Chinese Wonton Soup Recipe

Wonton soup is one of those comforting dishes that instantly transport you to a cozy place, no matter where you are. It’s a perfect blend of flavors-delicate, savory broth, soft, plump wontons, and a hit of fragrant herbs. Whether you’ve had it at your favorite Chinese restaurant or discovered it on your own culinary adventures, this soup is undeniably satisfying. And the best part? It’s not nearly as difficult to make at home as you might think.

In this guide, we’re going to break down a classic Chinese wonton soup recipe, discuss every step, and dive into the ingredients so you can understand what goes into this delightful dish. I’ll also share tips, tricks, and variations, so you can make this recipe your own and perhaps even experiment with some twists.

Now, let’s dive right into it and learn how to make this delicious soup from scratch!

Wonton soup is traditionally served as a light appetizer or a quick, comforting meal. The wontons themselves are little pockets of flavor, typically stuffed with pork and shrimp, while the broth is clear yet deeply savory. A perfect balance of textures and flavors-tender wontons in a warm, fragrant broth that leaves you craving more.

Here’s a breakdown of how to make a basic Chinese wonton soup, with a focus on fresh, homemade wontons.

Ingredients Needed

To make this dish, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients. Some of them you may already have in your pantry, and others can be easily found in most grocery stores, especially if they carry international or Asian products.

For The Broth

Chicken broth (or homemade stock if you have time)-it forms the foundation of your soup and gives it that comforting depth of flavor.
Ginger-adds a warm, slightly spicy kick to the broth.
Garlic-brings a punch of savory flavor.
Soy sauce-for that essential salty, umami flavor.
Sesame oil-a little drizzle of sesame oil adds richness and depth.
Green onions-for a fresh, herbal touch and to garnish.

For The Wontons

Wonton wrappers-you can find these at most Asian grocery stores. They’re thin, square, and made from a simple dough.
Ground pork-this is the primary filling, but you can mix it with shrimp for added flavor and texture.
Shrimp-peeled and chopped into small pieces, shrimp bring a delicate sweetness and a nice contrast to the savory pork.
Ginger-fresh ginger minced finely for that aromatic punch.
Garlic-like in the broth, garlic is an essential element for the filling.
Green onions-add freshness and mild onion flavor to the filling.
Soy sauce-just a touch to season the filling.
Cornstarch-this helps bind the filling together and gives the wontons that lovely, smooth texture.

Cooking Instructions

Making wonton soup is a pretty straightforward process, but it does involve multiple steps. Don’t worry, though-once you break it down, you’ll find it’s not as complicated as it seems!

Prepare The Wonton Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, shrimp, ginger, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
- Mix everything together until fully incorporated. You want the filling to be smooth and slightly sticky so it holds together well when wrapped in the wonton wrappers.
Assemble The Wontons
- Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface.
- Spoon about a teaspoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
- Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold the wrapper in half to create a triangle or bring the corners together to form a little pouch or bundle (whichever shape you prefer).
- Press the edges to seal the wonton tightly, making sure no filling leaks out during cooking.
- Repeat until all your filling is used up.
Make The Broth
- In a large pot, heat a bit of sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add soy sauce, adjusting the amount to your taste.
- Simmer for about 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (a little more soy sauce or sesame oil if you want more depth).
Cook The Wontons
- Bring a separate pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully drop the wontons into the boiling water. You may need to cook them in batches depending on how many you’ve made.
- Once the wontons float to the surface, let them cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re fully cooked through (you’ll see the filling turn a bit golden and the wrapper should be tender).
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the wontons and place them in the prepared broth.
Assemble The Soup
- Ladle the broth with the wontons into bowls. You can garnish with extra green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, or some chili oil if you like a bit of heat.
Serve And Enjoy
- Your homemade Chinese wonton soup is ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot with some fresh herbs or chili flakes if you like it spicy.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a moment to dive deeper into some of the key ingredients that make this dish stand out:

Ground Pork: Pork is the classic filling for wontons due to its rich, fatty texture that blends beautifully with the shrimp, giving the filling a juicy, satisfying mouthfeel.
Shrimp: Adding shrimp to the filling gives a slightly sweet, delicate taste, providing a lovely contrast to the savory pork. Shrimp also helps keep the wontons tender and adds a luxurious touch.
Ginger and Garlic: These two ingredients are essential for both the broth and filling. Ginger adds a warm, fragrant heat, while garlic adds deep, savory notes.
Sesame Oil: This oil is a key flavor component in Chinese cooking. A little goes a long way, infusing the broth and filling with its distinct nutty aroma and taste.

Expert Tips

For Tender Wontons: Don’t overstuff your wontons! Too much filling can cause them to burst during cooking, leading to a mess.
Seal Properly: Make sure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent any leakage during cooking. Use a little water to moisten the edges and press down firmly.
Fresh Broth: While store-bought chicken broth is fine in a pinch, homemade stock will add layers of richness to your soup.
Chill Your Filling: If you have time, let your wonton filling rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before wrapping it. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to handle.

Recipe Variations

While the classic wonton soup is delicious as-is, there are a few fun variations you can try:

Vegetarian Wontons: Swap the pork and shrimp for a filling made of finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and some Chinese cabbage for a vegetarian option.
Spicy Wonton Soup: Add some chili paste or chili oil to the broth to spice things up. You could also add a sliced red chili to garnish.
Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of pork or shrimp, try chicken or even beef as the filling. Ground chicken with a touch of hoisin sauce and green onions can create a unique twist.

Final Words

Chinese wonton soup is one of those recipes that brings comfort, warmth, and satisfaction all in one bowl. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity-delicate wontons stuffed with flavorful fillings, served in a fragrant broth that has been simmered to perfection. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just because you’re craving something homemade and comforting, this recipe delivers every time.

Chinese Wonton Soup Recipe