If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl that brims with delicate, savory flavors, look no further than homemade wonton soup. This beloved classic brings together plump pillows of juicy pork-filled wontons bobbing in a fragrant, ginger-infused broth, delivering pure contentment in every spoonful. Whether you’re new to making wontons or already a seasoned fan, there’s something truly special about crafting this soup from scratch and savoring the fruits of your labor. Homemade wonton soup is the kind of dish that manages to feel like both a culinary adventure and a big, cozy hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of homemade wonton soup is just how achievable it is with a handful of humble ingredients, each one shining to build layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few reasons why you won’t want to skip a thing!
- Ground pork: The classic filling for wontons, giving them rich, juicy flavor with a tender bite.
- Soy sauce: Adds essential umami and brings all the filling ingredients together harmoniously.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash boosts the filling and broth with its signature toasty aroma.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for maximum flavor, it brightens up both the wontons and the broth.
- Garlic: Minced garlic gives a gentle but unmistakable kick to the pork and soup.
- Green onion: Finely chopped for the filling and sliced for the broth, they add freshness and color.
- Rice vinegar: A hint of tang that balances the savory richness of the pork.
- White pepper: Delivers a subtle heat that sets this apart from black pepper.
- Wonton wrappers: Store-bought wrappers mean you can easily create authentic dumplings at home.
- Chicken broth: The foundation of any great wonton soup, warming and savory.
- Baby spinach or napa cabbage (optional): For extra color, nutrition, and that lovely leafy texture.
- Salt to taste: Adjust at the end to perfectly balance your flavors.
How to Make Homemade Wonton Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Filling
In a sturdy mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, finely chopped green onion, rice vinegar, and white pepper. Mix everything together with a spoon (or your hands, if you like!) until thoroughly blended but not overly compacted. Each of these ingredients will work together, infusing your wontons with all that irresistible, savory goodness.
Step 2: Fill and Shape the Wontons
Set up a little wonton assembly station on a clean work surface. Place a wonton wrapper in front of you and spoon about a teaspoon of filling right into the center. Dip your fingertip in water, moisten the edges of the wrapper, and fold it in half to make a neat triangle. Press the edges to seal tightly, then bring the two bottom corners together and pinch — and just like that, you’ve shaped your first wonton! Continue with the rest of the wrappers and filling until your platter is filled with these plump little parcels.
Step 3: Create the Broth
Pour your chicken broth into a large pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sliced green onions. Let this simmer together for around 5 minutes so the aromatics can work their magic, infusing the broth with those classic homemade wonton soup flavors. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
Carefully slide your assembled wontons into the simmering broth, giving them a gentle stir to make sure none are sticking to the bottom. They’ll only need about 5–6 minutes — you’ll know they’re ready once they float to the top and the pork inside is cooked through. If you’re adding spinach or napa cabbage, toss it in during the last minute of cooking so it wilts beautifully without turning mushy.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give your soup a quick taste and add salt if needed. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, this is also the perfect time to adjust with an extra splash of soy sauce or a dash of white pepper. When everything is just right, ladle the steaming broth and wontons into bowls and get ready to serve!
How to Serve Homemade Wonton Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh green onions on top adds brightness and crunch, while a dash of chili oil or extra white pepper can kick things up a notch for spice lovers. Toasted sesame seeds are also a lovely touch, giving a subtle nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with the broth. Don’t be shy about tailoring the finish to your tastes — it’s your homemade wonton soup, after all!
Side Dishes
Pair your steaming bowl of homemade wonton soup with a side of steamed bok choy, garlicky Chinese broccoli, or cucumber salad for a fresh, crunchy contrast. Jasmine rice and a quick stir-fried noodle dish are also tried-and-true companions, making your meal both satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving the soup in small bowls or cups as an elegant appetizer. For family dinners, lay out a big pot in the center of the table so everyone can help themselves. Don’t forget a tray of extra toppings — chili oil, vinegar, scallions — so guests can make their own bowl truly unique!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover homemade wonton soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, store the wontons and broth separately if possible; this prevents the wrappers from becoming too soft. Just combine them when reheating for a refreshingly just-made feel!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead (or make a double batch), uncooked wontons freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. You can cook them straight from frozen, just give them an extra minute or two in the simmering broth.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the broth and wontons together on the stovetop until everything is heated through — try not to let it reach a full rolling boil, which can make the wrappers break apart. If you’re short on time, a microwave works too, but cover the bowl so the wontons don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or shrimp for the wontons instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken and shrimp are both fantastic alternatives to pork and will bring a different nuance to your homemade wonton soup. Just be sure to adjust seasonings as needed to suit your favorite proteins.
What’s the best way to keep wonton wrappers from drying out while I assemble them?
Keep unused wonton wrappers under a damp (not wet) towel while you work. This keeps them soft and pliable so they’re easy to seal and shape without tearing or cracking.
How do I know when the wontons are fully cooked?
Wontons are ready when they float to the surface and the filling inside is firm and opaque. Give one a quick taste or cut it open to check if you’re unsure. Usually, 5 to 6 minutes of simmering does the job perfectly.
Can I make homemade wonton soup gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free wonton wrappers (often available at specialty shops or online), and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for both the filling and the broth. With those substitutions, you can enjoy gluten-free homemade wonton soup without missing out on the flavor or texture.
Why does my broth look cloudy?
This is usually just from the starch in the wonton wrappers mingling with the broth — totally normal and nothing to worry about! For a crystal clear soup, you can cook the wontons in a separate pot of water, then transfer them into the broth just before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting reward of a steaming bowl of homemade wonton soup, made with care and packed with personal touches. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to bring joy, warmth, and plenty of flavor into your kitchen. Give it a try — you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade Wonton Soup from scratch with this easy recipe. This comforting Chinese soup is filled with flavorful pork wontons in a savory broth that’s perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
For the wontons:
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 green onion (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 24 wonton wrappers
For the soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 cup baby spinach or napa cabbage (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- For the wontons: In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, green onion, rice vinegar, and white pepper. Spoon filling into wonton wrappers, seal, and shape into traditional wontons.
- For the soup: Bring chicken broth to a boil, add soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Simmer, then add wontons and cook until done. Add spinach or cabbage if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Notes
- You can freeze uncooked wontons for later use.
- Substitute ground chicken or shrimp for pork.
- Enhance with chili oil or white pepper for more spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
