Wonton Soup Recipe

Wonton Soup is a beloved Chinese dish that combines tender, savory wontons floating in a clear, flavorful broth. It’s warm, comforting, and surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a light meal, this soup is sure to impress with its balance of delicate textures and robust flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making delicious wonton soup from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Wontons:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for binding)
• 30–40 wonton wrappers

For the Soup:

• 8 cups chicken broth (or a mix of chicken and pork broth)
• 2 slices fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cups baby bok choy or spinach, chopped
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Optional: chili oil, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Wonton Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork (or chicken), chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, white pepper, and cornstarch.
• Mix thoroughly until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Wontons

• Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center.
• Wet the edges of the wrapper with a small amount of water using your fingertip.
• Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal.
• Bring the two corners of the triangle together, overlap them slightly, and seal with a dab of water to create the classic wonton shape.
• Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. Cover assembled wontons with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

• In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
• Add slices of fresh ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the broth. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
• Add the mushrooms and baby bok choy to the broth and simmer for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Cook the Wontons

• In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Drop the wontons in, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface and the filling is cooked through.
• Transfer the cooked wontons to the soup using a slotted spoon.

Step 5: Serve the Soup

• Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving includes a few wontons, vegetables, and broth.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and drizzle with chili oil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with crispy spring rolls or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or chili oil for extra flavor at the table.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover wontons and broth separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen when needed.

Helpful Notes

1. Wonton Wrappers: Found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Look for thin wrappers for the best results.
2. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the wontons ahead of time and freeze them for quick soup preparation later.
3. Custom Fillings: Mix in shrimp, finely chopped vegetables, or water chestnuts for variety in the filling.
4. Broth Enhancements: Add star anise or dried shrimp to the broth for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Martin Yan: “Don’t overfill the wontons. A small amount of filling ensures they cook evenly and stay sealed.”
• Chef Ching-He Huang: “To prevent sticking, keep your wrappers covered with a damp cloth while assembling the wontons.”
• Chef Jet Tila: “For a richer broth, simmer chicken bones with ginger and green onions for 1–2 hours before making the soup.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought wontons?
Yes! Store-bought wontons can save time and are a great option if you’re in a hurry.

2. Can I use other proteins for the filling?
Absolutely! Ground beef, shrimp, or even a mix of tofu and vegetables work well.

3. How do I prevent the wontons from sticking together?
Place them on a floured or parchment-lined tray in a single layer and avoid stacking.

4. What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?
Dumpling wrappers or even homemade dough (rolled thin) can be used in a pinch.

5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and fill the wontons with tofu, mushrooms, and finely chopped vegetables.

6. How do I prevent the broth from becoming cloudy?
Cook the wontons separately in water and add them to the soup just before serving.

7. How do I know when the wontons are cooked?
Wontons are done when they float to the top of the boiling water and the filling is firm.

8. What if my wontons break apart?
This could happen if they’re overstuffed or not sealed properly. Use less filling and press the edges firmly.

9. Can I add noodles to the soup?
Yes, thin egg noodles or rice noodles make an excellent addition to wonton soup.

10. Can I use frozen wontons?
Yes, frozen wontons can be added directly to boiling water. They may need an extra 1–2 minutes to cook.