Wonton Noodle Soup
A comforting bowl of savory broth, slurpable egg noodles, and juicy pork and shrimp wontons. This Chinese classic is surprisingly easy to make at home and perfect for a chilly day.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Wonton Filling
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, minced shrimp, squeezed napa cabbage, 2 chopped scallions, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp soy sauce, shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sesame oil, 0.25 tsp white pepper, and cornstarch.
- c.Using chopsticks or a spoon, mix vigorously in one direction for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become a sticky, cohesive paste. This is key for a bouncy texture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fold the Wontons
- b.Set up a small bowl of water. Place a wonton wrapper on your palm. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center.
- c.Dab water along two adjacent edges of the wrapper. Fold it in half to form a triangle, pressing firmly to seal and remove any air pockets.
- d.Dab a little water on one of the bottom corners of the triangle. Bring the two bottom corners together, overlapping them slightly, and press to seal firmly.
- e.Place the finished wonton on a parchment-lined tray. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Infuse the Soup Broth
- b.In a large stockpot, combine the chicken broth, sliced ginger, smashed garlic, and the 2 halved scallions.
- c.Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- d.Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding the aromatics. This ensures a clear, beautiful soup.
- e.Stir the remaining 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, 0.25 tsp white pepper, and salt into the clear broth. Keep warm over low heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook Noodles, Wontons, and Greens
- b.Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to remove excess starch.
- c.In a separate large pot of boiling water, gently add the wontons. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the filling is cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary.
- d.During the last 2 minutes of cooking the wontons, add the halved baby bok choy to the same pot to blanch until tender-crisp.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the cooked wontons and bok choy from the water.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Divide the cooked noodles evenly among four large soup bowls.
- c.Arrange 8 cooked wontons and 2 halves of bok choy in each bowl.
- d.Ladle the hot, savory broth over the noodles and wontons.
- e.Garnish with the sliced green parts of the remaining scallions and a drizzle of chili oil, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, mix the wonton filling in one direction until it becomes sticky and paste-like.
- 2Cook the noodles and wontons in separate pots of water to prevent the noodle starch from making your soup broth cloudy.
- 3Don't overfill the wontons. About one teaspoon of filling is perfect to ensure they seal properly and cook evenly.
- 4Uncooked wontons freeze beautifully. Place them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the boiling time.
- 5Squeeze as much water as possible from the chopped napa cabbage to prevent a watery filling.
- 6For a richer broth, add a few dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated) or a piece of dried flounder when simmering.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
For the filling, use a mix of finely minced firm tofu, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1-2 finely minced red chilies or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the wonton filling. Serve with extra chili oil.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
Substitute the ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version of the wonton filling.
Add GreensAdd Greens
Instead of or in addition to bok choy, you can blanch other leafy greens like choy sum, gai lan (Chinese broccoli), or spinach.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
The combination of pork and shrimp provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Immunity Support
The broth is infused with ginger and garlic, both of which are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that can help support your body's natural defenses.
Hydrating and Comforting
The warm, savory broth is not only comforting but also helps with hydration. The combination of flavors and warmth makes it a perfect meal for cold weather or when you're feeling under the weather.
Source of Vitamins
Bok choy and napa cabbage contribute essential vitamins like Vitamin C and K, as well as folate and antioxidants, adding a nutritious boost to the soup.
Frequently asked questions
A generous bowl of homemade Wonton Noodle Soup, as prepared in this recipe, contains approximately 700-800 calories, making it a substantial and satisfying main meal.