Soup
Quick and Easy Wonton Soup Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Wonton soup recipe is a classic Chinese dish that has been comforting people for centuries. The hot broth, stuffed wontons, and fresh garnishes come together to create a soothing and satisfying meal. Wonton soup is perfect for any occasion – a weeknight dinner, special holiday gathering, or anytime you need something warm and comforting.By the end of this article, you’ll be a wonton soup expert!
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The History and Culture of Wonton Soup
Wonton soup originated in the Tang Dynasty in China, gaining popularity across the country over the centuries. The recipe was eventually brought over to the United States by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century.
There are regional differences in wonton soup recipes across China:
- Sichuan style – Known for its spicy, chili oil-based broth
- Cantonese style – Light broth flavored with shrimp shells and ginger
- Shanghai style – Hearty pork and chicken broth
In Chinese culture, wonton soup symbolizes warmth, comfort, and family togetherness. It’s often served during Lunar New Year and other celebrations. There’s even an old Cantonese tradition of eating wonton noodles on one’s birthday for longevity!
Wonton Soup Ingredients
Broth
A good wonton soup broth starts with bones and meat. Pork and chicken are classic. Shrimp shells add flavor too. Ginger and green onions provide aroma. Soy sauce gives depth. Salt balances flavors. Simmer everything for hours to extract juices and collagen. Strain out solids before adding wontons.
Wrappers
Making wonton wrappers takes skill, but store-bought works well. Look for thin, square yellow egg wrappers. Brush edges with water before folding to seal in filling. Shape into a triangle for a traditional look.
Filling
The most common filling is pork and shrimp minced together with green onions and ginger. Soy sauce and sesame oil provide flavor. Cornstarch helps bind. Mix filling gently to keep texture. Underseason since broth will add flavor.
Wonton Soup Recipe
This straightforward recipe makes about 4 servings:
Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 36 wontons (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 green onions, chopped
Steps
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil. Bring to a boil.
- Add wontons and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the top.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions.
- Ladle into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy!
To make it spicy: Whisk in chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes.
For vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for mushroom or vegetable broth. Use veggie fillings.
Noodle tips: Cook separately and add to bowls. Soak in hot water if using dry noodles.
Serving Ideas
Wonton soup doesn’t need much to be satisfying. Here are some tasty additions:
Sides
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried veggies
- Egg rolls
Condiments
- Soy sauce
- Chili oil
- Toasted sesame oil
Appetizer
- Serve in small portions
- Garnish with cilantro
Main dish
- Add more wontons
- Serve with protein
Enjoy wonton soup on Chinese New Year, birthdays, or anytime with loved ones! It’s perfect for big gatherings.
FAQs About Wonton Soup Recipe
Can I use wonton wrappers as noodles?
Yes, you can cut wonton wrappers into strips to make homemade noodles for wonton soup. Cut them about 1/4 inch wide and 2-3 inches long. They will cook very quickly in the hot broth, so add them right before serving.
What’s the difference between wontons and dumplings?
Wontons use thinner wrappers and are added directly to broth, while dumplings have thicker wrappers and are often pan-fried or steamed.
Is wonton soup healthy?
Wonton soup can be a relatively healthy option depending on how it’s prepared. Opt for lean pork or chicken in the wontons, vegetable or mushroom broth, and minimize oil, salt, and MSG. Load up on veggies too. The wonton wrappers are basically flour and egg, so moderate portion sizes.
Is egg drop soup healthier than wonton soup?
Conclusion: Wonton Soup Recipe
With a few simple ingredients and recipes, you can easily achieve restaurant-quality wonton soup at home. Making it yourself allows you to customize flavors and add your own creative touch. Invite friends over and share photos of your homemade wontons online. Whatever the occasion, wonton soup is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- For the Wontons:
- 1 pound Ground pork (or a combination of ground pork and shrimp)
- 2-3 tablespoons Chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or substitute with dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon Grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon White pepper
- 1 package (50-60) Wonton wrappers
- For the Broth:
- 8 cups Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1-2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or substitute with dry sherry)
- 1 green onion**, chopped (Optional)
- 1-inch piece Fresh ginger, sliced (Optional)
- Additional options for broth (choose a few or none):
- Bok choy, chopped (around 1 cup)
- Carrots, julienned (around ½ cup)
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced (around ½ cup)
- Dried shrimps (a handful)
- Snap peas (around ½ cup)
Instructions
- Make the Wonton Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork, green onions, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Assemble the Wontons:
- Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a lightly floured surface.
- Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water.
- Fold the wrapper diagonally over the filling to form a triangle.
- Bring the two corners together at the top and pinch to seal.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Make the Broth (if not using store-bought):
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, green onion (if using), and ginger (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- If using additional broth ingredients like bok choy, carrots, mushrooms, or dried shrimp, add them during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering.
- Cook the Wontons:
- Bring a separate pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully drop the wontons into the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Ladle the hot broth into bowls.
- Carefully spoon the cooked wontons into the bowls.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil (optional).
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of filling per wonton depending on your preference.
- If the wonton wrappers become dry while assembling, cover them with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
- Be careful not to overcook the wontons, as they can become tough.
- Leftover wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook from frozen when reheating the soup.
- Store-bought wonton wrappers are readily available at most grocery stores.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit the pork in the filling. You can substitute the pork with tofu or a combination of chopped vegetables and mushrooms.
- Experiment with different vegetables and herbs in the broth to create your own flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Wonton Soup Recipe
Serves: 4-6 servings
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 cup
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250-350 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 10-15 g | 15.4% | |
| Saturated Fat 3-5 g | 15% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 50-70 mg | 16.7% | |
| Sodium 400-600 mg | 16.7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 20-30 g | 6.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2-3 g | 8% | |
| Sugars 5-7 g | ||
| Protein 15-20 g | ||
| Vitamin A Trace | Vitamin C 2-4 mg | |
| Calcium 30-50 mg | Iron 3-4 mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me