Wonton Soup

Wonton Soup Recipe

Wonton Soup is a comforting and flavorful Chinese soup featuring tender, juicy wontons (dumplings filled with ground meat and seasonings) served in a clear, aromatic broth. This soup is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. Here’s an easy and delicious recipe to make Wonton Soup at home!

Ingredients:

For the Wontons:

• 1/2 lb ground pork (or a mix of ground pork and shrimp)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (scallions)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts (optional, for crunch)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice wine (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 pack wonton wrappers (about 40-50 wrappers, found in Asian markets or the refrigerated section of most grocery stores)

For the Broth:

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 2 cups water
• 2 slices fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice wine (optional)
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
• Fresh spinach or bok choy (optional, for added texture and flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Filling

1. Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork (or your choice of meat), green onions, water chestnuts (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, salt, and white pepper. Mix everything well until the filling is smooth and cohesive.

Step 2: Assemble the Wontons

1. Fill the wrappers: Place a small teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper (be careful not to overfill).
2. Shape the wontons: Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a bit of water and fold it in half to form a triangle (creating a dumpling). Pinch the edges to seal tightly. You can also bring the corners of the triangle together to create a little “purse” shape, pressing to seal.
3. Set aside: Place the assembled wontons on a tray lined with parchment paper or a floured surface to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Broth

1. Simmer the broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and water. Add the sliced ginger, smashed garlic cloves, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
2. Strain the broth (optional): If you prefer a smooth broth, strain out the ginger and garlic pieces before adding the wontons.

Step 4: Cook the Wontons

1. Boil the wontons: Carefully drop the wontons into the simmering broth. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface and are cooked through (the filling should reach an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
2. Optional add-ins: If you’re adding spinach or bok choy, drop them into the pot during the last minute of cooking to wilt them into the soup.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and serve: Ladle the wontons and broth into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions, and optionally a dash of sesame oil or chili oil for extra flavor.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your homemade, comforting wonton soup!

Tips:

• Meat options: You can mix ground pork with shrimp for added flavor, or use chicken or beef if preferred.
• Wonton wrappers: If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use dumpling wrappers (which are slightly thicker) or even spring roll wrappers in a pinch, though they may require different folding techniques.
• Freezing wontons: Wontons can be made in advance and frozen. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To cook, drop the frozen wontons directly into boiling broth, increasing cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Wontons: Substitute the meat filling with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Broth: For some heat, add a tablespoon of chili paste or a few slices of fresh chili pepper to the broth while it simmers.
• Different meats: Use ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a leaner version, or add finely chopped shrimp for a seafood twist.

This Wonton Soup is easy to make, full of flavor, and customizable to your preferences. The combination of savory wontons and fragrant broth is sure to be a comforting and satisfying dish for any time of year! Enjoy!