Wonton soup is a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine, known for its savory broth, delicate dumplings, and satisfying flavors. This Easy Wonton Soup Recipe is perfect for a cozy meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through making a comforting bowl of wonton soup that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients for Easy Wonton Soup
For the Wontons:
- 1 lb ground pork or chicken (or a mix of both)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg (to bind the filling)
- 1 pack of wonton wrappers (about 30-40 pieces)
For the Soup Broth:
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
- 2-3 slices of ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1-2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1-2 teaspoons chili oil (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork (or chicken), chopped green onions, water chestnuts (if using), soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and egg.
- Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, ensuring the mixture is sticky and easy to mold into wontons.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
- Take one wonton wrapper and place a teaspoon of the filling in the center.
- Dip your finger in water and lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, sealing the edges tightly. You can also fold the corners to the center to create a traditional wonton shape.
- Repeat the process until all the filling is used up.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup Broth
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar (if using), ginger slices, and smashed garlic cloves. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
- Once the broth is ready, gently drop the prepared wontons into the boiling soup. Stir carefully to avoid them sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the wontons for 4-6 minutes, or until they float to the top and the wrappers are tender.
- Remove the soup from heat.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include a few wontons in each bowl.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and drizzle with chili oil if desired for a bit of spice.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Wonton Soup
- Use Fresh Wonton Wrappers: If possible, use fresh wonton wrappers for the best texture. They cook faster and provide a more delicate bite than frozen ones.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the wontons ahead of time and freeze them. Just cook them directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy the soup.
- Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a stronger broth, add a splash of soy sauce or a few dashes of oyster sauce for extra umami.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Wonton Soup Recipe
This Easy Wonton Soup Recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick yet delicious meal. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for a chilly day. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a homemade version of this popular soup that tastes just like what you’d get from your favorite Chinese restaurant. Plus, it’s versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
Serving Tips for Wonton Soup
- Pair with Sides: Wonton soup is a great standalone dish, but you can also serve it with some tasty sides like steamed rice, vegetable spring rolls, or Chinese bao buns for a more filling meal.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Enhance the flavor and presentation by garnishing your soup with chopped cilantro, crispy fried onions, or toasted sesame seeds. A dash of chili oil or sriracha can add some spice if you like a kick in your soup.
- Customizable Soup: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms to the broth for added texture and nutrition. This also helps to make the soup more hearty and satisfying.
- Temperature: Wonton soup is best served hot. The warmth of the broth and the delicate wontons provide a soothing comfort, especially during colder months.
Storage Tips for Wonton Soup
- Storing Leftovers:
- Broth: If you have leftover soup broth, store it separately from the wontons. The broth can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add some extra water or broth to adjust the consistency.
- Wontons: Leftover wontons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If you’re storing cooked wontons, place them on a plate in a single layer to prevent sticking, then transfer them to a container.
- Freezing Wontons:
- If you’ve made extra wontons and want to store them for later, arrange the uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wontons can be kept for up to 3 months. To cook, simply drop them straight into boiling broth without thawing.
- Reheating Leftover Soup:
- To reheat leftover soup, heat the broth in a pot on the stove over medium heat until hot. If you stored cooked wontons, add them to the broth to warm through for a few minutes before serving. For frozen wontons, cook them directly in the broth as you reheat it.
- Avoid Overcooking Wontons: If you’re planning to store or reheat the soup, avoid overcooking the wontons initially, as they can become mushy upon reheating. Add them to the broth just before serving for the best texture.
With these tips, you can enjoy your delicious wonton soup now and have leftovers to savor later!
1. Can I use frozen wonton wrappers? Yes, you can use frozen wonton wrappers for this recipe. Simply thaw them before use according to the package instructions. While fresh wrappers tend to have a more delicate texture, frozen ones will still work perfectly well and taste delicious.
2. Can I make wonton soup vegetarian? Absolutely! You can easily make this wonton soup vegetarian by using plant-based proteins like tofu, mushrooms, or vegetable fillings instead of pork or chicken. For the broth, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
3. How do I store leftover wonton soup? If you have leftover wonton soup, it’s best to store the broth and wontons separately. The soup broth can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, while cooked wontons can last 2-3 days in the fridge. If you want to freeze wontons, place them uncooked in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
4. Can I add extra vegetables to the wonton soup? Yes, adding extra vegetables is a great idea! You can include bok choy, spinach, mushrooms, or even baby corn for added flavor and texture. Simply add the vegetables to the broth while it’s simmering, and they will cook quickly and complement the wontons perfectly.
PrintEasy Wonton Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Easy Wonton Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Made with tender wontons simmered in a light broth and topped with fresh greens, this recipe is simple enough for weeknights yet special enough to impress!
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork or chicken
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- 20–25 wonton wrappers
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Wonton Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ground pork or chicken, chopped scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Wontons:
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, fold it in half to form a triangle, and press the edges to seal.
- Bring the two corners of the triangle together and press to seal, creating the classic wonton shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Wontons:
- Gently add the wontons to the broth. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, or until the wontons float and the filling is cooked through.
- Add the Greens:
- Stir in the baby spinach or bok choy and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced scallions. Serve hot.
Notes
- To save time, you can use store-bought frozen wontons. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Add mushrooms, shredded carrots, or bean sprouts for extra veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the wontons.