Chinese Wonton Soup
As a child, I loved watching my mother make Chinese Wonton Soup from scratch. The way she expertly wrapped the wontons and simmered them in a rich broth was like magic. Today, I'm excited to share my own recipe for this classic dish, which is just as delicious as the one my mother used to make.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Chinese food but wants to make it at home. The best part is that it's relatively easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and authentic Chinese Wonton Soup that's sure to become a family favorite.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is the wonton wrappers. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores or online. They're usually sold in packages of 20-24 wrappers, which is perfect for this recipe. Another important ingredient is the pork filling, which is made with ground pork, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This filling gives the wontons their distinctive flavor and texture.
In this recipe, I'll show you how to make the pork filling, wrap the wontons, and simmer them in a rich broth. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your taste. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So let's get started and make some delicious Chinese Wonton Soup! With this recipe, you'll be able to create a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
- The wontons are tender and flavorful, with a delicate texture that's sure to please.
- The broth is rich and savory, with a deep and complex flavor profile that's perfect for a comforting meal.
- This recipe is customizable, so you can add your own favorite ingredients or variations to make it your own.
- It's a great way to enjoy a delicious and authentic Chinese dish without having to go to a restaurant.
- The recipe makes a large batch of soup, which is perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making great Chinese Wonton Soup is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the wontons gently. This helps to preserve their delicate texture and flavor. Another important factor is the broth, which should be rich and savory without being too salty or overpowering.
In this recipe, we use a combination of chicken and pork broth to create a deep and complex flavor profile. We also add some aromatics like ginger and garlic to give the soup a warm and inviting aroma. By simmering the wontons in this flavorful broth, we can create a dish that's both comforting and delicious.
One of the most important techniques in this recipe is the way we wrap the wontons. This requires a bit of practice, but it's easy to learn. By wrapping the wontons tightly and sealing them properly, we can prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
Finally, the key to serving great Chinese Wonton Soup is to garnish it with some fresh ingredients like scallions and cilantro. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, and helps to balance out the rich flavors of the broth and wontons.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including wonton wrappers, ground pork, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You'll also need some aromatics like ginger and garlic, as well as some chicken and pork broth to create the rich and savory broth.
One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the wonton wrappers. These can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online, and they're usually sold in packages of 20-24 wrappers. Another key ingredient is the ground pork, which should be finely ground and have a good balance of fat and lean meat.
- 1 package of wonton wrappers (20-24 wrappers)Look for wonton wrappers that are thin and delicate, with a smooth texture. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores or online.
- 1 lb (450g) ground porkChoose a ground pork that's finely ground and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help the wontons to be tender and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauceUse a high-quality soy sauce that's made with fermented soybeans and has a rich, savory flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oilSesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the wontons, and helps to balance out the savory flavors of the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the wontons, and helps to balance out the richness of the pork.
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, gratedGinger adds a warm and spicy flavor to the wontons, and helps to balance out the savory flavors of the broth.
- 4 cups chicken brothUse a high-quality chicken broth that's made with real chicken and has a rich, savory flavor.
- 2 cups pork brothPork broth adds a deep and complex flavor to the soup, and helps to balance out the richness of the wontons.
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnishScallions add a fresh and oniony flavor to the soup, and help to balance out the richness of the broth.
- Salt and pepper to tasteSeason the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance out the flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Chinese Wonton Soup
- 1In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix well until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- 2Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you. Place a small spoonful of the pork filling in the center of the wrapper.
- 3Dip your finger in a small amount of water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. This will help the wrapper to stick together when you seal it.
- 4Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the wonton, making sure they are tight and even.
- 5Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling, until all of the ingredients have been used.
- 6In a large pot or wok, combine the chicken and pork broth. Bring the broth to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- 7Add the wontons to the simmering broth, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook the wontons for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
- 8Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons from the pot and transfer them to a serving bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the wontons and garnish with chopped scallions.
- 9Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance out the flavors.
- 10Serve the soup immediately, garnished with additional scallions and soy sauce if desired.
- 11To freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips
- Use a high-quality wonton wrapper that is thin and delicate, with a smooth texture.
