Wonton Soup
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
A comforting and flavorful dish that warms the soul, Wonton Soup is perfect for any occasion.
Wonton Soup is a beloved dish in many cultures, particularly in Chinese cuisine. Its delicate dumplings filled with savory meat and vegetables, served in a fragrant broth, make it a favorite comfort food around the world.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Delicate wontons filled with a flavorful mixture of pork and shrimp
- A fragrant broth that complements the dumplings perfectly
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices
The Art of Making Wontons
Making wontons is a delightful culinary experience that anyone can master. The process begins with preparing a flavorful filling, often a mix of ground meat and seafood. In this recipe, the combination of ground pork and shrimp creates a deliciously tender filling that bursts with flavor. The key to perfect wontons lies in how you fold and seal them. Practice makes perfect, and you'll find your technique improving with each batch you make.
Once you've filled and sealed your wontons, they can be cooked right away or frozen for later use. This makes them a versatile option for meal prepping. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply add the frozen wontons to your simmering broth. They will cook to perfection in just a few minutes, providing a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
Creating the Perfect Broth
A great wonton soup hinges on a rich and aromatic broth. In this recipe, we use a combination of chicken broth and water, flavored with garlic and soy sauce, to create a base that perfectly complements the wontons. The addition of oyster sauce gives the broth depth and umami, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Feel free to experiment with different stocks or homemade broth for an even more personalized touch.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding additional herbs or spices to your broth. Fresh ginger, star anise, or even a touch of chili can transform your soup into a fragrant masterpiece. Remember that the broth should be seasoned to your taste; a little salt or soy sauce can go a long way in elevating the dish.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Wonton soup is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. While this recipe features bok choy, feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or snap peas. These not only add nutrition but also bring a variety of textures and colors to your bowl. You can also adjust the level of spice by adding chili oil or fresh jalapeños for those who enjoy a kick.
When serving, don't forget the garnishes! Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, while sliced green onions can enhance the dish's visual appeal. A squeeze of lime or lemon can also brighten the flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a comforting starter, Wonton Soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
Wonton Filling
- 200g ground pork
- 100g shrimp, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soup Base
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 cups bok choy, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Wonton Wrappers
- 1 package of wonton wrappers
Gather all the ingredients and prepare your cooking space for a delightful cooking experience!
Steps
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Fill the Wontons
Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges with water, fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, and press to seal. Then, bring the two corners together and pinch to secure.
Make the Soup
In a large pot, heat the chicken broth and water over medium heat. Add minced garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Wontons
Carefully add the wontons to the boiling broth. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. Add the chopped bok choy and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve
Serve the wonton soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro. Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness!
Enjoy your homemade wonton soup, perfect for any occasion!
Tips for Perfect Wontons
When working with wonton wrappers, ensure they stay covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. This will make them easier to handle and less likely to crack while you fill and fold them. If you’re new to wonton-making, don’t hesitate to watch a few video tutorials to get a visual sense of the folding technique.
Make sure not to overfill your wontons, as this can lead to tearing during cooking. A teaspoon of filling is typically sufficient. When sealing the wontons, ensure there are no air pockets inside, as trapped air can cause them to burst while cooking.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover wonton soup, it's best to store the broth and wontons separately to maintain their texture. Place the cooked wontons in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The broth can also be stored in a separate container in the fridge. When reheating, add the wontons directly to the simmering broth for best results.
For longer storage, consider freezing the wontons before cooking. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen, making them a convenient meal option for busy days.
Nutritional Benefits
Wonton soup is not only delicious but also offers a variety of nutritional benefits. The combination of protein from the pork and shrimp, along with the vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, makes it a well-balanced meal. Bok choy, in particular, is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron, contributing to overall health.
Additionally, homemade wonton soup can be a healthier alternative to takeout versions, as you control the ingredients and seasonings. By using lean meats and fresh vegetables, you can create a wholesome dish that satisfies your cravings without compromising your dietary goals.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze wontons?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked wontons. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
→ What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or beef broth as alternatives, depending on your preference.
→ How do I know when the wontons are done cooking?
Wontons are done when they float to the surface and the filling is no longer pink.
→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to the filling for additional flavor and nutrition.
Wonton Soup
A comforting and flavorful dish that warms the soul, Wonton Soup is perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Harper Collins
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Wonton Filling
- 200g ground pork
- 100g shrimp, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soup Base
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 cups bok choy, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Wonton Wrappers
- 1 package of wonton wrappers
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges with water, fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, and press to seal. Then, bring the two corners together and pinch to secure. Repeat until all filling is used.
In a large pot, heat the chicken broth and water over medium heat. Add minced garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Bring to a gentle boil.
Carefully add the wontons to the boiling broth. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. Add the chopped bok choy and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve the wonton soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro. Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 20g