Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade wonton soup—comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. This classic Chinese dish features tender, flavorful wontons filled with ground chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables, all served in a savory, fragrant broth. Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer or a main course, homemade wonton soup is a delicious way to indulge in a wholesome, homemade meal.
Making wonton soup at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s just as good (if not better) than what you’d find at your favorite restaurant. From the savory chicken-filled wontons to the umami-rich broth with the perfect balance of spices and fresh greens, this soup is sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or gathering.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Wonton Soup
- Flavorful and Hearty: The homemade wontons and savory broth create a comforting and satisfying soup.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or protein to the soup to suit your taste.
- Quick and Easy: While making the wontons from scratch is fun, the soup itself comes together quickly once the wontons are ready.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner on a cold night or a light meal to impress guests, this wonton soup is versatile enough for any occasion.
- Fresh and Healthy: Made with fresh ingredients, this soup is a lighter yet hearty dish that feels nourishing and wholesome.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- Ground chicken
- Green onions (finely chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Grated ginger
- White pepper
- Wonton wrappers
For the Soup:
- Chicken broth
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Grated ginger
- Garlic (minced)
- Baby bok choy or spinach
- Sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or a combination of finely chopped vegetables such as mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili oil or some sliced fresh chili peppers to the broth for a spicy variation.
- Different Greens: While bok choy and spinach are traditional, you can also use napa cabbage, kale, or even arugula to add some variety to the soup.
- Broth Options: Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian option.
How to Make the Homemade Wonton Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Wontons
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and white pepper. Mix until well combined.
Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of the filling mixture into the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, fold it in half to form a triangle, and then pinch the edges together to seal the wonton. Fold the two opposite corners together and press to seal, creating a classic wonton shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Broth
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir to combine and let the broth simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Wontons
Once the broth is ready, gently add the wontons into the simmering broth, one at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Let the wontons cook for 4-6 minutes or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pot.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Once the wontons are cooked, add the baby bok choy or spinach (and mushrooms, if using) to the pot. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are tender and the mushrooms (if added) have softened.
Step 5: Serve the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a few wontons and plenty of broth. Garnish with green onions and fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overfill the Wontons: Be sure not to overstuff the wontons to prevent them from tearing during cooking. A small teaspoon of filling per wrapper is usually the perfect amount.
- Sealing the Wontons: Use a bit of water along the edges of the wrapper to ensure they seal properly and don’t open during cooking.
- Broth Flavor: For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of fish sauce or a few drops of Chinese cooking wine to the broth.
- Make Ahead: You can make the wontons ahead of time and freeze them. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them, and then store in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, add them directly to the simmering broth without thawing.
How to Serve
Wonton soup is typically served hot in large bowls, often as a starter or a light meal. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, dim sum, or other Asian-inspired dishes. For a more complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or some crispy spring rolls. The warm broth, tender wontons, and fresh vegetables make for a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to remove any leftover wontons from the broth to prevent them from getting soggy. Store the wontons and broth separately and combine them when reheating.
Freezing
Wontons can be frozen before cooking. Arrange uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. The broth can also be frozen separately for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw the broth and cook the frozen wontons in it.
Reheating
Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a bit more broth or water to reach the desired consistency. You can also microwave individual servings, but be careful not to overcook the wontons.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers?
Yes, store-bought wonton wrappers work great for this recipe. Just be sure to seal them properly and avoid overfilling them.
2. Can I use ground pork or beef instead of chicken?
Yes, ground pork or beef would be great substitutes for chicken. Just make sure to cook the wontons thoroughly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground chicken with tofu or finely chopped vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. How can I make the broth more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce, a few slices of fresh ginger, or a teaspoon of miso paste to the broth.
5. How do I know when the wontons are cooked?
Wontons are cooked when they float to the top of the broth, typically 4-6 minutes. You can also cut one open to check that the filling is cooked through.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, snow peas, or bell peppers, to the soup for extra texture and flavor.
7. Can I make wontons ahead of time?
Yes, you can make wontons ahead of time and freeze them. They can be added directly to the broth from the freezer without thawing.
8. Can I use a different type of green?
Yes, you can substitute bok choy with other greens like spinach, napa cabbage, or even kale if you prefer.
9. Can I make the broth spicy?
Yes, you can add chili oil, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers to the broth for a spicy kick.
10. Can I use other types of mushrooms in the soup?
Yes, you can use shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms instead of the recommended mushrooms. Each will add a slightly different flavor to the soup.
Conclusion
This Homemade Wonton Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines the perfect balance of tender wontons, savory broth, and fresh vegetables. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this soup is perfect for any occasion and offers a warm, nourishing meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
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Homemade Wonton Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Homemade Wonton Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish made with tender ground chicken wontons in a rich, aromatic broth. With fresh vegetables and the perfect balance of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 30–40 wonton wrappers
For the Soup:
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups baby bok choy or spinach
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and white pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Wontons:
- Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold it over to form a triangle. Press the edges to seal, and then fold the two outer corners of the triangle toward the center, pinching them together to form a pouch. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Make the Soup:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic, stirring to combine.
- If using mushrooms, add them to the pot and simmer for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Cook the Wontons:
- Gently add the prepared wontons to the simmering broth, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook the wontons for 4-6 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the filling is fully cooked.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Once the wontons are cooked, add the bok choy or spinach to the soup. Stir until the greens are wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl gets some wontons and vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- You can make the wontons ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag for storage.
- For a richer broth, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with a splash of chicken stock.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Chinese