Easy Homemade Wonton Soup: A Beginner-Friendly Recipe
Wonton soup is a comforting classic found in Chinese restaurants worldwide, featuring delicate dumplings floating in a fragrant, savory broth. While it may seem intimidating, this simplified version uses store-bought wonton wrappers and straightforward techniques, allowing anyone to create a restaurant-quality bowl at home in just 30–40 minutes.
This recipe serves 4 as a starter or 2–3 as a main dish, with plump pork-and-shrimp wontons in a light, flavorful chicken broth enhanced with fresh ginger and greens.
Ingredients
For the Wonton Filling
- 200–250g ground pork (or substitute with ground chicken)
- 100g raw shrimp, finely chopped or minced
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to help bind the mixture)
For the Soup Base
- 6–8 cups good-quality chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2–3 thin slices fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons soy sauce, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
Add-Ins and Garnishes
- 2–3 baby bok choy (halved) or a handful of spinach/napa cabbage
- Extra sliced green onions for garnish
- About 30–40 wonton wrappers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes slightly sticky and well blended (about 1 minute). For best results, microwave a small spoonful for 10 seconds to test the seasoning and adjust as needed. - Fold the Wontons
Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond orientation. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Lightly wet two adjacent edges with water using your fingertip. Fold the wrapper into a triangle, pressing out any air pockets and sealing the edges firmly. For a classic look, bring the two bottom corners together and pinch to form a small purse shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. (This beginner-friendly triangle or basic purse method works perfectly for soup.) - Infuse the Broth
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil along with the ginger slices and smashed garlic (if using). Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5–8 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Remove the ginger and garlic pieces if preferred, then season the broth with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper to taste. - Cook the Wontons
Return the broth to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the wontons into the pot in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface and the filling is fully cooked (cut one open to check). Add the baby bok choy or other greens during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking so they remain tender-crisp. - Serve Immediately
Ladle the hot broth, wontons, and greens into serving bowls. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and, if desired, a light drizzle of extra sesame oil for added aroma.
This easy wonton soup delivers all the cozy, satisfying flavors of the classic dish without complicated steps. For convenience, prepare extra wontons, freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag for quick future meals. Enjoy your homemade bowl of warmth and comfort! 🥟🍜
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