Best Wonton Soup Recipe

Wonton Soup is a comforting and flavorful Chinese classic featuring delicate wontons filled with seasoned pork or shrimp, all swimming in a light yet savory broth. It’s simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant starter. This recipe ensures you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Wontons:

• 1 package wonton wrappers (available in most grocery stores or Asian markets)
• 1/2 pound ground pork (or shrimp, or a mix of both)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• A pinch of salt and pepper

For the Broth:

• 6 cups chicken broth (or a mix of chicken and pork broth for a richer flavor)
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup bok choy, spinach, or napa cabbage, chopped
• Sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
• Shrimp or cooked chicken for extra protein

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Wonton Filling

1. In a bowl, combine ground pork (or shrimp), soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, green onion, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Wontons

1. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of the wrapper.
2. Lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertip.
3. Fold the wrapper into a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
4. Bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together, overlapping slightly, and press to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil.
2. Add the smashed garlic, sliced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Strain the broth to remove the garlic and ginger slices, then return it to the pot.

Step 4: Cook the Wontons

1. Bring the broth back to a gentle boil.
2. Add the wontons, a few at a time, ensuring they don’t stick together.
3. Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the wontons float to the top and the filling is fully cooked.

Step 5: Add Vegetables (Optional)

1. Stir in the bok choy, spinach, or napa cabbage, and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender.
2. Add mushrooms or extra proteins if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous portion of wontons and broth.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot as a main course or as an appetizer for a larger Asian-inspired meal.
• Pair with egg rolls, spring rolls, or steamed dumplings for a complete spread.

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftover wontons and broth separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the broth and add the wontons just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing:

• Freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.

Helpful Notes

• Wrapper Tip: Keep wonton wrappers covered with a damp towel while assembling to prevent them from drying out.
• Broth Enhancements: For a richer flavor, add a splash of Chinese rice wine or a pinch of chicken bouillon powder to the broth.
• Filling Variations: Experiment with combinations like ground chicken, tofu, or finely minced vegetables for variety.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

1. Ken Hom: “Use fresh ginger liberally—it’s key to achieving an authentic, fragrant broth.”
2. Ching-He Huang: “A touch of white pepper gives the soup a gentle heat and depth of flavor.”
3. Martin Yan: “Always taste the filling before assembling wontons; adjust the seasoning for balance and boldness.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make wontons without pork?
Yes! Use shrimp, chicken, or a plant-based filling like crumbled tofu and finely chopped vegetables.

2. What can I substitute for wonton wrappers?
If you can’t find wonton wrappers, try using dumpling wrappers or making your own with a simple flour-and-water dough.

3. Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes! Add chili oil, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the broth for a spicy kick.

4. How do I prevent wontons from sticking together?
Ensure they’re well-sealed and avoid overcrowding the pot when cooking.

5. Can I add noodles to this soup?
Absolutely! Thin egg noodles or rice noodles pair beautifully with wontons.

6. How do I keep the wontons from breaking apart?
Handle them gently while folding and cooking. Ensure they’re tightly sealed to prevent filling leakage.

7. What other vegetables can I use?
Baby corn, snow peas, or shredded carrots make great additions to this soup.

8. Is this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

9. Can I use pre-made wontons?
Yes, store-bought frozen wontons work perfectly if you’re short on time.

10. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, scale the ingredients accordingly, but cook the wontons in batches to prevent overcrowding.