Wonton soup is a warm and comforting dish that features tasty dumplings filled with meat or veggies, swimming in a savory broth. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly day!
When I make this soup, I can’t resist slurping up the broth. Those little dumplings can be so cute and fun to eat! Plus, they make a great starter before any main course. 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: Ground pork adds a rich flavor to the filling, but you can swap it out for ground shrimp, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer a lighter option.
Wonton Wrappers: You can find wonton wrappers in most grocery stores. If you can’t find them, dumpling wrappers or even thin pasta sheets could work as a substitute, though the texture may differ.
Baby Bok Choy: This leafy green adds a nice crunch to your soup. If you don’t have it on hand, you could use spinach or kale, or even some sliced mushrooms for a bit of texture.
Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil gives a nutty flavor to the broth. If you want to reduce calories, use olive oil instead, but the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
How Do I Properly Seal My Wontons?
Sealing wontons is key to keeping the filling inside while cooking. Here’s a simple way to ensure they stay sealed and don’t fall apart.
- After placing the filling on the wrapper, wet the edges with water; this helps them stick together.
- Fold the wrapper in half diagonally and press firmly to eliminate air.
- For the traditional shape, bring the corners of the triangle together and press them to seal. Make sure to remove any air pockets inside.
Take your time with this step; sealed wontons will hold up better when cooking and give you nice, tidy dumplings at the end.
How to Make Wonton Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz ground pork (or ground shrimp or a mix)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
For the Wontons:
- About 30 wonton wrappers
For the Soup Broth:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
Vegetables and Garnishes:
- 2 cups baby bok choy or spinach
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Wonton Soup takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including making the filling, assembling the wontons, and cooking everything together in the broth. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for company!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and white pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This will be your delicious wonton filling!
2. Assemble the Wontons:
Take a wonton wrapper and place it on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper. To seal it, wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water. Fold the wrapper in half to create a triangle, pressing the edges to seal tightly and removing any air pockets. Then, bring the two corners of the triangle together and dab with a bit of water to seal again, forming the traditional wonton shape. Repeat this process until all the wrappers and filling are used up.
3. Create the Soup Broth:
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger, stirring gently to incorporate all those lovely flavors.
4. Cook the Wontons:
Carefully add the wontons to the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 4-6 minutes, or until they float to the top and the filling is fully cooked.
5. Add the Vegetables:
With just 1-2 minutes left in cooking, add the baby bok choy or spinach into the soup, allowing them to wilt and soak up the broth’s flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Using a ladle, serve the soup and wontons into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Sip and savor each bite of this comforting soup with chopsticks!
This recipe yields a beautifully presented dish with delicate, soft wontons set in a wholesome broth, enhanced by vibrant green vegetables and garnishes. Enjoy the warm flavors and the satisfaction of homemade wonton soup!
Can I Use Store-Bought Wonton Wrappers?
Absolutely! Store-bought wonton wrappers are convenient and save time. You’ll find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Just ensure they’re fresh before using!
How Do I Store Leftover Wonton Soup?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the wontons separate from the broth to prevent them from becoming soggy. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Freeze Wontons?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked wontons! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top bag for longer storage. They can be cooked straight from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with olive oil or another neutral oil. While it won’t have the same nutty flavor, it will still taste delicious in the broth!
