepared pot of water. They will float to the surface when done, typically after 4–5 minutes. Use a spider strainer to remove them and set aside.
5. Optional: Prepare Bok Choy
- If adding bok choy, blanch it in the simmering broth for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain and place 1–2 pieces at the bottom of each serving bowl.
6. Assemble the Soup
- Place 6 cooked wontons in each bowl, on top of the bok choy if using.
- Before ladling the broth into the bowls, remove and discard the ginger slices and garlic cloves from the pot. Stir in chopped green onion tops for freshness.
- Pour 2–3 ladles of hot broth over the wontons in each bowl and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Wonton Sealing: Be sure to press the edges of the wonton wrappers firmly to prevent them from opening while cooking.
- Custom Additions: Feel free to add mushrooms, shrimp, or spinach to the broth for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Leftover wontons can be frozen before cooking for a quick meal later. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage.
This homemade wonton soup is a delicious way to bring authentic Chinese flavors to your table. From the tender, savory wontons to the aromatic broth, every spoonful is a comforting treat. It’s easier to make than you think, and the result is a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and savor the taste of homemade comfort!
