If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful bowl that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Wonton Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, juicy pork-filled wontons with a fragrant, savory broth, this dish blends simple, fresh ingredients into an irresistibly satisfying soup. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or sharing with guests, this recipe brings that classic Chinese home-cooking vibe right into your kitchen with ease and delicious results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients makes all the difference in this Wonton Soup Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the juicy pork filling to the aromatic broth, creating layers of flavor and delightful textures.
- Ground pork: The star protein that provides rich, flavorful filling with succulent texture.
- Finely chopped shrimp (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and delicate bite to the filling.
- Green onions: Freshly chopped for brightness and a touch of sharpness in the filling and broth.
- Soy sauce: Brings salty umami depth to both wontons and broth.
- Sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma that makes the soup irresistibly fragrant.
- Grated ginger: Adds warmth and a gentle bite to enhance all the other flavors.
- Garlic: Minced or smashed, it infuses savory richness throughout the recipe.
- Salt and white pepper: Seasoning essentials to balance and heighten taste.
- Wonton wrappers: The delicate, tender exterior that encases the filling perfectly.
- Chicken broth (low-sodium): The comforting base that carries all the flavors harmoniously.
- Baby bok choy or spinach (optional): Adds vibrant green color and fresh, leafy texture.
How to Make Wonton Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Filling
Start by combining the ground pork, finely chopped shrimp if using, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and white pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a flavorful, juicy filling that holds together nicely.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
Take one wonton wrapper at a time and place about one teaspoon of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges of the wrapper lightly with water to help seal the wonton. Fold it in half to form a triangle and press the edges firmly to seal. Then, bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together, moisten one corner with water, and pinch to form that classic, elegant wonton shape you see in soup bowls.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup Broth
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, smashed garlic cloves, and sliced green onions. Let the broth simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and infuse beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
Once your broth is ready, carefully drop the prepared wontons into the simmering broth. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until you see them float to the surface and the filling is cooked through. If you’re adding baby bok choy or spinach, toss it in during the last 2 minutes of cooking to keep those greens tender yet vibrant. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with a little salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve Wonton Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your steaming bowl of wonton soup with more freshly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an appealing crunch and burst of flavor. A drizzle of chili oil or a dash of white pepper can also add a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a light meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables. For a more festive spread, include some asian-inspired appetizers like spring rolls or steamed dumplings to complement the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your wonton soup in individual porcelain bowls for an authentic touch. For a modern twist, add a few edible flowers or fresh herbs on top. You can also arrange wontons on skewers beforehand—great for parties—and simply drop them into the broth when serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the soup and wontons separately in airtight containers to maintain the best texture. The broth will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and wontons should be consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
One of the best things about this Wonton Soup Recipe is that you can make the wontons ahead of time and freeze them. Place the uncooked wontons on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, add them directly to boiling broth and simmer for an extra 2 to 3 minutes to cook through.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the wonton wrappers tender and intact. If the broth reduces too much, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the pork and shrimp filling for finely chopped mushrooms and tofu seasoned with soy sauce and ginger. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a delicious vegetarian variation.
What can I use if I can’t find wonton wrappers?
Spring roll wrappers or dumpling skins work well as alternatives. Just be aware that the texture might vary slightly, but your soup will still be tasty.
How long can I store frozen wontons?
Properly frozen, wontons can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture, making them perfect for meal prepping.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey are great leaner alternatives. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly if needed and add a bit more seasoning for flavor balance.
Is it okay to add vegetables to the broth?
Definitely! Greens like baby bok choy, spinach, or even shredded napa cabbage add wonderful color, nutrients, and subtle sweetness to the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Wonton Soup Recipe is a true kitchen treasure: comforting, wholesome, and surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Once you taste those delicate, home-made wontons swimming in a comforting broth, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite for so many. Grab your ingredients and enjoy the process—it’s well worth the heartfelt warmth in every spoonful.
Print
Wonton Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This authentic Wonton Soup recipe features delicate homemade pork and shrimp wontons simmered in a flavorful ginger-infused chicken broth, garnished with fresh green onions and optional baby bok choy or spinach. Perfect as a comforting and light meal, this soup highlights classic Chinese flavors and is easy to prepare from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shrimp (optional)
- 2 tablespoons green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 25–30 wonton wrappers
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 1–2 green onions (sliced)
- Baby bok choy or spinach (optional, as desired)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Filling: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp if using, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and white pepper until the mixture is well blended and slightly sticky.
- Assemble the Wontons: Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your finger or a brush. Fold the wrapper in half to make a triangle, pressing firmly along the edges to seal completely and prevent leakage during cooking. Then, bring the two corners of the triangle together, dab a bit of water to help them stick, and pinch to form the classic wonton shape.
- Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, smashed garlic cloves, and sliced green onions to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to infuse the broth with rich flavors.
- Cook the Wontons: Gently drop the assembled wontons into the simmering broth. Cook them for 5 to 6 minutes or until the wontons float to the surface and the filling inside is fully cooked. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Add Greens (Optional): If using baby bok choy or spinach, add them to the soup during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing the greens to wilt and soften without overcooking.
- Season and Serve: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the wonton soup hot, garnished with extra sliced green onions if desired for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Wontons can be made ahead of time and frozen; cook directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes of simmering time to ensure thorough cooking.
- For a leaner option, substitute pork with ground chicken or turkey.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level in the soup.
- Wonton wrappers can typically be found in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets.
