This delicious wonton soup is warm and comforting, featuring tender dumplings filled with juicy meat and veggies, all swimming in a tasty broth. Perfect for a cozy evening!
I love how quick it is to whip up this soup. Just pop the wontons in hot broth and enjoy! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, even on a chilly day! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are essential for making wontons. If you can’t find them, you can use dumpling wrappers or even egg roll wrappers cut into smaller squares.
Ground Pork: This adds great flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground chicken or turkey works well as a substitute.
Shrimp: While optional, shrimp adds a nice touch of sweetness. You can replace it with finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Green Onions: Use both the white and green parts for flavor and color. If you don’t have green onions, chives can be a good alternative.
Broth and Water: Chicken broth enhances the flavor, but you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Just adjust your seasonings accordingly.
What’s the Best Way to Form Wontons Without Them Falling Apart?
Folding wontons can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll master it in no time. Start by placing the filling correctly and ensuring the edges are well sealed to prevent any leaks. Here’s how to do it:
- Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center.
- Moisten two edges of the wrapper with water to help seal.
- Fold the wrapper over to create a triangular shape and press out air.
- Bring the corners of the triangle together, and pinch to seal securely.
Taking your time and ensuring a good seal will keep your wontons from falling apart during cooking!
Wonton Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shrimp (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- Salt to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups baby bok choy or similar leafy greens, washed and trimmed
- Red chili flakes for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious wonton soup takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing the filling and wontons, and another 15 minutes cooking the soup. Perfect for a quick yet comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wonton Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, finely chopped shrimp (if using), white parts of the green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, white pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well until fully combined. This flavorful mixture will be your filling for the wontons.
2. Fill the Wonton Wrappers:
Take a wonton wrapper and place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges with a little water to help seal the wonton. Fold the wrapper over to create the shape you like (triangles or sealed pockets are common), and press down firmly to ensure there are no air pockets. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
3. Boil the Broth:
In a large pot, pour the chicken broth and water, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, gently add the wontons to the pot. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot; you may need to do this in batches.
4. Cook the Wontons:
Let the wontons cook for about 5 minutes. They are done when they float to the surface and are fully cooked. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom or to each other.
5. Add the Greens:
Next, toss in the baby bok choy (or your chosen leafy greens) and let them cook in the broth for an additional 2-3 minutes. They should become tender and bright green.
6. Season and Serve:
Give the soup a taste; if you think it needs it, adjust the seasoning with a bit of salt. Ladle the soup into serving bowls, including wontons and bok choy.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Top each bowl with the green parts of the chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if you like some extra heat. Serve it hot, and enjoy your comforting bowl of homemade wonton soup!
Can I Substitute the Ground Pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or ground turkey are great alternatives if you prefer a leaner protein. You could also use finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian option!
How Do I Store Leftover Wonton Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick.
Can I Make the Wontons Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the wontons in advance! Place uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to the Soup?
You can customize your soup with other vegetables like spinach, bok choy, napa cabbage, or even carrots for added color and nutrients. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking for the best texture!