- Don't overfill the wontons, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.
- Use a gentle simmer when cooking the wontons, as high heat can cause them to cook unevenly.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when cooking the wontons, as this can cause them to stick together.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons from the pot, as this will help to drain off excess broth.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance out the flavors.
- Garnish the soup with chopped scallions and soy sauce, if desired, to add a fresh and savory flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the wontons, which can cause them to burst open during cooking.
- Using a low-quality wonton wrapper that is thick and brittle, with a rough texture.
- Cooking the wontons at too high a heat, which can cause them to cook unevenly.
- Overcrowding the pot when cooking the wontons, which can cause them to stick together.
- Not seasoning the soup with salt and pepper to taste, which can result in a bland flavor.
- Not garnishing the soup with chopped scallions and soy sauce, if desired, which can add a fresh and savory flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Adding other ingredients to the pork filling, such as chopped vegetables or herbs, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Using a different type of broth, such as beef or vegetable broth, to create a different flavor profile.
- Adding noodles or other starches to the soup, such as rice or egg noodles, to make it more filling.
- Using a different type of protein, such as chicken or shrimp, to create a different flavor profile.
- Adding other seasonings or spices to the soup, such as ginger or garlic, to create a different flavor profile.
- Serving the soup with a variety of garnishes, such as chopped scallions, soy sauce, or sesame oil, to add a fresh and savory flavor.
What to Serve With Chinese Wonton Soup
Serve the Chinese Wonton Soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions and soy sauce if desired. You can also serve it with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables or stir-fried noodles, to make it a more filling meal.
Some other options for serving the soup include adding other ingredients, such as cooked chicken or shrimp, to make it more substantial. You can also serve it with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce or chili oil, to add an extra layer of flavor.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
To store the Chinese Wonton Soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until it is hot and steaming.
It's also important to note that the soup can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen, which makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining. Simply reheat the soup when you're ready to serve it, and garnish with chopped scallions and soy sauce if desired.
In addition to storing the soup, you can also store the wontons separately and cook them as needed. Simply place the wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze them until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen wontons to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of broth should I use for the Chinese Wonton Soup?
You can use a combination of chicken and pork broth for a rich and savory flavor. You can also use other types of broth, such as beef or vegetable broth, to create a different flavor profile.
How do I wrap the wontons?
To wrap the wontons, lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you. Place a small spoonful of the pork filling in the center of the wrapper, then dip your finger in a small amount of water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point, and press the edges together to seal the wonton.
Can I freeze the Chinese Wonton Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the Chinese Wonton Soup. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and steaming.
What are some variations I can make to the Chinese Wonton Soup?
There are many variations you can make to the Chinese Wonton Soup, such as adding other ingredients to the pork filling, using a different type of broth, or serving it with a variety of sides. You can also add other seasonings or spices to the soup to create a different flavor profile.
How do I store the wontons?
You can store the wontons separately and cook them as needed. Simply place the wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze them until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen wontons to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make the Chinese Wonton Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Chinese Wonton Soup ahead of time. Simply cook the soup and let it cool, then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve it. You can also make the wontons ahead of time and store them in the freezer until you're ready to cook them.
What are some tips for cooking the wontons?
Some tips for cooking the wontons include using a gentle simmer, not overcrowding the pot, and cooking the wontons for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
How do I serve the Chinese Wonton Soup?
You can serve the Chinese Wonton Soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions and soy sauce if desired. You can also serve it with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables or stir-fried noodles, to make it a more filling meal.

Ingredients
- 1 package of wonton wrappers (20-24 wrappers)
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups pork broth
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix well until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you. Place a small spoonful of the pork filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Dip your finger in a small amount of water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. This will help the wrapper to stick together when you seal it.
- Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the wonton, making sure they are tight and even.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling, until all of the ingredients have been used.
- In a large pot or wok, combine the chicken and pork broth. Bring the broth to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the wontons to the simmering broth, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook the wontons for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons from the pot and transfer them to a serving bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the wontons and garnish with chopped scallions.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance out the flavors.
- Serve the soup immediately, garnished with additional scallions and soy sauce if desired.
- To freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.