If I had to pick one soup to represent pure comfort in a bowl, it would have to be Wonton Soup. There’s something magical about soft, savory pork-filled wontons floating in a delicately seasoned broth, with a swirl of greens and a sprinkle of fresh green onion. It’s light yet deeply satisfying, simple to make but loaded with layers of flavor – the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. And the best part? With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy authentic Wonton Soup right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Wonton Soup recipe is that it relies on simple, fresh ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. Each component brings something special to the bowl, creating the signature taste, texture, and aroma that make this soup so irresistible.
- Ground pork: Juicy and flavorful, the classic filling for authentic wontons. Don’t skip the fat – it keeps the filling from drying out!
- Green onions: Bring freshness, crunch, and a light oniony zing to both the filling and as a garnish.
- Soy sauce: Adds deep salty-umami richness to the pork and the broth with just a splash.
- Sesame oil: A nutty, fragrant oil that brings a distinctly Asian aroma you’ll recognize instantly.
- Fresh ginger: Grated to release its zesty, warming note – a must for authentic-tasting filling.
- Garlic: Minced for that gentle punch of flavor that ties everything together in the wontons.
- White pepper: A softer, more floral heat than black pepper, perfect for this delicate soup.
- Wonton wrappers: Store-bought wrappers make assembly quick and easy, creating that signature silkiness in the soup.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The base of your soup, mild yet savory, letting the other flavors shine.
- Baby spinach or bok choy: A handful of greens at the end adds color, nutrition, and a gentle crunch.
- Extra green onions: Sliced thin for the perfect pop of color and freshness at the finish.
How to Make Wonton Soup
Step 1: Make the Pork Filling
Start by placing the ground pork, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and white pepper in a medium bowl. Mixing these ingredients together with your hands (or a sturdy spoon) thoroughly isn’t just practical – it ensures all the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the filling. Take a moment to appreciate the aromas as everything combines; the ginger and sesame oil are particularly mouthwatering here.
Step 2: Assemble and Shape the Wontons
Get your wonton wrappers ready and set a small bowl of water nearby – it’s essential for sealing. Place one wrapper on your work surface and spoon about a teaspoon of the pork filling into the center. Dip your finger in water, moisten the edges, and fold the wrapper diagonally to make a triangle. Gently press out any air, then bring the bottom corners together to form that classic “hugging” wonton shape. Press to seal, and set aside. It may seem fiddly the first couple of times, but you’ll find a rhythm and soon be cranking out batch after batch.
Step 3: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, combine your low-sodium chicken broth with soy sauce and a tiny swirl of sesame oil. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. The aroma right now will let you know you’re about to make something special! This simple, delicate broth is what lets the flavors of the wontons shine through, so don’t skip the soy and sesame – they make all the difference.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
Working in batches, drop your assembled wontons into the gently boiling broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top, after 4–5 minutes, and the filling is no longer pink. About a minute before they finish, add your chopped baby spinach or bok choy – just enough time for it to wilt and bring its vibrant green color to the bowl.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup and wontons into bowls, making sure every serving gets a nice balance of broth, dumplings, and greens. Scatter thinly sliced green onions over the top for a burst of color and crisp flavor. Take a deep breath and get ready to dig in – you’re about to enjoy the best homemade Wonton Soup!
How to Serve Wonton Soup
Garnishes
The classic finishing touch for wonton soup is a sprinkle of fresh, thinly sliced green onions. I like to add a tiny drizzle of extra sesame oil or even a pinch of white pepper if I want a bit more fragrance and gentle heat. For a little pop, try a few drops of chili oil or a scattering of crispy fried garlic, especially if you love bold flavors.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Wonton Soup with the right side dish turns it into a full meal. I’m partial to a bowl of steamed rice or some simple stir-fried vegetables, perhaps snow peas or broccoli with a touch of garlic. If you’re feeling like going all out, serve it alongside other dim sum classics like scallion pancakes or pickled cucumber salad for an authentic Chinese restaurant experience at home.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to impress, serve the wonton soup in elegant individual bowls, maybe garnished with a few edible flowers or a sprig of cilantro. For family-style dining, bring the pot right to the table and let everyone ladle their own bowls. Or set up a DIY wonton bar and let people wrap and shape their own dumplings before slipping them into the simmering broth. It’s interactive, fun, and absolutely delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover wonton soup is a treat for another day! Transfer cooled soup and wontons into airtight containers, keeping the broth and wontons separate if possible. This keeps the wonton wrappers from soaking up too much liquid and getting soggy. Stored this way, both can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want future Wonton Soup at the ready, freeze uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag when solid. Frozen wontons don’t need to be thawed – just drop them straight into the simmering soup and cook them for 6–7 minutes until they float and are hot throughout.
Reheating
If you’ve stored the soup and wontons together, gently reheat them on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until everything is steaming hot. If they’re separate, bring the broth to a simmer first, then add the wontons to warm up. Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent the delicate wrappers from breaking apart.
FAQs
Can I use another kind of meat for the wonton filling?
Absolutely! While ground pork is the traditional choice for wonton soup, you can swap it for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter taste. Even chopped shrimp or a pork-shrimp combo is fantastic if you’re craving a little more seafood sweetness.
Where can I find wonton wrappers?
Wonton wrappers are widely available in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets, usually near the tofu or other Asian ingredients. If you have an Asian grocery nearby, check there for fresher or thinner-style wrappers, which make for silkier dumplings.
Can I add extra vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Mushrooms and shredded carrots are both excellent additions. Add them to the broth along with the greens, or get creative with your favorites – thinly sliced napa cabbage and baby corn work well too. Just be sure not to overload the soup, so the wontons stay the star of the show.
What’s the best way to keep wontons from sticking together?
When shaping, use just enough filling to avoid bursting, and seal tightly. While cooking, stir gently and add them in batches, making sure the broth keeps moving so the wrappers don’t stick to each other or the bottom of the pot.
Do I have to make all the wontons at once?
Nope! You can freeze extra assembled wontons before cooking. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. This way, a quick pot of homemade Wonton Soup is just minutes away, any time you crave it.
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to sit down with a bowl of homemade Wonton Soup, custom-crafted in your own kitchen. Every bite brings a perfect balance of savory filling, soothing broth, and vibrant greens – a testament to how simple dishes can be the most soul-satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a try soon. And if it becomes a favorite for you and your loved ones, don’t be surprised – it’s just that good!
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful recipe for homemade Wonton Soup, filled with tender pork-filled wontons in a savory broth with greens, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 8 oz ground pork
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 24 wonton wrappers
For the Broth:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for broth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for broth)
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy, chopped
- Additional green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Filling: In a bowl, combine ground pork, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the Wontons: Place filling in the center of each wonton wrapper, moisten edges, fold, and seal.
- Cook the Wontons: Bring chicken broth to a boil, add soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook wontons in batches for 4–5 minutes. Add greens during the last minute.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- Wontons can be made ahead and frozen before cooking.
- Add mushrooms or shredded carrots to the broth for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
