Classic Wonton Soup

🥣 Classic Wonton Soup

A comforting, aromatic broth filled with tender, juicy pork and shrimp wontons. This homemade version is far better than takeout and easier than you think!

Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes

📝 Ingredients

For the Wontons:

• ½ lb (225g) ground pork (or chicken/turkey)

• ½ cup raw shrimp, finely chopped (optional)

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp ginger, grated

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• Salt and white pepper to taste

• 1 package wonton wrappers (about 30–40 wrappers)

• 1 egg white or water (for sealing)

For the Broth:

• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

• 2 cups water

• 3 garlic cloves, smashed

• 2 slices fresh ginger

• 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or to taste)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional)

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• Cilantro leaves

• Bok choy or baby spinach (optional)

• Chili oil or Sriracha (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Wonton Filling

1. In a bowl, combine ground pork, shrimp (if using), green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper.

2. Mix in one direction until the filling becomes sticky and well combined.

2. Assemble the Wontons

1. Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center.

2. Dip your finger in water or egg white and moisten the edges of the wrapper.

3. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing out air bubbles.

4. Bring the two opposite corners together, overlap them slightly, and press to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers.

3. Make the Broth

1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, water, smashed garlic, ginger slices, and green onion pieces.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes to infuse the flavors.

3. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Cook the Wontons

1. While the broth simmers, bring a separate pot of water to a boil.

2. Carefully drop wontons into the boiling water (work in batches to avoid overcrowding).

3. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until wontons float and the filling is cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon.

4. Alternatively, you can cook the wontons directly in the broth for extra flavor (though it may cloud the broth slightly).

5. Assemble the Soup

1. Divide cooked wontons among serving bowls.

2. Ladle hot broth over the wontons.

3. Add blanched bok choy or spinach directly to the bowls if desired.

4. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of chili oil.

💡 Pro Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble wontons and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook frozen wontons directly in boiling water (add 2–3 minutes cook time).

• Seal Properly: Press edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.

• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes wontons difficult to seal and cook unevenly.

• Broth Boost: Add dried shiitake mushrooms, star anise, or a piece of kombu for deeper umami flavor.

• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu and finely chopped mushrooms in the filling, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

✅ Why You’ll Love It

• Better Than Takeout: Fresh ingredients and homemade broth make all the difference.

• Customizable: Adjust the filling, broth seasoning, and toppings to your taste.

• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch of wontons and enjoy soup anytime.

Enjoy this soul-warming bowl of homemade wonton soup! 🥢