Nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of wonton soup, especially when it’s homemade. This recipe is your ticket to creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen, with flavors that dance and textures that delight.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of ground pork and shrimp in the wonton filling offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Simmering the broth with ginger and garlic infuses it with depth and warmth, making every sip a delight.
- Homemade wontons are surprisingly easy to make and far superior in taste and texture to store-bought versions.
- This recipe allows for customization, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- It’s a versatile dish that can serve as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, depending on how you serve it.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for water
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
Prepare the Wonton Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture should be fragrant and slightly sticky to the touch. Tip: For an extra flavor boost, let the filling sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before wrapping.
Wrap the Wontons
Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold it over the filling to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal. Bring the two corners of the longest side together and press to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. Tip: Don’t overfill the wontons to prevent them from bursting during cooking.
Cook the Wontons
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently add the wontons in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface and the filling is cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons and set aside. Tip: You can test a wonton by cutting it open to ensure the filling is no longer pink.
Prepare the Broth
In the same pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Add the sliced green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the broth simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Soup
Divide the cooked wontons among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the wontons, ensuring each bowl gets a generous amount of broth and green onions. Serve immediately, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Tips and Tricks
Making wonton soup at home is a rewarding experience, but a few tips can elevate your dish to the next level. First, consider making a double batch of wontons and freezing half for future meals. They cook just as well from frozen, adding only a minute or two to the cooking time. Second, for a clearer broth, skim off any foam that rises to the surface during simmering. Lastly, if you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought broth can be a decent substitute, though homemade is always best for flavor.
Recipe Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork and shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms and tofu. Adjust the seasoning with a bit more soy sauce and sesame oil to compensate for the lack of meat.
- Add some heat to your soup by stirring in a teaspoon of chili oil or a few slices of fresh chili into the broth before serving.
- Incorporate some leafy greens, like baby bok choy or spinach, into the soup for added nutrition and color. Add them to the broth just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Experiment with different proteins, such as chicken or turkey, for the wonton filling. Each will bring a unique flavor profile to the dish.
- For a richer broth, consider adding a piece of star anise or a cinnamon stick during the simmering process. Remove before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make wonton soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the wontons and broth separately ahead of time. Store the uncooked wontons in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them for longer storage. The broth can also be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve. However, for the best texture, assemble the soup just before serving.
How do I prevent wontons from sticking together?
After wrapping, place the wontons on a lightly floured tray or baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking together before cooking.
Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers?
Absolutely! Store-bought wonton wrappers are a convenient and time-saving option. They’re readily available in the refrigerated section of most Asian grocery stores and many supermarkets. Just be sure to keep them covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent drying out.
Summary
This homemade wonton soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, the result is always delicious.
