Aldi Wonton Soup Recipe

When you think of comforting meals, few dishes can compete with a steaming bowl of soup. It’s warm, filling, and often brings a sense of nostalgia-especially when it’s homemade. If you’ve ever walked down the frozen food aisle of your local Aldi, you might have seen their take on Wonton Soup. Aldi has become known for offering quality products at unbeatable prices, and their frozen wonton soup is no exception. But what if you could make it yourself, from scratch? Not only would it be more satisfying, but it also allows you to tweak the flavors to your liking, and you get to enjoy the process of creating something delicious.

In this guide, we’re going to dive deep into crafting your very own homemade Aldi-inspired Wonton Soup. We’ll break down the recipe, talk about the best ingredients, and explore how you can elevate the dish with your own unique touches. Let’s get started!

Wonton Soup is a beloved Chinese dish that’s become a staple in homes around the world. The combination of delicate, savory wontons, rich broth, and fresh vegetables creates a harmony of flavors that can transport you straight to a cozy corner of your favorite Chinese restaurant. This recipe is inspired by Aldi’s take on it but elevated with fresh ingredients and customizable flavors.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make your own delicious wonton soup. These items are easily found at most grocery stores (including Aldi), and many can be stored in your pantry for future use.

Wonton Wrappers: This is the base of the soup. You can buy pre-made wonton wrappers from most grocery stores, or you could make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. They’re thin sheets of dough, perfect for wrapping up a variety of fillings.
Ground Pork: The traditional filling for wontons is ground pork, as it adds both flavor and fat. You can substitute this with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note that cuts through the richness of the pork filling.
Garlic: You can never go wrong with garlic. It adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the broth and the wontons.
Soy Sauce: A good quality soy sauce is key to seasoning the wontons and the broth. If you can, opt for a light soy sauce to avoid overpowering the flavors.
Sesame Oil: This oil infuses the soup with an unmistakable nuttiness that balances the salty and savory flavors.
Chicken Broth: You can either make your own or use store-bought chicken broth for convenience. It forms the foundation of your soup and will carry the flavors of the wontons.
Green Onions (Scallions): These not only add freshness and crunch, but also a mild onion flavor that complements the savory broth and pork filling.
Baby Bok Choy or Spinach: These greens provide a burst of color and nutrients. Bok choy is more traditional, but spinach works just as well.
Mushrooms (Optional): If you like a bit of earthiness in your soup, adding some sliced mushrooms is a great choice.
Chili Oil (Optional): For those who like a kick of heat, drizzle a bit of chili oil on top before serving.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve got the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make this tasty wonton soup.

Prepare The Wonton Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, a splash of soy sauce, and a few drops of sesame oil.
- Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. You can also add some finely chopped green onions here for added flavor.
Assemble The Wontons
- Lay the wonton wrappers on a flat surface. Spoon a small amount (about a teaspoon) of the filling into the center of each wrapper.
- Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water and fold it into a triangle or pouch shape. Be sure to press the edges together to seal them tightly so the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking.
Cook The Wontons
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the wontons into the boiling water and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Once they float, they are usually done.
Prepare The Broth
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Add a dash of soy sauce, a bit of sesame oil, and sliced mushrooms (if using). Let the broth simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- While the broth is simmering, blanch your greens (bok choy or spinach) in a separate pot of hot water for about 1-2 minutes, then drain.
Assemble The Soup
- Once the wontons are cooked, carefully transfer them to bowls.
- Add the blanched greens to each bowl.
- Ladle the hot broth over the wontons and greens. Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of chili oil if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Each of the ingredients in this recipe brings its own unique quality to the dish. Here’s a deeper look at why they matter:

Wonton Wrappers: While the wrappers themselves are pretty neutral, they’re an essential part of the dish’s texture. When properly cooked, they add a delicate, chewy bite that contrasts perfectly with the smooth broth.
Ground Pork: Pork is the most traditional filling for wontons because it has a rich flavor that pairs well with the seasonings. It’s also relatively easy to find, making it a perfect option for home cooks.
Ginger: Fresh ginger has a warm, peppery flavor that provides a subtle kick without being overpowering. It’s an essential ingredient in Chinese cooking for adding depth and brightness to savory dishes.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce brings umami and saltiness to the dish. It’s a balancing element that helps to create a rich, flavorful broth.
Sesame Oil: The toasted flavor of sesame oil adds a nutty fragrance that makes the soup feel more comforting and hearty.
Chicken Broth: A good broth is the heart of any soup. Chicken broth provides a savory base that absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients, making every spoonful more satisfying.

Expert Tips

Making Your Own Wonton Wrappers: While store-bought wrappers are convenient, making your own can take your soup to the next level. You’ll need flour, water, and a little salt. Knead the dough until smooth, roll it out thinly, and cut it into squares. It’s a little more time-consuming, but the result is worth it.
Chill Your Filling: If you want the filling to be a bit firmer and easier to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before filling the wrappers. This will make the wontons easier to shape and help prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
Simmer the Broth for Extra Flavor: Let your broth simmer for at least 30 minutes, if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. You can even add a splash of Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine for added depth.
Don’t Overcrowd the Wonton Pot: When cooking the wontons, avoid overcrowding the pot. This can cause the wrappers to stick to each other or break apart. Cook in batches if necessary.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are some creative twists:

Vegan Wonton Soup: Substitute the ground pork with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the fish sauce or oyster sauce if you’re going completely vegan.
Spicy Wonton Soup: Add chili paste or red pepper flakes to your broth for a spicier kick. You can also add a splash of chili oil before serving.
Shrimp Wontons: If you’re a seafood lover, try using shrimp as the filling. Simply chop the shrimp finely or blend it into a paste for a smooth, flavorful filling.
Extra Vegetables: Add other vegetables like carrots, corn, or bamboo shoots to the soup for added texture and flavor.

Final Words

Wonton soup is a dish that’s both comforting and versatile. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or even when you’re craving something savory and satisfying. By following this recipe and adjusting it to your tastes, you can enjoy a homemade version that’s better than anything you’ll find in a frozen food aisle.

Aldi Wonton Soup Recipe