When the craving for something deeply comforting strikes, few dishes warm the soul like a steaming bowl of Wonton Soup. Delicate dumplings filled with savory pork drift through a clear, aromatic broth, flecked with fresh greens and mushrooms. This classic recipe doesn’t just deliver incredible flavor and texture—it feels like a heartfelt hug from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to master the art of homemade wontons or just want an easy weeknight winner, this recipe will turn your kitchen into your favorite neighborhood noodle shop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Wonton Soup has a beautiful simplicity; every ingredient is there for a reason, working together to create a perfect balance of comfort and brightness. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one makes your bowl so unforgettable.
- Ground Pork (1/2 pound): Rich, juicy, and classic—this is the heart of your wonton filling, delivering flavor and tenderness in every bite.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth, saltiness, and traditional Chinese umami to both the filling and the broth.
- Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): A touch of toastiness that perfumes the pork and sets Wonton Soup apart with its nutty aroma.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Just a splash gives your filling a subtle tang, balancing richness and keeping flavors lively.
- Grated Ginger (1 tablespoon): Fresh ginger brings warmth and a gentle spice that brightens up each mouthful.
- Minced Garlic (2 cloves): Aromatic and sharp, garlic infuses the filling with depth and savory appeal.
- Green Onions, finely chopped (2): Lend color, freshness, and just the right touch of zing to the filling and as garnish.
- White Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): This subtle spice offers a little heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Wonton Wrappers (30 squares): The essential “package” for your dumplings—soft yet delightfully chewy when cooked.
- Chicken Broth (6 cups): The soul of the soup; choose a good-quality broth for the most flavorful base.
- Baby Bok Choy, chopped (1 cup): Adds a splash of color, gentle crunch, and extra nutrition.
- Sliced Mushrooms (1/2 cup): Earthy and tender, mushrooms round out the body and savoriness of the soup.
- Additional Green Onions for garnish: Sprinkle on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that brings everything together.
How to Make Wonton Soup
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by combining the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, green onions, and white pepper in a large bowl. Don’t be shy—get your hands in there and mix until everything is just combined. This method ensures the flavors are distributed evenly, giving every single wonton its signature juicy, aromatic burst.
Step 2: Fill and Fold the Wontons
Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean work surface. Place about one teaspoon of the pork mixture in the center of each square wrapper. Dip your finger in a little water and moisten the edges, then fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the air out as you seal it. For that iconic look, bring the two corners together and pinch—they’ll look like tiny golden envelopes of goodness.
Step 3: Make the Broth
In a large pot, bring your chicken broth to a gentle boil. Stir in the baby bok choy and sliced mushrooms, letting them simmer for a minute or two. The veggies not only add a gorgeous pop of color but also infuse the broth with delicate, earthy notes that balance the savory dumplings.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
Carefully lower the wontons into the simmering broth. Give them a gentle stir so they don’t stick to the bottom. Let them cook for 5 to 6 minutes—watch for them to bob to the surface, a telltale sign the filling is cooked and ready to enjoy. The soup at this point smells nothing short of heavenly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Ladle the fragrant broth, tender bok choy, mushrooms, and pillowy wontons into bowls. For a final flourish, sprinkle with extra green onions. Your comforting bowl of homemade Wonton Soup is ready to delight!
How to Serve Wonton Soup
Garnishes
The right garnish gives your Wonton Soup a fresh and inviting finish. A scattering of finely chopped green onions offers crunch and brightness, while a dash of white pepper or a few drops of sesame oil on top can enhance the aroma. If you love heat, a swirl of chili oil is stunning!
Side Dishes
Pair your Wonton Soup with steamed jasmine rice, crisp spring rolls, or a refreshing cucumber salad for a satisfying meal. If you’re serving it as part of a larger spread, dim sum favorites like scallion pancakes or shrimp dumplings make wonderful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving Wonton Soup in small bowls as an appetizer for a dinner party, or personalize each bowl with different toppings—think blanched spinach, julienned carrots, or a few leaves of cilantro. For cozy nights in, set up a DIY wonton station where everyone folds and customizes their own dumplings before slipping them into the bubbling broth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover Wonton Soup, let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the dumplings from getting too soft, try storing the wontons and broth separately.
Freezing
For future quick meals, freeze uncooked filled wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, pop them into a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready to be cooked straight from frozen whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated soup on the stovetop over gentle heat until hot, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened. Frozen wontons can be simmered right in broth—a handy trick for busy days when you need homemade comfort, fast.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat in the wontons?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or shrimp make fantastic substitutes for pork, giving your Wonton Soup a lighter or seafood twist while still delivering delicious dumplings. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
What if I can’t find wonton wrappers?
Wonton wrappers are usually available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use thin square egg roll wrappers cut down to size as a substitute.
Is this Wonton Soup recipe suitable for freezing?
Definitely—assemble your wontons and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. When ready, cook them straight from the freezer in boiling broth for a quick weeknight meal.
Can I make the soup vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, swap out the pork for finely chopped mushrooms or tofu, use vegetable broth, and fill your wontons with a mix of sautéed veggies for a plant-based delight.
How do I prevent my wontons from bursting?
Be sure not to overfill them, seal the edges tightly, and press out as much air as possible before cooking. Gentle simmering rather than a rolling boil will also protect those delicate dumplings from breaking apart.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about homemade Wonton Soup. It’s one of those dishes you’ll crave on chilly evenings, rainy weekends, or anytime a little comfort is needed. Give this recipe a try—it just might become your new favorite way to share warmth, flavor, and a little joy around the dinner table.
PrintWonton Soup Recipe
A comforting and classic Chinese dish, Wonton Soup is a flavorful broth filled with tender pork-filled wontons, bok choy, and mushrooms. This homemade version is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 30 square wonton wrappers
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup baby bok choy, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- Additional green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Filling: In a bowl, combine ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, green onions, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Fill the Wonton Wrappers: Place 1 teaspoon of the pork mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Wet the edges with water and fold to seal, pressing out any air.
- Cook the Soup: Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add bok choy and mushrooms, then reduce to a simmer. Gently add wontons and cook for 5–6 minutes or until they float and the pork is fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or shrimp for the pork.
- Freeze extra filled wontons on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for future use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 50mg