When winter winds start to howl and you crave something deeply satisfying and warming, Wonton Soup is the answer. Delicate wontons filled with seasoned ground chicken, floating in a rich and aromatic broth with baby bok choy—this soup is not just food, it’s comfort in a bowl.
Homemade wontons may sound intimidating, but they’re incredibly easy to put together with a few simple ingredients. This version keeps things simple yet flavorful, bringing the essence of traditional Chinese comfort food right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Wonton Soup
- Warm and soothing: Perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing bowl of comfort.
- Flavorful and satisfying: A light broth meets savory wontons for the ideal balance.
- Homemade touch: Making your own wontons is easier than you think and adds a personal, delicious twist.
- Nutritious: Filled with protein-rich chicken and greens like bok choy.
- Freezer-friendly: Extra wontons can be frozen for future quick meals.
A Chinese Classic Made Simple
Originating from Chinese cuisine, Wonton Soup is a staple in many households and restaurants. It’s celebrated for its light, yet deeply flavorful broth and its soft, juicy dumplings. Traditionally made with pork or shrimp, this version uses ground chicken for a leaner twist that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Wontons:
- ½ pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 24 wonton wrappers, 3½ inches square
For the Soup:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2½ tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2–3 green onions, finely chopped
- 3 baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
Instructions
1. Make the Wonton Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the ground chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and green onions until thoroughly combined.
2. Assemble the Wontons
Place the wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Spoon 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges with water, fold into a triangle, and press to seal. Bring the corners together and press to form the classic wonton shape.
3. Make the Broth
In a large pot over medium heat, add the chicken broth, minced garlic, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the baby bok choy and cook for 2–3 minutes.
4. Cook the Wontons
In another large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Carefully add the wontons. When they float, cook for 2 more minutes until the wrappers look slightly translucent. Strain.
5. Combine and Serve
Transfer the cooked wontons into the simmering broth. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions or chili oil if desired.
Tips for Perfect Wonton Soup
- Avoid overfilling: A little filling goes a long way. Too much can cause the wontons to burst.
- Seal well: Press the edges firmly to prevent leaks while cooking.
- Use a steamer: Don’t want to boil? Steam the wontons for a tender texture.
- Make-ahead option: Freeze uncooked wontons on a tray and transfer to a bag for quick meals later.
Flavor Variation
- Spicy version: Add chili garlic oil or red pepper flakes to the broth.
- Pork or shrimp filling: Use ground pork or minced shrimp in place of chicken.
- Add noodles: Make it a full meal by adding rice noodles or egg noodles.
- Vegetarian wontons: Use tofu and finely chopped mushrooms in place of meat.
How to Store & Freeze
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked wontons in a single layer, then store in a bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm broth separately and add pre-cooked or frozen wontons just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought wontons?
Yes! Store-bought wontons are a great shortcut if you’re short on time.
Can I cook the wontons in the broth?
You can, but boiling them separately helps keep the broth clear and prevents starch buildup.
Are wonton wrappers gluten-free?
Most are not. Look for gluten-free wrappers in specialty stores or make your own if needed.
What does baby bok choy taste like?
It’s mild, slightly sweet, and adds great texture and nutrients to the soup.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking comfort on a cold winter evening or craving a taste of classic Chinese flavors, this Wonton Soup is the ultimate homemade remedy. It’s nourishing, soothing, and surprisingly easy to prepare. With fresh ingredients and homemade dumplings, it turns a simple broth into something truly special.
So grab your soup pot, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to fall in love with this warm and flavorful dish!
Wonton Soup
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- ½ pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 24 wonton wrappers 3½ inches square
For the Soup:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2½ tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 –3 green onions finely chopped
- 3 baby bok choy halved lengthwise
Instructions
Make the Wonton Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix the ground chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and green onions until thoroughly combined.
Assemble the Wontons
- Place the wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Spoon 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges with water, fold into a triangle, and press to seal. Bring the corners together and press to form the classic wonton shape.
Make the Broth
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the chicken broth, minced garlic, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the baby bok choy and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Cook the Wontons
- In another large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Carefully add the wontons. When they float, cook for 2 more minutes until the wrappers look slightly translucent. Strain.
Combine and Serve
- Transfer the cooked wontons into the simmering broth. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions or chili oil if desired.
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