Few things warm the soul like a steaming bowl of Homemade Wonton Soup, brimming with tender pork dumplings, vibrant greens, and that unmistakable savory aroma that fills the kitchen. This comforting classic combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a deeply satisfying meal reminiscent of your favorite neighborhood Chinese restaurant, but even more special because it’s made by you. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, Homemade Wonton Soup delivers every time—and you’ll be amazed at how approachable it is, even for first-timers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
While Homemade Wonton Soup tastes like it’s been simmering all day, it truly comes together with a handful of essential yet uncomplicated staples. Each ingredient brings something unique, from savory depth in the broth to delicate texture in the wonton wrappers, ensuring every spoonful is as flavorful and comforting as the last.
- Ground Pork: For juicy, flavorful filling with just the right richness; you can also substitute with ground chicken or shrimp if preferred.
- Soy Sauce: Lends umami and saltiness—don’t skip it, as it’s key in both the filling and the broth.
- Sesame Oil: This adds aromatic depth and that classic nutty note that makes every taste of Homemade Wonton Soup special.
- Rice Vinegar: Offers a gentle tanginess that brightens up the pork filling beautifully.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a zesty kick; using freshly grated makes a world of difference in the soup’s overall flavor.
- Garlic: Another aromatic powerhouse, bringing warmth and complexity to both the wontons and the broth.
- Green Onions: Their mild sharpness and great color deliver freshness in every bite, and they’re perfect as a finishing garnish, too.
- Wonton Wrappers: These create the delicate, tender dumplings that float so enticingly in your bowl; find them in most grocery stores.
- Chicken Broth: The heart of the soup—choose a good-quality broth for maximum comfort and flavor.
- Bok Choy or Napa Cabbage: Adds lovely color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness that balances the savory broth.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste in the final steps.
How to Make Homemade Wonton Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Filling
Begin by combining ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, garlic, and finely chopped green onions in a mixing bowl. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, blend everything together until well integrated but not over-mixed. The goal is a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture that will hold together nicely inside the wonton wrappers, giving every dumpling incredible flavor.
Step 2: Fill and Shape the Wontons
Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface and spoon about one teaspoon of the pork filling onto the center. Lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water (your fingertip works perfectly for this!) to ensure a tight seal. Fold the wrapper over to form a triangle or envelope shape, then press along the edges to seal out any air. If you want to get fancy, you can pinch the corners together for a classic “boat” shape, but a simple triangle always does the job.
Step 3: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add soy sauce, a splash of sesame oil, minced garlic, and another sprinkle of fresh ginger to infuse the broth with warm, savory flavor. Let these simple aromatics meld together as you finish shaping your wontons—your kitchen will already start to smell amazing!
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
Once the broth is gently simmering, carefully lower your prepared wontons into the pot. Try to avoid overcrowding; you want them to cook evenly. Simmer the wontons for 4–5 minutes, or until they begin floating to the surface—a sure sign that they’re cooked through and wonderfully tender.
Step 5: Add the Greens and Finish
When your wontons are floating, add in the sliced bok choy or napa cabbage. Continue to simmer for another 2 minutes, just until the greens are bright and tender, not mushy. Taste the broth, and add salt or pepper if desired. Ladle the piping hot Homemade Wonton Soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of wontons and greens. Scatter fresh green onions on top for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Homemade Wonton Soup
Garnishes
This soup truly comes alive with the right garnishes. Freshly sliced green onions lend a pop of color and gentle bite, while a drizzle of chili oil can introduce a welcome kick for spice-lovers. You might also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty dimension, or offer extra soy sauce at the table for those who want a touch more saltiness.
Side Dishes
Homemade Wonton Soup is plenty satisfying on its own, but pairs beautifully with light, crunchy accompaniments like cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or quick stir-fried veggies. For a heartier meal, serve alongside egg fried rice or pan-seared scallion pancakes. The combination creates an Asian-inspired feast you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this classic into an elegant starter by serving in small, individual bowls for dinner parties, or let everyone build their own bowl with extra toppings on the side. For a cozy family night, double the recipe and serve it family-style, letting everyone ladle out their own wontons and greens. A sprinkle of microgreens or a wedge of lime also adds an unexpected fresh touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Homemade Wonton Soup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup will keep well for up to three days. Just know that the wontons may absorb some broth over time, but they’ll still taste delicious the next day.
Freezing
To freeze for later, assemble the uncooked wontons and lay them on a baking sheet so they don’t touch. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Store the frozen wontons for up to three months. You can add them directly from the freezer to simmering broth—no need to thaw first!
Reheating
To reheat leftover Homemade Wonton Soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until the soup and wontons are hot throughout. If the broth has been absorbed, just splash in a little fresh chicken broth or water to loosen things up. Avoid boiling, which can make the wonton wrappers overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein for the filling?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or shrimp all work deliciously well in Homemade Wonton Soup. You can even go vegetarian by using mushrooms, tofu, and finely chopped spinach—just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Is it possible to prepare the wontons in advance?
Yes, you can! Assemble your wontons and refrigerate them (covered) for up to a day before cooking, or freeze them as described above for future homemade soup cravings. It’s a great way to save time on busy nights.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
You can, with a few substitutions. Look for gluten-free wonton wrappers at specialty grocers or make your own, and use tamari in place of soy sauce. Double check all labels to make sure every ingredient fits your dietary needs.
How do I prevent my wontons from sticking together?
Keep the freshly shaped wontons spaced apart on a floured tray or plate as you work and cover them with a damp towel until you’re ready to cook. When cooking, gratefully stir the soup so the wontons move freely in the broth.
What’s the secret to the best Homemade Wonton Soup?
It’s all in the balance—using high-quality chicken broth, fresh aromatics, and just enough sesame oil for that subtle, toasty richness. Taking a few moments to properly seal the wontons makes every bite a little parcel of flavor. And, of course, enjoying it piping hot!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Homemade Wonton Soup at home, let this be your sign to start simmering! Once you enjoy that first spoonful of delicate dumplings and impossibly savory broth, you’ll be hooked. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love into the kitchen, and experience the cozy magic only a Homemade Wonton Soup can deliver.
Print
Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade Wonton Soup with this easy-to-follow recipe. This comforting Chinese soup is filled with savory pork-filled wontons in a flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 20 wonton wrappers
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 cup bok choy or napa cabbage (sliced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Wontons: In a bowl, mix together ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and green onions. Fill wonton wrappers with a teaspoon of filling, fold, and seal.
- Make the Soup: Simmer chicken broth with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add wontons and cook until they float. Add bok choy and cook until tender. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- You can make the wontons ahead and freeze them.
- Enhance the flavor with chili oil or serve with soy sauce for dipping.
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