Wonton Soup is a beloved and savory dish that brings warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Perfectly balanced with tender wontons, flavorful broth, and fresh ingredients, this Chinese food staple is both a treat for the senses and simple to make at home. Follow along to create an authentic wonton soup that serves six.
Ingredients:
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or ground chicken)
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 30 wonton wrappers (found in most grocery stores)
For the Broth:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2-3 slices of fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnishes:
- Green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chili oil or hot sauce (optional, for a spicier kick)
Instructions:
Prepare the Wonton Filling
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and white pepper. Stir well until the mixture is thoroughly blended.
- Fill Wonton Wrappers: Place a small spoonful of filling (about a teaspoon) in the center of each wonton wrapper. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle and press the edges to seal. For added security, you can wet the edges with a little water.
- Seal the Wontons: Bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together, pressing gently to secure. Repeat with all wrappers until you have a full batch of prepared wontons.
Prepare the Broth
- Heat Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add the ginger slices, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove Aromatics: Take out the ginger and garlic to create a smooth, flavorful broth base without large pieces.
Cook the Wontons
- Add Wontons to the Broth: Carefully place the wontons into the simmering broth. Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface and are fully cooked through.
- Taste and Adjust: Check the seasoning of the broth, adjusting salt and pepper to your preference.
Serve the Wonton Soup
- Ladle into Bowls: Divide the wontons and broth among serving bowls.
- Garnish: Top with green onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of chili oil if desired.
Tips for Perfect Wonton Soup
Freeze Wontons for Later
If you’d like to enjoy wonton soup anytime, freeze extra wontons on a tray before placing them in a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, adding just a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Customize Your Wonton Soup
Traditional wonton soup is simple, but you can add other ingredients like sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or even a soft-boiled egg to make the soup more hearty and filling. Experiment with different fillings like shrimp or vegetables for unique flavors in each bowl.
Adjust the Spice
Wonton soup is usually mild, but adding a dash of chili oil or fresh chili can bring some heat if you prefer a spicier taste. Chili oil, along with a splash of black vinegar, can give your soup a more complex, tangy flavor often found in Sichuan-style wonton soup.
Health Benefits of Wonton Soup
Wonton soup is not only delicious but also provides various nutrients that make it a good addition to any diet. Chinese food dishes like wonton soup are often designed to be balanced. The broth offers hydration and warmth, the wontons provide protein, and additional greens add essential vitamins. Wonton soup is also relatively low in calories, especially if you choose a lean filling and use low-sodium broth.
Why You’ll Love Making Wonton Soup at Home
Homemade wonton soup allows you to control the ingredients and flavors to suit your tastes. Unlike takeout, which may use high sodium broths or extra oils, making wonton soup yourself gives you a fresher, healthier dish. Plus, it’s easy to customize, which means you can add or adjust ingredients for dietary preferences.
Wonton Soup is an excellent choice whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly day or simply craving a taste of Chinese food at home. The light yet savory broth and delicate wontons make this dish a satisfying meal for any occasion. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find it becomes a go-to recipe for quick, warming dinners or even as an appetizer to a larger Chinese-inspired feast.
