Wonton Soup
A comforting bowl of delicate pork and shrimp wontons floating in a savory, clear chicken broth. This Chinese-American classic is surprisingly easy to make at home and perfect for a chilly day.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Wonton Filling
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, minced shrimp, 2 chopped green onions, grated ginger, minced garlic, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, white pepper, and salt.
- c.Mix with a spoon or your hands until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Wontons
- b.Set up a small bowl of water for sealing. Place a wonton wrapper on your work surface.
- c.Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
- d.Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertip.
- e.Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing firmly to seal the edges and push out any air bubbles.
- f.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.
- g.Place the finished wonton on a parchment-lined tray to prevent sticking. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Broth
- b.In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in the chicken broth.
- c.Add the sliced ginger and smashed garlic cloves.
- d.Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow the aromatics to infuse the broth.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Wontons and Greens
- b.Carefully slide the wontons into the simmering broth. Stir gently once to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
- c.Cook for 4-6 minutes. The wontons are done when they float to the surface and the filling is cooked through.
- d.Add the chopped bok choy to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the leaves are bright green and tender-crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Discard the ginger slices and garlic cloves if desired.
- c.Gently stir in the remaining 1 tbsp of soy sauce and 1 tsp of sesame oil.
- d.Ladle the soup and wontons into four bowls.
- e.Garnish with the sliced green onions and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra clear broth, cook the wontons separately in a pot of boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the simmering soup broth.
- 2Don't overfill the wontons, as they can burst while cooking. About one teaspoon of filling is the perfect amount.
- 3Make sure to press out all the air when sealing the wrappers to prevent them from opening during cooking.
- 4Uncooked wontons can be frozen for later. Place them on a tray in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can use a homemade chicken or pork broth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace pork and shrimp with a mixture of finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, firm tofu, cabbage, and carrots. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
SpicySpicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili oil or chili crisp to each bowl when serving for a spicy kick.
Different GreensDifferent Greens
Instead of bok choy, you can use spinach, napa cabbage, or choy sum. Add tender greens like spinach in the last minute of cooking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
The combination of pork and shrimp provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining satiety.
Source of Hydration
As a broth-based soup, it contributes to your daily fluid intake, which is crucial for overall bodily functions.
Contains Essential Nutrients
Bok choy adds vitamins A, C, and K, while ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this homemade wonton soup (about 2.5 cups) contains approximately 380-450 calories, depending on the exact fat content of the pork and the size of the wontons.