Cozy, soothing, and absolutely bursting with savory flavor, Wonton Soup is that kind of meal that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl. Delicate dumplings swim in a silky, aromatic broth, mingling with tender greens and the unmistakable touch of fresh ginger. Whether you’re seeking quick comfort on a chilly evening or sharing a vibrant starter before a festive meal, this classic dish brings the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your own kitchen. If you’ve ever wanted to capture that special blend of simplicity and depth, this is the Wonton Soup recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While the ingredient list is pleasingly short, each component is chosen for the essential flavors and textures it brings to the Wonton Soup. Relying on quality broth, aromatics, and fresh greens makes all the difference in achieving delicious, restaurant-quality results at home.
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: A gentle base that allows all the other flavors to shine — using low-sodium gives you control over seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds that umami backbone and beautiful color to your soup.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Offers a fragrant, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Provides brightness and a subtle kick to balance the richness.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Fresh and crisp, green onions finish the broth with a pop of flavor and color.
- 24 store-bought or homemade wontons (pork or shrimp): The heart of Wonton Soup — tender dumplings filled with savory meat or seafood.
- 1 cup baby bok choy (chopped): Mild and vibrantly green, baby bok choy adds crunch and nutrition.
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional): For earthiness and extra substance, mushrooms are always a welcomed addition.
- Salt and white pepper to taste: A sprinkle of salt and just a pinch of white pepper round out the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Wonton Soup
Step 1: Simmer the Broth
Start by pouring your chicken broth into a large pot and setting it over medium heat. As the broth warms, stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, and sliced green onions. Let the mixture simmer gently for about five minutes — this infuses all those gorgeous flavors into the liquid, forming the soul of your Wonton Soup.
Step 2: Cook the Wontons
Once your infused broth is fragrant and inviting, it’s time to add the wontons. Slide them in gently to keep them intact, and let them simmer for 4 to 6 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float happily to the surface and look translucent and plump. These little parcels are the star of your Wonton Soup, so be careful not to overcook them!
Step 3: Add the Greens and Mushrooms
Toss in the chopped baby bok choy and mushrooms, if you like a heartier soup. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just enough for the greens to become tender but still vibrant and the mushrooms to soften. This step adds color, crunch, and a nutritional boost, making each spoonful irresistible.
Step 4: Taste and Season
Give your Wonton Soup a taste, then season with a pinch of salt and white pepper according to your preference. The broth should be deeply savory and just a little peppery. Adjust as needed — this is your moment to make the soup truly yours.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets an even share of wontons and veggies. Serve right away while everything is perfectly hot and aromatic. Get ready to enjoy a homemade Wonton Soup that rivals your favorite takeout spot!
How to Serve Wonton Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions is classic, but don’t be afraid to add extra flair! A drizzle of chili oil, a few fresh cilantro leaves, or a tiny splash of toasted sesame oil can each add personality to your Wonton Soup and impress your guests.
Side Dishes
Wonton Soup is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, sautéed Asian greens, or simple stir-fried noodles. If you’re feeling fancy, set out a few small plates of pickled veggies or crispy spring rolls to round out your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special lunch, serve Wonton Soup in small bowls or elegant teacups for a fun appetizer-sized starter. Want to go further? Offer a “build-your-own” Wonton Soup bar with an array of garnishes, so everyone can personalize their own bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Wonton Soup keeps beautifully in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If possible, store the broth and cooked wontons separately to prevent the dumplings from getting too soft — just combine and reheat when ready to serve.
Freezing
Wontons can be frozen before cooking, making weekday dinners a breeze. Place uncooked wontons on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can cook them straight from frozen — simply add an extra minute or two to the cooking time in your hot broth.
Reheating
To bring your Wonton Soup back to life, gently reheat the broth until simmering, then add the cooked wontons just long enough to warm through. Avoid boiling, as that can cause the wonton wrappers to break apart.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works wonderfully if you want a vegetarian base for your Wonton Soup. Just note that the flavor will be a bit lighter, so consider adding a splash more soy sauce or a piece of dried shiitake for a boost of umami.
What kind of wontons should I use?
Both pork and shrimp wontons taste fantastic, and you can use store-bought or homemade. If you want to experiment, try a mix of both, or add a little chopped water chestnut for extra crunch in your filling.
How do I avoid my wontons falling apart?
Add wontons gently to the simmering broth (not boiling!) and try not to stir them too much. This keeps the wrappers intact and ensures your wonton soup always has gorgeous, whole dumplings.
Is Wonton Soup gluten-free?
Traditional wonton wrappers do contain wheat, but you can find gluten-free versions at specialty stores or make your own. Also, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce for a completely gluten-free Wonton Soup.
How can I make my Wonton Soup spicier?
Try adding a drizzle of chili oil, a dash of chili crisp, or thinly sliced fresh chilies as a garnish. Your Wonton Soup will take on a warming kick that’s perfect for spice lovers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something uniquely comforting about a big bowl of homemade Wonton Soup. With its fragrant broth, tender dumplings, and colorful veggies, it’s truly love at first spoonful. Give this recipe a try and make it your own — you might just discover your new favorite homemade comfort food!
Print
Wonton Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the comforting warmth of a bowl of homemade Wonton Soup. This classic Chinese dish features flavorful pork or shrimp wontons in a fragrant chicken broth with bok choy and mushrooms. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a delicious Asian meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For the Wontons:
- 24 store-bought or homemade wontons (pork or shrimp)
- 1 cup baby bok choy (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and green onions. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Wontons: Gently add wontons to the pot and simmer for 4 to 6 minutes until they float and are cooked. Add bok choy and mushrooms, cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Season the broth with salt and white pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
- You can freeze extra wontons for later use. Cook them directly from frozen.
- For added heat, drizzle with chili oil before serving.
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