Wonton Soup is a comforting and flavorful Chinese soup made with tender wontons filled with ground pork or shrimp, served in a savory broth with vegetables. It’s a perfect dish for a light yet satisfying meal. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for homemade Wonton Soup:
Ingredients:
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or shrimp, finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (scallions)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for a smoother texture)
- 1 pack of wonton wrappers (about 30-40 pieces)
For the Soup Broth:
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1-2 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced thinly
- 2-3 dried shiitake mushrooms (optional, for extra umami)
- 1-2 cups bok choy or spinach (optional, for added vegetables)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- A few drops of sesame oil (optional)
- Chili oil or red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
1. Make the Wonton Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork (or shrimp), green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch (if using). Mix well until everything is fully combined.
- To test the seasoning, take a small spoonful of the filling and cook it in a pan or microwave for a few seconds, then taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
2. Assemble the Wontons:
- Place a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of the wonton filling in the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to create a triangle shape, then press the edges together to seal tightly.
- For a more traditional shape, you can bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and pinch them to form a pouch. Be sure to seal the edges well to prevent them from opening during cooking.
3. Prepare the Soup Broth:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add soy sauce, rice wine (if using), sesame oil, white pepper, garlic, ginger, and dried shiitake mushrooms (if using).
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the broth infuse for 10-15 minutes, then remove the ginger slices and any large pieces of mushroom. If using fresh greens (bok choy or spinach), add them to the broth at this stage, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Cook the Wontons:
- Bring the broth back to a gentle boil, then carefully drop the prepared wontons into the pot one by one.
- Once the wontons rise to the surface, let them cook for 3-5 minutes until they are fully cooked through and the filling is hot. If you’re using shrimp in the filling, be sure that they turn opaque and firm.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the hot broth and wontons into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and a few drops of sesame oil. If you like spicy food, add a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Tips:
- If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-made wontons from an Asian grocery store or use frozen wontons.
- For extra flavor, you can add a boiled egg, seaweed, or additional vegetables like mushrooms or water chestnuts to the soup.
- The wonton filling can be customized with other proteins like chicken or beef, or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Enjoy your warm, delicious Wonton Soup!