I Love Making This Classic Asian Dish – A Comforting and Flavorful Soup

I love Asian cuisine, and wonton soup is one of my absolute favorites. It is a warm, soothing dish packed with delicate dumplings floating in a flavorful broth. I make this recipe when I want something light yet satisfying, something that reminds me of my favorite takeout but even better.

When I prepare wonton soup, I enjoy the process of filling and folding each little wonton. I like the balance of the soft dumpling wrappers, the juicy filling, and the fragrant broth. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a comforting, delicious meal.

If you like homemade dumplings and light, flavorful soups, this is a must-try! The result is just amazing! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect meal, serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or crispy spring rolls.

I prefer to enjoy it piping hot, with extra green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Sometimes, I add a little chili oil for some heat. This dish is super easy to make, and the homemade wontons taste far better than store-bought ones.

What Makes This Wonton Soup Special?

This wonton soup is special because it’s made from scratch, ensuring the freshest flavors. The tender dumplings, combined with a rich, aromatic broth, make every spoonful satisfying. Plus, it’s a versatile dish—you can customize the filling, adjust the seasoning, or add extra toppings to suit your taste.

Perfect For:

• Cold Days: When you need something warm and comforting, this soup is the perfect choice. The hot broth and soft dumplings make it incredibly soothing.
• Light and Healthy Meals: This soup is filling without being heavy, making it a great choice for a light lunch or dinner.
• Dumpling Lovers: If you enjoy dumplings, this soup is a fun way to enjoy them in a flavorful broth.
• Homemade Comfort Food: There’s nothing like making your own wontons from scratch—it’s fun, rewarding, and tastes so much better than store-bought.

Ingredients

For the Wontons:

• 30 wonton wrappers
• ½ cup finely chopped shrimp (or other protein of choice)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Soup:

• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ginger (sliced)
• 2 garlic cloves (smashed)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• ½ cup bok choy or spinach (optional)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need:

• Large pot
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Small spoon (for filling wontons)
• Strainer or slotted spoon

How to make Wonton Soup

Step 1:

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, green onion, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 2:

Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Moisten the edges with water, fold diagonally into a triangle, and press to seal. Bring the two bottom corners together and seal with a dab of water to form a classic wonton shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.

Step 3:

In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, ginger slices, and smashed garlic cloves. Let simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 4:

Gently drop the wontons into the broth one by one. Stir lightly to prevent sticking. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the wontons float to the surface and the filling is fully cooked.

Step 5:

Add the chopped green onions and bok choy or spinach (if using). Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 6:

Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions or a drizzle of chili oil for extra spice.

Helpful Tips

• Seal the Wontons Properly: Use water to seal the edges tightly so they don’t open while cooking.
• Don’t Overfill the Wontons: A small amount of filling prevents them from bursting.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions give the broth its best flavor.
• Keep Wrappers Covered: Wonton wrappers dry out quickly, so cover them with a damp cloth while working.
• Cook Wontons Separately: To prevent cloudiness, boil the wontons separately before adding them to the broth.
• Taste the Filling Before Wrapping: Fry a small amount of the filling to check the seasoning before making all the wontons.
• Use a Gentle Boil: Cook wontons in a gently boiling broth to avoid tearing the wrappers.

Optional Ingredients

• Shrimp: Adds extra seafood flavor to the filling.
• Mushrooms: Enhances the broth with a rich umami taste.
• Chili Oil: A spicy kick for those who love the heat.
• Baby Bok Choy: A fresh green vegetable to add texture.
• Noodles: Turns the soup into a more filling meal.
• Tofu: A soft, mild addition of extra protein.

What to Pair with Wonton Soup?

If you love a full meal, serve wonton soup with a side of fried rice. The combination of a warm, brothy soup and flavorful rice makes for a balanced and satisfying dish.

Pair the soup with spring rolls or dumplings if you prefer something crunchy. The crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the soft wontons.

