Wonton Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade wonton soup is a step above anything you’ll find at a takeout spot. You control the quality of ingredients, the filling is packed with real flavor, and the broth is infused with garlic, ginger, and soy for depth. The wontons freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy this comforting soup anytime without the hassle of starting from scratch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wonton Wrappers
50–60 wonton wrappers

Wonton Filling
200 g / 7 oz lean pork mince (ground pork)
200 g / 7 oz peeled prawns/shrimp, roughly chopped
1 tbsp ginger, finely grated
2 shallots/green onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sesame oil, toasted

Broth (for 2 servings)
3 cups / 750 ml chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, smashed
⅓” / 1 cm piece of ginger, sliced (optional)
1½ tbsp light soy sauce
2 tsp sugar
1½ tbsp Chinese cooking wine
¼–½ tsp sesame oil

To Serve
Shallots/scallions, finely chopped
Bok choy, quartered, or Chinese broccoli cut into 10 cm / 4″ lengths (optional)
Dried egg noodles (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Wonton Filling
   In a mixing bowl, combine pork, prawns, ginger, shallots, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, salt, and sesame oil. Mash with a potato masher until fairly smooth, leaving some prawn chunks for texture.

2. Wrap the Wontons
   Place a wonton wrapper on your work surface. Add a small spoonful of filling in the center. Brush two edges with water, fold to seal while pressing out air, then bring corners together and seal again. Keep wrapped wontons covered to prevent drying.

3. Cook the Wontons
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop in wontons and cook for about 4 minutes or until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon.

4. Make the Broth
   In a saucepan, combine chicken broth, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, Chinese cooking wine, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer for 5–10 minutes to infuse flavors. Remove garlic and ginger before serving. Blanch vegetables in the broth if using.

5. Assemble the Soup
   Place cooked wontons in serving bowls. Add blanched vegetables and noodles if desired. Ladle hot broth over the top. Garnish with chopped shallots.

Servings and timing

Servings: 50–60 wontons (about 6–8 servings)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use all pork for a richer flavor if you want to skip seafood.

• Add mushrooms to the broth for an earthy depth.

• Swap bok choy for spinach or napa cabbage.

• Make it spicy with chili oil or sliced fresh chilies.

• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooked wontons and broth separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat broth over medium heat, then add wontons just before serving. Uncooked wontons can be frozen for up to 2 months; cook from frozen for 6–8 minutes. Do not refreeze prawns that were previously frozen and uncooked.

FAQs

Can I freeze wontons with prawns in the filling?

No, not if the prawns were previously frozen and raw. You can use cooked prawns or all pork for freezing.

How many wontons should I serve per person?

Typically 6–8 wontons per bowl without noodles, or 5–6 with noodles.

Can I cook the wontons directly in the broth?

Yes, but the wontons will absorb some broth, so add extra liquid if needed.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate the filling for up to 24 hours before wrapping.

What if I can’t find Shaoxing wine?

You can substitute sherry, cooking sake, or mirin, or simply omit it.

Are wonton wrappers the same as dumpling wrappers?

They are similar, but wonton wrappers are usually thinner and square-shaped.

Can I use store-bought chicken broth?

Yes, but for a cleaner flavor, Asian-style chicken broth is recommended.

How do I keep wontons from drying out while wrapping?

Keep them covered with a clean, damp towel as you work.

Can I make vegetarian wonton soup?

Yes, replace the filling with finely chopped vegetables and tofu.

What type of noodles work best?

Dried or fresh egg noodles are traditional, but rice noodles also work well.

Conclusion

This homemade wonton soup combines tender dumplings with a flavorful broth for a deeply satisfying dish. Whether enjoyed fresh or from the freezer, it’s a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

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