Wonton soup is a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine, known for its delicate dumplings, savory broth, and comforting warmth. Whether enjoyed as a light appetizer or a hearty meal, homemade wonton soup offers unmatched freshness and flavor. Making it from scratch might seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make authentic homemade wonton soup—from the wrappers to the broth.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 pound ground pork (or ground chicken/shrimp)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 30–40 wonton wrappers (available at most Asian markets)
For the Broth:
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon ginger, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2–3 green onions, chopped
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Baby bok choy or spinach
- Mushrooms (shiitake or white button)
- Sliced carrots
How to Make Wonton Soup
1. Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, ginger, garlic, green onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling becomes slightly sticky—this helps hold the wontons together.
2. Wrap the Wontons
Take a wonton wrapper and place it on a clean surface. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Moisten the edges with water using your fingertip. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle and press the edges to seal. Bring the two bottom corners together and seal with a dab of water to form the classic wonton shape. Repeat until all the filling is used.
3. Cook the Wontons
Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Drop in the wontons (in batches if needed) and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until they float and the filling is cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Make the Broth
In a large pot, heat a bit of sesame oil. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing until aromatic. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor. Optionally, add your vegetables and cook until tender.
5. Assemble the Soup
Place a few wontons into each serving bowl. Ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the wontons. Garnish with fresh green onions or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
Tips for Perfect Wonton Soup
- Use fresh wonton wrappers: They’re more pliable and easier to work with.
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the wontons to burst.
- Freeze extras: Wontons freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then store in a ziplock bag.
- Broth variations: Add a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of five-spice powder for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade wonton soup pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed dumplings
- Chinese scallion pancakes
- Fried rice or lo mein
- Chili garlic oil on the side for dipping
Conclusion
Making homemade wonton soup is a rewarding culinary project that delivers comfort, warmth, and authentic flavor. With its silky dumplings and rich broth, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this wonton soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Call to Action
Have you tried making wonton soup at home? Share your experience, tips, or creative filling ideas in the comments below!