Making Wonton Soup at home isn’t as daunting as it may seem. In fact, it can be an enjoyable and satisfying culinary project, especially when you have a great guide to follow! This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the entire process, from creating the wonton filling to preparing the flavorful broth. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it might just become your favorite go-to soup.

Why Make Wonton Soup at Home?

Sure, making wontons requires some patience, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can even freeze the wontons to have them on hand for a quick and delicious meal whenever the craving strikes. Plus, homemade wonton soup often tastes better than what you get in restaurants—it’s fresher, more flavorful, and completely customizable to your taste.

For me, the love of wonton soup started when my daughter taught me how to make it. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen. There’s something magical about the process of making each little bundle by hand—it’s therapeutic, and the results are oh-so-rewarding. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Wonton Soup

This recipe makes about 4 servings, but you can easily double or halve the quantities to suit your needs.

For the Wonton Filling:

• 200g ground pork (or ground chicken if preferred)
• 200g finely chopped raw shrimp
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp sambal oelek (optional, for a touch of heat)

For the Broth:

• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• A drizzle of soy sauce or chili oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Wonton Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork (or chicken), chopped shrimp, green onion, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sambal oelek. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Set aside while you prepare the wonton wrappers.

Step 2: Assemble the Wontons

1. Lay 6 to 12 wonton wrappers on a clean work surface. Place about half a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill them, especially if you’re new to making wontons.
2. Brush the edges of the wrappers with a little milk, water, or egg white. Fold the wrappers in half diagonally or vertically and press to seal, removing as much air as possible.
3. Bring the two corners of the folded wonton together and press lightly to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Keep the wrappers and assembled wontons covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you work.

Step 3: Cook or Freeze the Wontons

1. To cook immediately: Add the wontons directly to the boiling broth (see Step 4) and cook for 2-3 minutes (fresh wontons) or 6-8 minutes (frozen wontons).
2. To freeze: Arrange wontons in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Frozen wontons will keep for up to several months.

Step 4: Prepare the Broth

1. In a large stockpot, combine the chicken stock, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover loosely and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the ginger, garlic, and lemongrass from the broth. Bring the broth back to a rolling boil before adding the wontons.

Step 5: Cook the Wontons in the Broth

1. Gently add the wontons to the boiling broth. Cook until the wontons float to the surface and the filling is fully cooked (about 2-3 minutes for fresh wontons or 6-8 minutes for frozen).
2. Alternatively, you can cook the wontons in a separate pot of boiling salted water and ladle the hot broth over them in serving bowls. This method keeps the broth clear and starch-free.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous helping of broth and wontons.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of chili oil for added flavor.

Tips for Success

• Wonton Wrappers: Look for them in the frozen section of your grocery store or at your local Asian market. Thaw frozen wrappers overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Prevent Drying Out: Keep your wrappers and assembled wontons covered with a damp cloth while working.
• Customize the Filling: Swap pork for chicken or add finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the pork and shrimp with finely chopped tofu and vegetables like mushrooms or cabbage.

2. How long do wontons last in the freezer?

Frozen wontons will keep for up to 3 months if stored in an airtight container.

3. Can I use store-bought broth?

Absolutely. While homemade broth adds extra depth of flavor, store-bought chicken stock works perfectly for this recipe.

4. What other fillings can I use?

Get creative! Try ground turkey, minced beef, or even a mix of cheeses for a unique twist.

5. Can I cook the wontons separately?

Yes, cooking the wontons in a separate pot of salted water keeps the broth clear and free of starch.

Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort Made From Scratch

Making homemade wonton soup is a labor of love, but the results are well worth the effort. With its flavorful broth, tender wontons, and endless customization options, this dish is perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or any time you’re craving something warm and comforting. Try it today and experience the joy of creating this classic soup from scratch!