This comforting and flavorful Easy Wonton Soup features plump pork dumplings, fresh vegetables, and jumbo shrimp in a savory broth. It’s a homemade version of the classic Chinese takeout favorite, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or impressing guests with your culinary skills. The recipe yields a generous batch, allowing you to freeze extra wontons for future meals.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Wontons:

1 pound ground pork
⅓ cup green onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons finely minced ginger
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces small shrimp (91–110 count), peeled and deveined
50 wonton wrappers (3½-inch squares)
1 cup water (for sealing wrappers)

For the Soup:

2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon finely minced ginger
8 cups chicken broth
4 ounces brown mushrooms, sliced (about 1½ cups)
¾ cup sliced carrots (⅛-inch thick, on a diagonal)
5 ounces baby bok choy, leaves separated and washed (about 6 leaves)
1 pound large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined
Kosher salt, to taste
⅓ cup green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Wontons:

In a medium bowl, combine ground pork, green onions, ginger, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Place 6 to 8 wonton wrappers on a clean surface, keeping the rest covered to prevent drying.
Place 1½ teaspoons of the pork mixture in the center of each wrapper and top with one small shrimp.
Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. Fold to form a triangle, pressing out any air and sealing the edges.
Bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together, moisten one corner, and press to seal, forming a boat shape.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

Cook the Wontons:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add wontons in batches, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until they float and the filling is cooked through.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked wontons to a plate.

Prepare the Soup:

In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Add mushrooms and carrots, cooking until tender.
Add bok choy and large shrimp, simmering until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Season with salt to taste.

Assemble the Soup:

Divide cooked wontons among serving bowls.
Ladle hot soup over the wontons.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (approximately 3 wontons, 1 cup broth, 2 pieces of shrimp, and vegetables):

Calories: 338
Protein: 29g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 239mg
Sodium: 2171mg
Potassium: 501mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 2883 IU
Vitamin C: 31mg
Calcium: 203mg
Iron: 4mg

The Origins of Wonton Soup

The wonton has a rich history rooted in Chinese culture. Thought to have originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), wontons were initially made by hand and served with flavorful broths. The name “wonton” is derived from the Cantonese words “wahn” meaning “swallow” and “ton” meaning “cloud,” which refers to the shape of the dumpling as it floats in the soup, resembling clouds on a clear day. Over time, wontons evolved, and the dish became a staple across China, with variations emerging in different regions. While wontons in northern China tend to be boiled and served in broth, southern China often enjoys them fried, showcasing the dish’s adaptability and regional flair.

Today, wonton soup is enjoyed not only in Chinese homes but also in restaurants worldwide. Its simplicity, combined with its rich flavor profile, makes it a favorite for a variety of occasions, from a quick weeknight dinner to a luxurious meal for guests. Whether served as an appetizer or the main course, wonton soup offers both comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Why Choose Homemade Wonton Soup?

Making wonton soup at home brings numerous advantages. First and foremost, homemade wonton soup allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you’re using fresh, high-quality produce and meats. This homemade approach also means that you can customize the recipe to suit your personal taste. You can experiment with the filling, the vegetables, and the seasoning to create a version of wonton soup that truly speaks to your preferences. Moreover, this homemade soup offers a more nutritious alternative to takeout, often laden with excess salt, MSG, and preservatives. By preparing your own wonton soup, you’re not only creating a meal that’s healthier but also one that’s more flavorful and satisfying.

The Versatility of Wonton Soup

Wonton soup is incredibly versatile. While the classic version typically features pork and shrimp-filled wontons, the recipe can be modified to suit different dietary needs and preferences. For example, vegetarians can opt for tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables as a filling, creating a lighter and plant-based alternative to the traditional recipe. For those looking for a more robust soup, you can add extra proteins, such as chicken, beef, or even tofu, and incorporate additional vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or bean sprouts. The possibilities are endless, making wonton soup an adaptable dish that can be customized for any palate.

In addition, the broth itself can be easily adjusted. A classic wonton soup broth is typically made with chicken stock or broth, but for a different flavor profile, you can use vegetable broth, beef stock, or even a light miso broth. The richness of the broth comes from the addition of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, which adds depth and warmth to the soup. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, a few dashes of chili oil or sriracha can bring a delightful heat to the dish, making it more exciting for those who enjoy spicy foods.

Health Benefits of Wonton Soup

Wonton soup is not only a comforting dish but also offers a variety of health benefits, particularly when made with fresh ingredients. It’s a great source of protein, as the wontons are typically filled with ground meat and shrimp, providing an essential building block for muscle and tissue repair. The vegetables, such as bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms, contribute to the soup’s fiber content, which is vital for digestive health.

Furthermore, homemade wonton soup offers a lighter alternative to heavier meals, making it an excellent choice for those who want a filling dish without feeling sluggish afterward. The high water content of the broth helps keep you hydrated, and the ginger and garlic used in the soup provide natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Garlic, in particular, is known for its ability to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, while ginger aids digestion and reduces nausea.

A Perfect Comfort Food

Comfort food is often associated with nostalgia, warmth, and a sense of well-being. Wonton soup is the epitome of comfort food, with its warm, aromatic broth and tender dumplings that soothe both the body and the soul. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for rainy days, family gatherings, or moments when you just need something familiar and comforting. The soup’s light but flavorful broth, combined with the soft, pillowy wontons, creates a satisfying meal that never fails to lift the spirits.

Additionally, the act of making wonton soup at home can be a soothing and rewarding experience. From preparing the wonton wrappers to filling them with a flavorful mixture, the process of making wontons from scratch allows you to engage with your food in a meaningful way. The result is a meal that not only nourishes the body but also provides a sense of accomplishment and connection to the food you’ve crafted with care.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While wonton soup is undoubtedly a cozy weeknight meal, it can also be a crowd-pleasing dish for special occasions. Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a birthday celebration, or a gathering with friends, serving homemade wonton soup adds a touch of sophistication to your menu. The dish is both elegant and approachable, making it suitable for a variety of settings, from casual dinners to more formal affairs.

When entertaining guests, serving wonton soup as an appetizer or a main course allows you to showcase your culinary skills while offering a dish that everyone will enjoy. If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider pairing the soup with other Chinese-inspired dishes, such as spring rolls, dumplings, or fried rice, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Making Wonton Soup Ahead of Time

One of the best features of wonton soup is its ability to be made ahead of time. If you’re planning to serve it for a special occasion, preparing the wontons and broth the day before can save you time on the big day. The wontons can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, and the broth can be prepared in advance and reheated when needed. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the wontons and heat the soup, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade dish ready in no time.

Conclusion

Wonton soup is a beloved dish that offers both comfort and versatility. Whether you’re making it from scratch or tweaking the ingredients to suit your tastes, the process of preparing this delicious soup brings warmth and satisfaction. From its rich history in Chinese culture to its adaptability in modern kitchens, wonton soup is a dish that continues to capture hearts worldwide. By choosing to make this easy and homemade version, you’re not only preparing a meal that’s bursting with flavor but also creating a nourishing and wholesome dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion.

Pin1

1 Shares