Delicate, savory, and deeply satisfying, wonton soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any meal. The combination of tender dumplings filled with a well-seasoned pork and shrimp mixture, swimming in a fragrant chicken broth, makes for a light yet hearty experience. Whether served as a starter or a main course, this classic dish is simple to prepare while delivering bold, aromatic flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredient Breakdown
Every element in wonton soup plays a crucial role in achieving its signature taste and texture. The wonton wrappers, thin and delicate, should remain pliable to prevent tearing during folding and cooking. Keeping them covered while assembling prevents them from drying out. The filling, made with finely chopped pork and shrimp, strikes a perfect balance between richness and subtle sweetness, offering a tender and flavorful bite. Light soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, and brown sugar enhance the savory umami depth, while ginger and green onions provide a fresh, aromatic lift. The broth serves as the foundation of the soup, and using a high-quality chicken stock ensures a rich yet clean-tasting base that complements the dumplings without overpowering them.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Preparing the Wonton Filling
The key to a well-balanced filling is ensuring the pork and shrimp are finely chopped and evenly combined. Mixing in the soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and aromatics allows the flavors to meld, creating a juicy and flavorful mixture. Letting the filling rest for about 30 minutes enhances its depth, ensuring that each wonton is infused with maximum flavor.
Wrapping the Wontons
Working with one wrapper at a time prevents them from drying out. A small spoonful of filling is placed at the center, and the edges are moistened with water to help create a secure seal. Folding the wrapper into a triangle and pressing out any air pockets prevents them from bursting while cooking. Bringing the two corners together and sealing them forms the classic wonton shape, ensuring a compact and well-structured dumpling.
Cooking the Wontons and Soup Base
A rolling boil is essential before adding the wontons to ensure they cook evenly. Gently dropping them into the broth and stirring carefully prevents them from sticking together. Cooking for about five minutes allows the wrappers to turn translucent while the filling becomes fully cooked and tender. The soup is then ladled into bowls and garnished with fresh green onions for a final touch of color and freshness.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Keeping wonton wrappers from drying out while assembling
Cover them with a damp cloth to maintain flexibility.
Making wontons in advance and storing them properly
Freeze them on a tray before transferring to a container for easy cooking later.
Ensuring the filling stays juicy and tender after cooking
Avoid overmixing, which can make the meat dense.
Adjusting seasoning in the broth for extra depth of flavor
Add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of white pepper for a stronger taste.
Can I use store-bought wontons instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time based on package instructions.
What’s the best way to store leftover wontons?
Freeze them uncooked and boil straight from frozen when ready.
How do I keep my wontons from sticking together while cooking?
Stir gently after adding them to the broth to keep them separate.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Wonton soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its delicate flavors. Classic pairings include steamed vegetables like baby bok choy or stir-fried Chinese greens, which add a fresh and slightly bitter contrast. A side of jasmine rice can make the meal more filling without overpowering the broth’s lightness. For those who enjoy extra dipping sauces, a small bowl of light soy sauce with chili oil, black vinegar, or a ginger-infused dip can add a flavorful kick. If you’re looking to turn this into a heartier dish, consider adding noodles or extra vegetables like mushrooms and spinach to the broth.
Wonton soup is a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that brings together delicate dumplings, aromatic broth, and fresh garnishes for a perfectly balanced meal. With just a few key ingredients and an easy preparation process, it’s a versatile recipe that can be made fresh or in advance for a quick and satisfying option. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a light meal any time of the year, this comforting soup is a timeless favorite that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Ingredients
Wontons:
24 (3.5-inch square) wonton wrappers
½ pound boneless pork loin, coarsely chopped
2 ounces peeled shrimp, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon finely chopped green onions
1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger root
Soup:
3 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
Instructions
Gather all ingredients and ensure they are prepped and ready for assembly.
Making the Wontons:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pork, shrimp, rice wine, soy sauce, brown sugar, green onions, and ginger. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Allow the mixture to marinate for 25 to 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
Place a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center. Lightly moisten all four edges of the wrapper with water, then fold it diagonally over the filling to create a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal, ensuring there are no air pockets.
Bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together above the filling, slightly overlapping them. Dab a small amount of water where the tips meet and press gently to secure the shape. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers until all wontons are assembled.
Preparing the Soup:
In a medium pot, bring the chicken stock to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Carefully drop the wontons into the boiling broth, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers turn translucent and the filling is fully cooked.
Ladle the hot soup with wontons into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve immediately for a comforting, flavorful dish.
Wonton soup Recipe
Ingredients
Wontons:
- 24 3.5-inch square wonton wrappers
- ½ pound boneless pork loin coarsely chopped
- 2 ounces peeled shrimp finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger root
Soup:
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are prepped and ready for assembly.
Making the Wontons:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pork, shrimp, rice wine, soy sauce, brown sugar, green onions, and ginger. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Allow the mixture to marinate for 25 to 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Place a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center. Lightly moisten all four edges of the wrapper with water, then fold it diagonally over the filling to create a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal, ensuring there are no air pockets.
- Bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together above the filling, slightly overlapping them. Dab a small amount of water where the tips meet and press gently to secure the shape. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers until all wontons are assembled.
Preparing the Soup:
- In a medium pot, bring the chicken stock to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Carefully drop the wontons into the boiling broth, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers turn translucent and the filling is fully cooked.
- Ladle the hot soup with wontons into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve immediately for a comforting, flavorful dish.
