Wonton soup is a warm and comforting dish filled with delicious dumplings. These little dumplings are packed with seasoned meat and veggies, all swimming in a tasty broth.
It’s like a big hug in a bowl! I love making it on chilly nights; it warms you up from the inside out. Plus, who doesn’t love slurping up noodles? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton wrappers: You can find these in most grocery stores in the refrigerated section. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, dumpling wrappers or even egg roll wrappers can work as a substitute. Just ensure to cut them to size.
Ground pork: While I love the flavor of pork, you can easily swap it out for ground chicken, turkey, or shrimp if you prefer. Each option gives a different taste, so feel free to mix it up!
Bok choy: Bok choy adds a nice crunch and color. If it’s not available, you can use spinach, kale, or even shredded cabbage instead. They’ll cook quickly in the broth!
Seasonings: Soy sauce and sesame oil are key for that signature depth of flavor. For a lighter option, you can use low-sodium soy sauce, and coconut aminos are a great gluten-free alternative.
How Do You Perfectly Fill Wontons Without a Mess?
Filling wontons can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll master it in no time! Start with small amounts of filling to avoid overflow. Keeping a bowl of water nearby helps seal the edges tightly.
- Always moisten the edges before folding to create a better seal.
- Don’t overfill! About a teaspoon of filling is usually enough.
- Be gentle when sealing to avoid tearing the wrappers.
Practice makes perfect! The more you make, the better and faster you’ll become at it.
Wonton Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wontons:
- 30-40 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or chicken/shrimp)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Broth:
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for broth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for broth)
For the Veggies:
- 2 cups bok choy or baby bok choy, separated into leaf sections
- Optional: chili flakes or chili oil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious wonton soup will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It includes about 20 minutes for assembling the wontons and 10 minutes for simmering in the broth. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the filling:
In a bowl, combine ground pork, finely chopped white parts of green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, white pepper, and salt. Stir everything together well until it’s nicely mixed and cohesive. This filling is what gives the wontons their amazing flavor!
2. Fill the wontons:
Take a wonton wrapper and lay it on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of the wrapper. Moisten the edges with water. Fold the wrapper diagonally to create a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Next, bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together, sealing them with a bit of water to form the classic wonton shape. Repeat this process with the rest of the wrappers and filling.
3. Prepare the broth:
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the pot. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. It should be savory and comforting!
4. Cook the wontons:
Carefully drop the filled wontons into the simmering broth. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface, indicating that they are fully cooked through. Watching them dance in the soup is rather fun!
5. Add the bok choy:
During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the bok choy leaves to the broth. They will become tender but still retain some crunch and freshness.
6. Serve:
Ladle the wontons, bok choy, and broth into serving bowls. Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onion. If you like a bit of extra kick, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle some chili oil on top.
7. Enjoy!
Your warm and delicious homemade wonton soup is ready to be savored. Enjoy each spoonful of comfort!
Can I Use Frozen Wonton Wrappers?
Absolutely! Frozen wonton wrappers are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover wonton soup, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The wontons may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be delicious! To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the filling a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the soup, simply fill the wonton wrappers with the pre-made filling.
What Can I Use Instead of Bok Choy?
If bok choy isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with other greens like spinach, kale, or even shredded napa cabbage. They will all add a nice flavor and texture to your soup!
