Wonton Soup

Your favorite Chinese takeout wonton soup is incredibly easy to make at home! The broth is light and fragrant and the wontons are perfectly seasoned and tender.

This comforting soup features delicate pork-filled dumplings swimming in a savory broth, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. While it might seem intricate, making wonton soup at home is quite approachable with a bit of patience and the right ingredients.

What Makes This So Great?

What sets wonton soup apart is the harmonious combination of simple ingredients that result in a dish bursting with taste and satisfaction. The tender wontons, filled with seasoned ground pork and aromatics like garlic and ginger, provide a delightful contrast to the light and flavorful broth. Making wonton soup at home allows you to tailor the ingredients to your liking, whether you prefer more spice, additional vegetables, or even a different type of protein. It’s a versatile dish that can serve as a light starter or a hearty main course, and the process of folding wontons can be a fun and relaxing activity.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

To prepare wonton soup, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the wonton filling ingredients.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping garlic, ginger, green onions, and vegetables.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure sauces and seasonings.
• Spoon: For scooping the filling onto the wonton wrappers.
• Small Bowl of Water: To seal the wonton wrappers.
• Damp Paper Towel: To keep the wonton wrappers from drying out.
• Sheet Tray Lined with Parchment Paper: To place the assembled wontons.
• Large Pot: For cooking the soup.
• Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
• Serving Bowls: For enjoying your finished soup.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

For the Wontons (makes about 40 wontons):

• 1 lb ground pork
• 3 tbsp water
• 1½ tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• ½ tsp dark soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger knob, minced
• 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 package square wonton wrappers

For the Soup:

• 8 cups water
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• ½ tsp dark soy sauce
• ½ tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
• 6 stalks baby bok choy

How To Make It

For the Wontons:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground pork, water, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and thinly sliced green onion. Use your hand to mix everything together in a circular motion until the liquids are absorbed and the mixture becomes paste-like.
2. Marinate the Filling: If time allows, cover the mixture and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 5-10 minutes, or overnight for deeper taste.
3. Set Up Your Wrapping Station: Prepare a clean workspace with a small bowl of water, a spoon, a damp paper towel, and a sheet tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Assemble the Wontons:
   • Place a wonton wrapper on your workspace, keeping the remaining wrappers covered with the damp towel to prevent drying.
   • Scoop about 2 teaspoons of the pork filling and place it in the center of the wrapper.
   • Dip your finger in water and lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper.
   • Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle (if using square wrappers), pressing out any air and sealing the edges firmly.
   • Dab a little water on one corner of the folded edge.
   • Bring the two corners together and press firmly to seal, forming the traditional wonton shape.
   • Place the assembled wonton on the parchment-lined tray and cover with the damp towel.
   • Repeat the process until all the filling is used.
5. Store Extra Wontons: You can freeze any wontons you won’t be cooking immediately. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For the Soup:

1. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the chicken bouillon, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Cook the Wontons: Carefully add your desired number of wontons to the boiling broth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface and the filling is cooked through.
3. Add Vegetables: Turn off the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Place the baby bok choy and sliced green onions into serving bowls.
4. Assemble the Soup: Use a ladle to transfer the cooked wontons into the serving bowls over the vegetables. Pour the hot broth over the wontons, which will gently cook the bok choy.
5. Serve: Enjoy your homemade wonton soup hot, perhaps with a side of steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe

Wonton soup has a rich history in Chinese cuisine, dating back centuries. The word “wonton” translates to “swallowing clouds,” which poetically describes the delicate dumplings floating in the broth, resembling tiny clouds in the sky. Originating in northern China, wontons became a staple due to their simplicity and the comfort they provided during cold seasons.

Over time, the dish spread throughout China and evolved with regional variations. The southern regions added their own touches, incorporating different fillings and spices. Wonton soup made its way to international shores with Chinese immigrants, becoming a popular dish in Chinese restaurants worldwide. Its enduring appeal lies in its straightforward preparation and the satisfying combination of textures and tastes it offers.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten Free)?

Vegetarian/Vegan Options:

• Filling Substitute: Replace the ground pork with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, firm tofu, and shredded vegetables like carrots and cabbage. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger.
• Broth Substitute: Use a vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon to keep the soup vegetarian or vegan.
• Oyster Sauce Substitute: Use vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms, or simply omit it and adjust the seasoning with extra soy sauce or a bit of miso paste.

Gluten-Free Options:

• Wonton Wrappers: Traditional wonton wrappers contain wheat, but you can find or make gluten-free wrappers using rice flour or other gluten-free flours.
• Soy Sauce Substitute: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
• Chicken Bouillon Substitute: Ensure the bouillon is gluten-free, or use homemade chicken stock.

Other Adjustments:

• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of added salt.
• Add Different Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like spinach, napa cabbage, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Wonton Soup Made Of?

Wonton soup consists of wontons—small dumplings filled with seasoned ground pork—and a light broth. The wonton filling typically includes ground pork mixed with seasonings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and green onions. The broth is made from water or stock, seasoned with chicken bouillon, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and spices like white pepper. The soup often includes vegetables like bok choy and is garnished with green onions.

Is Wonton Soup a Healthy Soup?

Wonton soup can be a healthy option, especially when made at home where you can control the ingredients. It’s a good source of protein from the pork and nutrients from the vegetables. To make it healthier, you can use lean ground meat, add more vegetables, and reduce the sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and bouillon. Keep in mind that portion size and the amount of sodium are key factors in its overall healthiness.

What’s the Difference Between Wonton and Egg Drop Soup?

Wonton soup features dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served in a clear broth. Egg drop soup, on the other hand, is made by pouring beaten eggs into boiling broth, creating delicate strands of cooked egg throughout the soup. While both are popular Chinese soups, they have different textures and ingredients, offering unique dining experiences.

What Is the Filling in a Wonton Made Of?

The traditional filling for wontons is a mixture of ground pork seasoned with ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and green onions. Some variations may include shrimp, chicken, or vegetables. The filling is mixed until it becomes paste-like, ensuring a smooth texture inside the wonton.

How Should I Store This?

Storing Uncooked Wontons:

• Refrigeration: If you plan to cook the wontons within a day, place them in a single layer on a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the wontons. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Storing Cooked Wonton Soup:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The wontons may absorb some broth and become softer over time.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the wontons to break apart.

Note: It’s best to store the broth and wontons separately if possible, especially if you plan to keep them for more than a day.