This homemade wonton soup offers a perfect balance of savory pork, tender shrimp, and fragrant broth. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish that’s incredibly satisfying yet relatively low in calories, making it an ideal option for those who crave hearty, warming soups without the guilt. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this classic soup in your own kitchen. The combination of delicate wontons and rich, aromatic broth makes this dish a go-to for cozy dinners or even meal prep. Customize it by adding bok choy or noodles for a more filling meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 50-60 wonton wrappers
- 200g ground pork
- 200g raw shrimp, chopped
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1-inch ginger slice
- 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- Shredded green onions for serving
- Bok choy or noodles (optional)
Directions:
- Make the wonton filling: In a bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, grated ginger, green onions, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, salt, and sesame oil. Mash the mixture until just combined, leaving some texture from the shrimp.
- Wrap the wontons: Lay out wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Add a teaspoon of filling to each wonton. Brush two edges with water and fold to seal, pressing out any air. Bring two corners together and press to seal.
- Cook the wontons: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the wontons and cook for 4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and divide among bowls.
- Prepare the broth: In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth, smashed garlic, ginger slice, soy sauce, sugar, and Chinese cooking wine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove the garlic and ginger before serving.
- Assemble: If using, blanch bok choy or cook noodles in the broth. Divide the wontons among bowls, pour the hot broth over the top, and garnish with green onions.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Comforting, Flavorful Classic
Wonton soup is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Chinese cuisine. With its delicate wontons swimming in a flavorful broth, it’s a comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite. Whether you’re familiar with this dish from your favorite takeout spot or you’re trying it for the first time, homemade wonton soup delivers a richer, more flavorful experience than anything you can get from a restaurant or store-bought option. It’s a meal that combines the simple pleasures of savory pork, tender shrimp, and a light, aromatic broth into one hearty bowl of goodness.
The History and Origins of Wonton Soup
The origins of wonton soup date back thousands of years in China, where wontons were created as a variation of dumplings. Wontons, which in Mandarin means “swallowing clouds” due to their pillowy, cloud-like appearance, were originally made during the Han dynasty. The tradition of wrapping fillings in thin dough has evolved over centuries, spreading throughout Asia and gaining popularity worldwide.
In the earliest days, wontons were filled with ground meats and served in broth or fried. The recipe was refined over time to what we know today—a delicate balance of savory filling, typically made with pork and shrimp, wrapped in thin, tender wonton wrappers and served in a light but flavorful broth. While there are many variations of wonton soup across different regions, the Cantonese-style wonton soup is the most well-known outside of China. This version is characterized by its clear, aromatic broth and wontons filled with finely chopped pork, shrimp, and seasonings.
Why Make Homemade Wonton Soup?
While it’s easy to find wonton soup at Chinese restaurants or even in the freezer section of your grocery store, making it at home offers several advantages. The most significant reason is the control you have over the ingredients. Restaurant and store-bought wontons often contain preservatives, artificial flavorings, and fillers that can detract from the fresh, clean taste of homemade wonton soup. When you make it yourself, you get to choose high-quality ingredients and customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
The flavor of homemade wonton soup is also far superior to anything you can buy. Freshly prepared wontons, made with succulent pork, shrimp, ginger, and green onions, offer a delicious burst of flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Plus, the broth made from chicken stock, soy sauce, and aromatics such as ginger and garlic adds depth and richness to the dish that elevates it beyond the everyday. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the homemade version will quickly become a family favorite.
The Art of Wonton Making
One of the joys of preparing homemade wonton soup is learning the art of wonton wrapping. The process may seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a rewarding and meditative experience. There are various techniques for wrapping wontons, from the traditional fold to the more modern, compact shapes that are easier to freeze. Each style offers its own unique texture and appearance, but all will taste equally delicious.
The key to great wontons is not to overfill them. A teaspoon of filling is usually enough for each wonton wrapper. When sealing the wrappers, be sure to press out any excess air to prevent them from bursting during cooking. The technique of folding is important for maintaining the structural integrity of the wontons, ensuring that they hold together during boiling while still offering a tender bite.
Wonton wrappers are thin and delicate, so it’s essential to handle them carefully. Wrapping a batch of wontons can be a fun activity to do with family or friends, turning the kitchen into a place for creativity and shared moments. Once you get into the rhythm, you’ll find it an enjoyable and rewarding task.
The Benefits of Wonton Soup
Homemade wonton soup isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutritious. Each bowl is packed with protein from the pork and shrimp filling, and if you add bok choy, mushrooms, or other vegetables, you increase the soup’s fiber and nutrient content. The broth is generally light and relatively low in calories, but incredibly flavorful thanks to the infusion of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
Wonton soup is also an excellent option for meal prepping. You can make a large batch of wontons and freeze them for later use, allowing you to have this comforting dish on hand for quick and easy meals. Simply cook the wontons directly from frozen, and they’ll be ready in minutes. Having a stash of wontons in your freezer can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something wholesome but don’t have time to cook from scratch.
For those watching their calorie intake, wonton soup can be a satisfying, low-calorie option. A typical bowl of homemade wonton soup contains around 350 calories, depending on the portion size and whether you add noodles or extra vegetables. This makes it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal without overindulging.
Customizing Your Wonton Soup
One of the great things about homemade wonton soup is how easy it is to customize to suit your tastes. While the classic combination of pork and shrimp is a tried-and-true favorite, you can experiment with different fillings. Ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu can be used as a substitute for pork if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option. You can also add a variety of vegetables to the filling, such as finely chopped mushrooms, water chestnuts, or cabbage for added texture and flavor.
The broth, too, can be adjusted to your liking. For a spicier kick, you can add a splash of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a richer broth, consider adding a bit of bone broth or extra garlic and ginger for a deeper, more complex flavor. Some people even like to include egg noodles or rice noodles in their wonton soup to make it more filling, turning it into a meal-in-a-bowl that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Tips for Perfect Wonton Soup Every Time
Here are a few tips to ensure that your homemade wonton soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh pork, shrimp, and vegetables make all the difference in the flavor and texture of your wontons. If you use frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before chopping.
- Don’t overcook the wontons: Wontons cook quickly, usually in about 4-5 minutes. They’re done when they float to the surface of the boiling water. Overcooking them can cause the wrappers to become too soft and fall apart.
- Freeze for later: If you’re making a big batch, you can freeze the uncooked wontons on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can have homemade wonton soup ready in a matter of minutes on busy days.
- Experiment with broth: The broth is just as important as the wontons themselves. Feel free to experiment with different broths and seasonings to find the perfect balance that suits your taste.
Conclusion:
Homemade wonton soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re new to making wontons or a seasoned pro, this dish is always a joy to prepare and even more delightful to eat. The process of crafting each wonton, simmering the aromatic broth, and bringing everything together into a warm, comforting bowl is a satisfying experience that delivers on flavor and nutrition.
With its versatility and ease of preparation, wonton soup is an excellent dish to add to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, preparing meals in advance, or simply indulging in a bowl of comfort on a cold day, this homemade version of wonton soup will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
