This is an easy wonton soup for anyone looking for a base recipe. You can add more elaborate ingredients to the soup such as mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, celery, prawns, etc. Or just enjoy its simplicity the way it is!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Wonton soup is a delightful and comforting dish that warms the soul. Its simplicity in preparation, combined with the savory flavor of the broth and the tender, flavorful wontons, makes it a perfect meal for any occasion. Moreover, it’s highly customizable! With various add-ins, you can tailor it to suit your taste preferences or use what you have on hand. This means there’s always a way to make this soup feel fresh and new, even if you make it repeatedly. Plus, it can easily be doubled or halved for serving just a friend or the whole family.
Introduction
Wonton soup is a beloved staple in many households—especially within Asian cuisines, where it often graces the dinner table or serves as a starter in restaurants. Originating from China, wontons are flavorful dumplings usually filled with meat and wrapped in a thin dough. This recipe provides a straightforward approach to crafting delicious homemade wontons paired with a rich broth that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you are looking to impress guests or just enjoy a cozy night in, this easy wonton soup recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients:
Wontons:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 green onions, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) package of wonton wrappers
Soup:
- 2 (32 ounces) cartons of chicken broth
- 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger, grated
- 5 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 dash soy sauce, or to taste
Preparation:
Step 1:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced green onions, beaten egg, hot sauce, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and the filling firm up for easier handling.
Step 2:
While the filling is chilling, prepare the wonton wrappers. Lay a clean surface or large cutting board for assembling the wontons. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to moisten the edges of the wrappers.
Step 3:
Remove the pork filling from the refrigerator. Place a heaping teaspoon of the pork mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper. Carefully moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertips.
Step 4:
Fold the wrapper from the bottom point to the top point, creating a triangle. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the wonton. To shape the wonton, fold the outer two points in towards the center and pinch again to secure them. Repeat this process until all wontons are formed.
Step 5:
For the soup, pour the chicken broth into a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the grated ginger and gently drop in the wontons. Cook the wontons for about 6 minutes or until they float to the top, indicating they are cooked through.
Cooking Note:
Make sure not to overcrowd the pot with wontons, or they might stick together. You can cook them in batches if necessary.
Serving Suggestions:
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl has an ample amount of wontons floating on top. Garnish with sliced green onions and a dash of soy sauce for added flavor. Serve the soup hot for maximum enjoyment.
Tips:
- To add some color and extra nutrition, consider including blanched vegetables like spinach, bok choy, or mushrooms to the broth before serving.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, you can also add sliced jalapeños or chili oil to the soup before serving for a spicy kick.
- Leftover wontons can be frozen. Simply place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Calories: Approximately 300 per serving (based on 1.5 servings of soup).
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 900mg
Conclusion
In conclusion, this easy wonton soup recipe is a wonderful introduction to making dumplings from scratch while providing a deeply comforting meal. Bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly day or serve it at a gathering, it’s bound to impress. Don’t hesitate to make adjustments as per your taste—after all, cooking is all about making a dish your own!
Questions and Answers
- Can I use other meats for the wontons?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or shrimp according to your preference. - How do I store leftover wonton soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The wontons may become soggy if left in the broth, so it’s best to store broth and wontons separately if possible. - Can I make wontons ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the wontons ahead of time and freeze them. Just cook them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the cooking time. - Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can use plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. - What other toppings can I add to my wonton soup?
Consider adding sliced shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, cilantro, or a drizzle of sesame oil to elevate the flavors further.
