Homemade Wonton Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that features delicate pork and shrimp wontons floating in a light, savory broth. This classic Chinese soup is perfect for cold days or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. With a few simple ingredients, you can create this delicious soup right in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Wontons
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 package wonton wrappers (about 30-40 wrappers)
For the Soup
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Fresh spinach or bok choy (optional)
Instructions
Make the Wontons
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, and white pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Wontons: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of the wrapper. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing to seal the edges. Bring the two opposite corners together, overlapping them slightly, and press to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Cook the Wontons
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil.
- Cook Wontons: Carefully drop the wontons into the boiling water in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface and are fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the wontons to a plate.
Make the Soup
- Prepare Broth: In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sliced ginger. Let the broth simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Add Wontons: Add the cooked wontons to the broth and let them simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each bowl has a generous amount of wontons. Garnish with sliced green onions and add fresh spinach or bok choy if desired. Serve warm.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Wonton Folding: There are many ways to fold wontons, but the triangle fold is one of the simplest and easiest to master. Make sure to press the edges firmly to avoid them opening while cooking.
- Broth Flavor: If you prefer a stronger broth, you can add more soy sauce or even a splash of fish sauce for extra umami.
- Cooking in Batches: Cook the wontons in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can cause them to stick together.
Variations
- Vegetarian Wontons: Substitute the pork and shrimp with a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and cabbage for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Wonton Soup: Add a teaspoon of chili oil or a few slices of fresh chili to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Seafood Wonton Soup: Use only shrimp in the wonton filling for a seafood-only version.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- Noodles: Add some cooked egg noodles to the soup for a heartier version.
- Dim Sum Spread: Pair with other dim sum favorites like steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a delicious feast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Freeze the Wontons?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled wontons before cooking them. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen by adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
How Long Does Wonton Soup Last in the Fridge?
Wonton soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I Use Store-Bought Wontons?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought wontons. Just add them to the broth and cook according to the package instructions.
What Other Fillings Can I Use for the Wontons?
You can use a variety of fillings for the wontons, such as ground chicken, tofu, or even crab meat. Just make sure the filling is finely chopped and well-seasoned.
Can I Make the Broth Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it and add the cooked wontons just before serving.
Homemade Wonton Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time you need a warm, satisfying meal. With tender pork and shrimp wontons in a light, savory broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. It may take a little time to fold the wontons, but the effort is well worth it. Gather your ingredients, make a batch, and enjoy this classic, heartwarming soup!
Happy Cooking!