Wonton soup is a warm and comforting dish filled with tasty dumplings, usually made with pork or shrimp. It’s swimming in a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out!
Every slurp brings a smile, especially when the wontons are perfectly tender. I often add some green onions for a pop of color—and let’s be real, some crunch is always nice! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is the classic filling for wontons, but you can mix pork with shrimp for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey works too!
Wonton Wrappers: You can find these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. If they’re hard to get, you can try making your own with flour and water, or use rice paper as a gluten-free alternative.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is great to control the saltiness, but feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth? Even better!
Greens: Baby bok choy adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you can’t find it, spinach or collard greens work as tasty substitutes!
How Do I Perfectly Seal My Wontons?
Getting the wontons sealed well is key to preventing leaks while cooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a dry surface; moisture can make it harder to seal.
- Spoon the filling in the center, but don’t overfill—this makes sealing difficult.
- Moisten the edges with water; this helps create a good seal.
- Fold in half to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly together.
- For the final touch, bring the two corners together, and seal with water for a traditional shape.
Take your time with this step, and soon you’ll be a wonton-wrapping pro! 😊
Making Wonton Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wontons:
- 8 oz ground pork (or a mix of pork and shrimp)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 30-40 wonton wrappers
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cups baby bok choy or Napa cabbage, trimmed
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- White pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chili flakes or chili oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 15 minutes making the wontons and another 15 minutes for cooking and assembling the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, finely chopped green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Blend everything together until it’s well mixed. This is going to be the delicious filling for your wontons!
2. Form the Wontons:
Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of your filling in the center of the wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water to help it seal. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing the edges together firmly to avoid any air pockets. Then, bring the two corners of the triangle together and seal them with a bit more water. Repeat this process until you’ve made all your wontons!
3. Prepare the Soup Base:
In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add in the soy sauce and sesame oil, giving it a gentle stir to combine the flavors. This broth is the heart of your soup!
4. Cook the Wontons:
Carefully drop the wontons into the boiling broth. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they begin to float to the surface and the filling is fully cooked. This is where all that deliciousness comes together.
5. Add Greens:
Add the trimmed baby bok choy or Napa cabbage into the pot with the wontons. Allow it to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are tender but still bright. This adds a lovely crunch and color to your soup!
6. Serve:
Using a ladle, carefully fill bowls with the soup and wontons. Top each bowl with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of white pepper. If you like a little heat, feel free to add chili flakes or chili oil!
7. Enjoy:
Your cozy wonton soup is ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot and dig in to savor the comforting, delicate flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Wontons?
Absolutely! If you have frozen wontons, you can cook them directly in the broth without thawing. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
What If I Don’t Have Wonton Wrappers?
No worries! You can use dumpling wrappers or even make your own with flour and water. Alternatively, wonton fillings can be served over rice or noodles if you prefer a deconstructed version.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground pork with a plant-based protein like tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more veggies to your liking for extra flavor!
