Description

Homemade Wonton Soup is a classic Chinese dish known for its delicate, flavorful broth and tender wontons filled with seasoned meat, typically pork or shrimp. The wontons are made by wrapping a savory filling inside thin, square wrappers, which are then boiled until they become soft and chewy. The broth is typically made with chicken or pork stock, infused with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a few herbs or spices for depth. The soup often includes vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, and green onions for added flavor and texture. The wontons float gently in the broth, absorbing its savory notes, while the vegetables add a fresh, crisp contrast. It’s a comforting, soul-warming dish, perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Wonton Filling:

1/2 pound ground pork: Traditional for wontons, ground pork is flavorful and holds the filling together well.
1/2 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, and finely chopped): Shrimp adds a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a nice texture to the filling.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and umami to the filling.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Provides a savory, slightly sweet richness to the wonton filling.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: For a hint of toasted flavor that elevates the dish.
1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Adds mild heat and a subtle peppery flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ginger (fresh, grated): Ginger gives the wontons a fragrant, slightly spicy kick.
1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions): Adds freshness and flavor to the filling.
1/4 cup water chestnuts (finely chopped): Optional, but they provide a satisfying crunch and a slight sweetness to the filling.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps bind the filling together and gives it a smooth texture.
1 egg (beaten): Helps bind the filling and provides structure.

For the Broth:

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The base of the soup, providing a savory, flavorful liquid that the wontons will cook in.
2 cups water: To dilute the broth slightly and create a lighter soup base.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami flavor to the broth.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Deepens the flavor and adds richness to the broth.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Gives the broth a nutty, toasted flavor that complements the wontons.
1–2 slices ginger: Adds fragrance and warmth to the broth.
2 cloves garlic (smashed): Infuses the broth with aromatic garlic flavor.
2 green onions (scallions): Adds a mild onion flavor to the broth and is also used for garnish.
1/4 teaspoon white pepper: A light touch of pepper to give the broth a subtle heat.

For Wrapping the Wontons:

1 package wonton wrappers: Wonton wrappers are typically found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. These thin, square wrappers hold the filling together while cooking.

Garnishes (Optional):

Chopped green onions (for garnish): Adds freshness and color to the finished soup.
Cilantro leaves (optional): Provides a fresh, herbal note.
Chili oil or hot sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, drizzle chili oil or add hot sauce to taste.

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Instructions

First Step: Make the Wonton Filling

Prepare the Ingredients: If using shrimp, peel, devein, and finely chop the shrimp. Place it in a large bowl. For the pork, ensure it’s ground finely for a smooth filling.
Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, grated ginger, chopped green onions, water chestnuts (if using), cornstarch, and the beaten egg. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and smooth. It should have a cohesive texture and be firm enough to hold together when wrapped in the wonton wrappers.
Test the Filling: To ensure the filling has the right seasoning, take a small spoonful and pan-fry it in a little oil for about 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if necessary.

Second Step: Assemble the Wontons

Prepare the Wonton Wrappers: Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean, dry surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
Shape the Wontons: Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly together to seal the filling inside. You can also bring the two corners of the triangle together to form a traditional wonton shape by sealing the tips with a little water.
Repeat: Continue filling and folding the wontons until all the filling has been used up. You should end up with about 30-40 wontons, depending on the size of your wrappers and the amount of filling used.
Set Aside: Once the wontons are assembled, set them aside on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can cover them with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out as you work.

Third Step: Prepare the Broth

Combine Broth Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ginger slices, garlic, and white pepper. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Infuse the Broth: Allow the broth to simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally, and taste the broth. If needed, add a little more soy sauce or seasoning to balance the flavors to your liking.
Strain the Broth: After simmering, remove the ginger and garlic from the broth. You can either strain the broth or remove the solids with a slotted spoon. This will leave you with a smooth, flavorful soup base.

Fourth Step: Cook the Wontons

Bring the Broth to a Boil: Once the broth is strained, bring it back to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Wontons: Gently drop the wontons into the boiling broth, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. You may need to cook the wontons in batches. Once the wontons float to the surface, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the wontons are fully cooked through and the wrappers are tender.
Remove the Wontons: Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the cooked wontons from the broth and transfer them to a serving bowl.

Fifth Step: Assemble and Serve

Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot broth over the cooked wontons in each bowl. Be sure to include a few pieces of the aromatic ginger and green onions from the broth for added flavor.
Garnish: Top the soup with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness. For a little heat, drizzle some chili oil or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
Enjoy: Serve your Homemade Wonton Soup immediately, and enjoy the comforting, flavorful goodness!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour for boiling, 30 minutes for making wontons

Nutrition

Calories: 300 kcal
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g