Wonton soup is a beloved classic in many Asian cuisines, known for its delicate, flavorful dumplings floating in a savory broth. This dish is perfect for those seeking comfort and warmth in a bowl. In this post, we’ll guide you through making delicious wonton soup from scratch, share some useful tips, and suggest variations to suit different dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of savory broth and juicy wontons is incredibly satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: With pre-made wonton wrappers, this recipe comes together in no time.
- Healthy Option: Light yet nourishing, perfect for a wholesome meal.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for busy weeknights, a comforting lunch, or a starter for a dinner party.
- Versatile: Easy to adapt with various fillings and broths to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Wontons
- 8 ounces ground pork
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 24 square (3½ inches each) wonton wrappers
Soup
- 6 cups (1,440g) chicken broth
- 1½ teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2-3 green onions, finely chopped
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Small spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Pot for boiling water
- Large pot for soup
- Ladle
- Soup bowls
Directions
Preheat and Prepare
- Wonton Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, brown sugar, and finely chopped green onions. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Main Cooking Steps
- Assemble Wontons:
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Add a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center.
- Wet the edges of the wrapper with water, fold it in half to form a triangle, and press the edges to seal.
- Bring the two bottom corners together, dab a bit of water on one, and press to seal them together. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Cook Wontons:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the wontons into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Prepare the Soup:
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Final Steps
- Assemble the Soup:
- Add cooked wontons to the simmering broth. Let them heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with finely chopped green onions.
Tips and Variations
- Customizing Fillings: Substitute ground pork with ground chicken, shrimp, or a mix of finely chopped vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Broth Variations: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter flavor or to make it vegetarian.
- Dietary Modifications: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Storing Leftovers
- Storing: Keep the wontons and broth separate in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Combine and reheat before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen as needed.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warm. Add wontons and heat through.
Food and Drink Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with a light Asian salad, steamed vegetables, or spring rolls.
- Suitable Drinks: Pair with green tea, a light white wine, or a refreshing cucumber-infused water.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze the wontons? Yes, freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen.
- How do I know when the wontons are cooked? They will float to the surface and should be cooked through in 3-5 minutes.
- What can I use instead of pork? Ground chicken, shrimp, or finely chopped vegetables are great alternatives.
Call to Action
Give this comforting wonton soup recipe a try and enjoy the delicious, homemade flavors. Share your experience and any variations you tried in the comments below!