wonton soup

 

Classic Wonton Soup Recipe: Warm, Comforting, and Packed with Flavor

Few dishes are as soul-soothing as a steaming bowl of wonton soup. With tender dumplings floating in a flavorful broth, this Chinese restaurant favorite is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you're under the weather, craving takeout, or just in the mood for something warm and comforting, homemade wonton soup hits the spot every time.

This recipe brings together delicate wontons filled with seasoned ground meat and a savory broth that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

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What Is Wonton Soup?

Wonton soup is a popular Chinese dish made of wontons (thin dough wrappers filled with meat, shrimp, or vegetables) served in a clear, aromatic broth. It’s often served as a starter in Chinese cuisine but is hearty enough to enjoy as a full meal.

The best part? You can customize it easily — from the filling to the broth to the add-ins.

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Ingredients

For the wontons:

• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork or ground chicken

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper

• 25–30 wonton wrappers (available at most grocery stores or Asian markets)

For the broth:

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups water

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 2 slices of fresh ginger

• Salt to taste

• Optional: Bok choy, mushrooms, or baby spinach for extra greens

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Instructions

1. Make the filling:

In a bowl, mix the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, green onions, pepper, and vinegar (if using). Stir well until combined.

2. Assemble the wontons:

• Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface.

• Add about 1 teaspoon of filling to the center.

• Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper.

• Fold into a triangle and press edges to seal. Bring the two corners together and press to form a traditional wonton shape.
  (Don’t worry if yours look different — they’ll still taste great!)

3. Make the broth:

In a large pot, combine chicken broth, water, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

If adding vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms, add them to the broth now and simmer until tender.

4. Cook the wontons:

• Carefully add the wontons to the simmering broth.

• Cook for 5–7 minutes or until the wontons float and the meat is cooked through.

5. Serve:

Ladle hot broth and wontons into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions or a few drops of chili oil for extra flavor.

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Tips for Success

• Freeze extras: Make a big batch of wontons and freeze them uncooked. Just boil directly from frozen whenever you need a quick meal.

• Keep it light: Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.

• Change the filling: Try shrimp, tofu, or a mix of pork and shrimp for variety.

• Customize the broth: Add star anise, a splash of rice wine, or garlic for deeper flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Wonton Soup

• Quick and easy to make

• Freezer-friendly for busy nights

• Naturally comforting and nourishing

• Great for customizing with what you have on hand

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Final Thoughts

Wonton soup is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It's cozy, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make at home — no fancy tools or ingredients required. Once you try making it yourself, you may never go back to takeout again.

Whether it's a chilly evening or you’re simply craving a flavorful homemade dish, give this classic wonton soup a try — your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.