Ingredients:
For the wontons:
- 1/2 pound ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or a combination)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Wonton wrappers (about 20-30, depending on size)
For the broth:
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced thinly
- 2-3 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnishes:
- Chopped scallions or cilantro
- Chili oil or sriracha (for spice)
- Chinese fried garlic or fried shallots (for crunch)
- Bok choy or spinach (for added greens)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Wonton Filling: In a bowl, combine the ground pork, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix everything together until the filling becomes sticky and well-combined. This helps the filling hold together when wrapped in the wonton wrappers.
- Assemble the Wontons: Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water and fold it into a triangle shape. Press the edges firmly to seal. To make a traditional wonton shape, you can bring the two outer corners together and pinch them tightly, creating a little pouch. Repeat with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling.
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, add the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger slices, and scallions. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you want a richer flavor, you can add a splash more soy sauce or a dash of fish sauce.
- Cook the Wontons: Bring a separate large pot of water to a boil. Add the wontons, in batches if necessary, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are fully cooked. Wontons should be soft and tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and set them aside.
- Assemble the Soup: Once the wontons are cooked, transfer them to bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the wontons, making sure the soup is nice and hot. If you’re adding greens like bok choy or spinach, drop them into the broth for the last minute of cooking so they’re wilted but still bright green.
- Serve: Garnish the soup with chopped scallions, cilantro, and a drizzle of chili oil for a little heat, or sprinkle some fried garlic on top for crunch. Serve hot and enjoy!
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
The nutrition information will vary depending on the type of meat used for the filling and any additional toppings you choose, but here’s an estimate for one bowl of wonton soup.
Nutrition per Serving (1 bowl of soup with about 6-8 wontons):
- Calories: 250–350 kcal (depending on the type of filling and broth used)
- Protein: 15–20 g (higher if you add more protein-rich fillings like shrimp or tofu)
- Carbohydrates: 30–40 g
- Fiber: 2–3 g
- Sugars: 2–3 g
- Fat: 8–12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2–3 g
- Cholesterol: 30–60 mg (higher if using pork or shrimp)
- Sodium: 800–1,200 mg (depending on the soy sauce and broth used)
- Potassium: 300–400 mg
- Vitamin A: 10–20% DV (from broth and greens, if added)
- Vitamin C: 5–10% DV (from greens and scallions)
- Calcium: 4–6% DV
- Iron: 8–12% DV
Key Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein: The pork, chicken, or shrimp in the wontons provide a good amount of protein, which is important for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. If you use tofu or other plant-based fillings, you can make this dish vegetarian and still get a decent amount of protein.
- Low in Calories: Wonton soup is generally light in calories, especially if you keep the broth and filling simple. The soup is filling due to the combination of protein-rich wontons and a flavorful broth, yet it remains relatively low in fat and carbs, making it a good option for lighter meals.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The ginger, scallions, and any added vegetables like bok choy or spinach provide valuable vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin A) and minerals like potassium and iron.
- Customizable: You can adjust the soup’s nutritional profile by using leaner meats, adding more vegetables, or using low-sodium broth and soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
Tips for Making the Perfect Wonton Soup:
- Dumpling Filling Variations: While pork is the most common filling, you can also make wontons with shrimp, chicken, beef, or vegetarian fillings like mushrooms, tofu, and cabbage. Experiment with flavorings like Chinese five-spice or hoisin sauce for a different twist.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the wontons ahead of time and freeze them. To cook frozen wontons, just drop them directly into boiling water or broth and cook for 5-7 minutes. It’s a great way to have homemade wontons on hand whenever you crave them.
- Broth Options: If you want a richer broth, try adding a splash of oyster sauce, fish sauce, or a few drops of sesame oil. You can also add a bit of chicken stock powder or bouillon cubes for extra depth.
Why You’ll Love Wonton Soup:
- Comforting & Soothing: The warm, savory broth and soft wontons make for the perfect comfort food. It’s nourishing and light, yet satisfying—ideal for cold weather or whenever you need a cozy meal.
- Customizable: The beauty of wonton soup lies in its versatility. You can tweak the filling and the broth to suit your tastes, making it your own.
- Healthy & Light: It’s a lighter, healthier option compared to other noodle-based soups, as the broth is clear, and the wontons are steamed or boiled rather than fried.
Wonton soup is a timeless, easy-to-make dish that combines the soothing flavors of broth with the delicate texture of homemade wontons. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a light meal, it’s a flavorful, warming dish that’s perfect for any time of year.