If you want a light meal, enjoy the soup with a cup of green tea. The delicate flavors of the tea enhance the mild, savory taste of the broth.

add stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snow peas on the side. They bring extra nutrition and freshness to the meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Wonton Soup: Use finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and cabbage instead of meat for the filling. Add vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter, plant-based option.

Chicken Wonton Soup: Swap pork for ground chicken to make a leaner version. Chicken pairs well with ginger and green onions for a lighter flavor.

Spicy Wonton Soup: Add chili oil, Szechuan peppercorns, or red pepper flakes for heat. If you enjoy bold flavors, a bit of hot sauce or chili paste can enhance the broth.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce. Also, check that your broth is free of wheat-based additives.

Seafood Wonton Soup: Use a mix of shrimp and crab meat for a seafood twist. A dash of fish sauce in the broth enhances the umami flavor.

Miso Wonton Soup: Stir in a spoonful of miso paste for a Japanese-style broth. This variation adds depth and richness to the soup.

Egg Drop Wonton Soup: Slowly pour in whisked eggs while stirring to create silky egg ribbons in the broth. This adds extra protein and texture to the soup.

Coconut Wonton Soup: Add coconut milk and Thai curry paste for a Thai-inspired version. The coconut milk makes the broth creamy and slightly sweet, balancing the spice from the curry.

Lemongrass Wonton Soup: Add fresh lemongrass and lime leaves for a citrusy, aromatic broth. This version is refreshing and pairs well with seafood wontons.

Sichuan-Style Wonton Soup: Use a spicy, numbing Sichuan broth with chili oil and black vinegar. The combination of heat and tanginess makes it a bold and flavorful dish.

How to Store

To store leftovers, keep the broth and wontons separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents the wontons from getting soggy. Reheat the broth and then add the wontons just before serving.

For freezing, place uncooked wontons on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Cook them directly from frozen in boiling water before adding to the hot broth.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers?

Yes! Store-bought wonton wrappers work perfectly and save time. Just keep them covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent them from drying out.

How do I prevent my wontons from falling apart?

Make sure to seal the edges tightly with water and press out any air pockets. Also, cook them at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to avoid breakage.

Can I make wonton soup vegetarian?

Yes! Use a vegetable broth and fill the wontons with a mix of mushrooms, tofu, and cabbage for a delicious vegetarian version.

How long should I cook the wontons?

Fresh wontons usually cook in 4-5 minutes, while frozen ones take about 6-7 minutes. They’re done when they float to the top and the filling is fully cooked.

Can I make the broth richer in flavor?

For a deeper flavor, simmer the broth with ginger, garlic, star anise, or dried mushrooms for at least 15-20 minutes before adding the wontons.

What proteins can I use for the filling?

Ground pork is traditional, but you can also use ground chicken, turkey, shrimp, or a mix of proteins for a different taste.

What can I do if my broth is too salty?

If the broth is too salty, add more water or a splash of unsalted chicken broth to dilute it. You can also balance the saltiness with a bit of sugar or lime juice.

Wonton Soup Recipe

Recipe by NancyCourse: Main, SoupsCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Wonton Soup is a comforting Chinese dish featuring delicate dumplings filled with seasoned meat, floating in a flavorful, aromatic broth. It’s light, warm, and perfect for any occasion, from a quick lunch to a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• For the Wontons:

• 30 wonton wrappers

• ½ cup finely chopped shrimp (or other protein of choice)

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)

• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon white pepper

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• For the Soup:

• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon white pepper

• 1 teaspoon ginger (sliced)

• 2 garlic cloves (smashed)

• 2 green onions (chopped)

• ½ cup bok choy or spinach (optional)

Directions

• In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, green onion, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
• Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Moisten the edges with water, fold diagonally into a triangle, and press to seal. Bring the two bottom corners together and seal with a dab of water to form a classic wonton shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
• In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, ginger slices, and smashed garlic cloves. Let simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
• Gently drop the wontons into the broth one by one. Stir lightly to prevent sticking. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the wontons float to the surface and the filling is fully cooked.
• Add the chopped green onions and bok choy or spinach (if using). Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
• Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions or a drizzle of chili oil for extra spice.