
Homemade Wonton Soup
Wonton soup is a classic Chinese dish that’s light, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. With delicate pork-filled wontons floating in a savory broth, this soup is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. Making wontons from scratch might seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think—and so worth it! Here’s how to make this delicious soup at home.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 8 ounces ground pork
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 24 square (3½ inches each) wonton wrappers
- Water (for sealing wontons)
For the Soup:
- 6 cups (1,440g) chicken broth
- 1½ teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2-3 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Wonton Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, brown sugar, and chopped green onions. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Assemble the Wontons
- Place 1 heaping teaspoon of the pork filling in the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your finger.
- Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, pressing out any excess air as you seal the edges.
- Take the two long corners of the triangle and wrap them around each other, pressing firmly to seal. (This creates the classic wonton shape.)
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. Let the assembled wontons rest while you prepare the soup.
3. Make the Soup Base
In a medium pot over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Let the broth simmer while you cook the wontons.
4. Cook the Wontons
- Bring a large pot of water (about 4 quarts) to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add the wontons and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the filling is cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons from the water and transfer them to the simmering broth.
5. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has plenty of wontons and broth. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Wonton Wrappers: Keep the wrappers covered with a damp towel while working to prevent them from drying out.
- Filling Variations: You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different twist.
- Broth Flavor: For a richer broth, add a slice of ginger or a splash of rice wine vinegar to the soup base.
- Storage: Uncooked wontons can be frozen on a baking sheet and then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
This homemade Wonton Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender wontons and flavorful broth is sure to warm your soul. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your wonton-making skills!