Wonton soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any day. It features delicate dumplings filled with savory meat or veggies, all swimming in a rich, flavorful broth.
Making this soup is super fun! I love watching the wontons float around like little boats in their tasty ocean. It’s a great dish to share with friends or family on a chilly evening!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are essential for your dumplings. You can find them in the freezer section of Asian supermarkets. If they’re hard to find, you can make your own with flour and water, although it requires a bit more effort!
Ground Pork: It’s a popular filling, but feel free to use ground shrimp or chicken if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try using finely chopped mushrooms or tofu mixed with veggies!
Sesame Oil: This gives your filling a nutty flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute it with a little olive oil or leave it out altogether, but then add a bit more salt for taste.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is wonderful, but store-bought works too! You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Adding a splash of soy sauce enhances the flavor if using low-sodium broth.
What’s the Best Way to Fold Wontons?
Folding wontons can be tricky at first, but with practice, it gets easier! Here’s a simple guide:
- Start with a square wonton wrapper on a clean surface.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.
- Wet the edges with water to help them seal.
- Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Press firmly to seal.
- To get the classic wonton shape, bring the two corners of the triangle together and pinch to seal. Make sure there are no air pockets inside!
Practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if the shapes aren’t perfect; they’ll still taste great.
Wonton Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wontons:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 8 oz ground pork (or shrimp, or a mix)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For the Broth and Greens:
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 cups baby bok choy or other leafy greens
- Optional: a splash of Shaoxing cooking wine or mirin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend some time making those delightful wontons and then only a little while simmering them in the broth. A delicious soup can be ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s combined and sticky. This will be the tasty filling for your wontons!
2. Fold the Wontons:
Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling right in the center of the wrapper. Moisten the edges with a bit of water using your fingers. Now fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges tightly to seal. To create the classic wonton shape, bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and pinch to seal. This will keep all that delicious filling inside. Repeat this process until you have used up all the wrappers and filling.
3. Cook the Broth:
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it gently simmer. This will create a flavorful base for your soup!
4. Cook the Wontons:
Carefully add the wontons to the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they float to the top, which means they are cooked through. It’s fun watching them bob around!
5. Add the Greens:
In the last couple of minutes of cooking, toss in the baby bok choy (or other leafy greens) to the pot. This will blanch the greens, making them tender and vibrant.
6. Final Touches:
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a little more soy sauce or salt to enhance the flavor.
7. Serve:
Using a ladle, serve the wonton soup into bowls, making sure to include wontons and greens in each bowl. Garnish with extra sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch.
Enjoy your comforting homemade wonton soup with family or friends! It’s sure to warm everyone’s hearts.
Can I Use Frozen Wontons Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! Frozen wontons are a great time-saver. Just drop them directly into the simmering broth and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until they float to the top. No need to thaw first!
How Can I Store Leftover Wonton Soup?
Let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, making sure to stir occasionally.
I Don’t Have Bok Choy; Can I Use Other Greens?
Yes! Feel free to swap bok choy with other leafy greens like spinach, kale, or even shredded cabbage. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking as you would with bok choy.
Can I Make the Filling in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling up to a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the soup, simply fill the wontons and cook them right away!