Wonton soup is a warm and tasty dish that features delicate dumplings filled with meat and veggies, all swimming in a clear, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal!
There’s nothing like slurping up those little dumplings! I like to add a sprinkle of green onions on top for a fresh kick. Who else loves a big bowl of soup on chilly days? 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is traditional for wontons, but you can swap it for ground chicken, turkey, or shrimp. If you need a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms or tofu blended for texture.
Wonton Wrappers: You can find these in most grocery stores. If they’re not available, use dumpling wrappers or make your own with flour and water! You can even skip wrappers and make dumplings with just a filling, though they will look different.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is always great, but store-bought works just fine. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version. Add a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor if using low-salt broth.
Bok Choy: It adds crunch and nutrition. If bok choy isn’t available, try spinach, napa cabbage, or kale instead. Any leafy green would work smoothly in this soup.
What’s the Best Way to Shape Wontons?
Shaping wontons can be a bit tricky if you’re new. Practice makes perfect, so don’t stress if they don’t look perfect at first! Here’s how to get it right:
- Hold a wonton wrapper in one hand and add a teaspoon of filling in the center.
- Moisten the edges with a bit of water to help seal them.
- Fold the wrapper over to create a triangle, pressing out air as you seal it tight.
- For a more traditional look, bring the corners of the triangle together and pinch to seal.
Feel free to get creative with the folds! In the end, the taste is what matters most.
Wonton Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or shrimp or a mix)
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1 egg white
- 20 wonton wrappers
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 2 cups bok choy, ends trimmed and washed
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: sliced red chili or chili flakes for heat
- Salt and white pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. So, you can have a cozy bowl of wonton soup ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wonton Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground pork (or shrimp), chopped scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and egg white. Mix everything together well until it forms a nice filling.
2. Assemble the Wontons:
Take a wonton wrapper and place about 1 teaspoon of your filling in the center. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water. Fold it in half to create a triangle, making sure to press out any air. Seal it tightly. For the classic shape, bring the two corners of the triangle together, slightly overlapping, and seal them with a bit of water.
3. Make the Soup Base:
In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the sliced ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the broth for extra flavor. Let this simmer for a few moments.
4. Cook the Wontons:
Add the assembled wontons to the simmering broth. They will begin to float when they are cooked, which should take about 5 minutes. Make sure they are cooked through!
5. Prepare the Bok Choy:
While the wontons are cooking, bring a separate pot of boiling water to blanch the bok choy. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until just tender, then drain and set aside.
6. Final Touches:
Once the wontons are finished cooking, carefully remove the ginger slices from the broth. Add the blanched bok choy to the soup and stir gently.
7. Serve the Soup:
Ladle the soup along with the wontons into bowls. Garnish each bowl with sliced scallions and if you like it spicy, add some red chili or chili flakes.
8. Enjoy Your Soup!
Adjust the seasoning with salt and white pepper as needed. Serve hot, and enjoy your comforting bowl of wonton soup!
Can I Use Frozen Wontons for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen wontons, you can add them directly to the simmering broth. Just increase the cooking time slightly until they are heated through and float to the top, usually about 6-8 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftover Wonton Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to refresh the flavor.
Can I Use Other Greens Instead of Bok Choy?
Yes, you can substitute bok choy with spinach, napa cabbage, or even kale. Just be sure to adjust the blanching time depending on the green you choose, as some may cook faster or slower.
What Dipping Sauce Goes Well with Wontons?
A simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil works wonderfully! You can also add chili oil or garlic for extra flavor if you like some heat.
