Wonton Soup Recipe | Cozy 30-Minute Homemade Classic

Introduction

Wonton soup is one of those timeless dishes that brings warmth, balance, and satisfaction all in one bowl. With silky dumplings floating in a flavorful broth, it’s a go-to comfort meal across Chinese households and restaurants alike. This homemade version is simple to make in under 30 minutes, but it tastes like it simmered all day.

The savory filling inside the wontons pairs beautifully with the clear, gingery broth and bright garnishes like scallions and bok choy. It’s soothing, light, and satisfying—a perfect dish for chilly evenings, easy weeknight dinners, or when you just need something cozy.

Ingredients Overview

Wonton Wrappers

Thin, square wonton wrappers are the key to making delicate dumplings. Look for them in the refrigerated section of Asian or major grocery stores. Keep them covered to prevent drying out as you fill.

Tip: If you can only find round wrappers, they work too—just fold carefully.

Ground Pork or Chicken

Ground pork is traditional, offering juicy, savory flavor. Ground chicken or turkey are lighter alternatives that still taste great.

Flavor Tip: Add a little sesame oil and soy sauce for extra richness.

Ginger and Garlic

These aromatics are essential both in the filling and the broth. Fresh ginger adds zing and warmth, while garlic deepens the savory profile. Use freshly grated or finely minced versions for best results.

Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil

Soy sauce seasons both the filling and broth. Toasted sesame oil adds that unmistakable nutty aroma that defines the soup’s comforting flavor.

Green Onion (Scallions)

Used both inside the wontons and as a garnish, scallions offer a pop of color and mild oniony brightness.

Chicken Broth

Choose a clear, flavorful broth as the base. Homemade is wonderful, but a high-quality low-sodium store-bought version works beautifully too.

Optional: Add a splash of Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine) or mirin for complexity.

Vegetables (Optional)

Baby bok choy, napa cabbage, or sliced mushrooms can be added for extra texture and nutrition. They cook quickly and complement the broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Wonton Filling
   In a bowl, combine ground pork or chicken, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped scallions, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

2. Assemble the Wontons
   Lay one wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Moisten the edges with water using your fingertip. Fold into a triangle, pressing edges to seal, then bring the two corners together and pinch. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers.

Tip: Cover finished wontons and wrappers with a damp towel to prevent drying.

3. Simmer the Broth
   In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Add slices of ginger, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce. Let it infuse for 5–10 minutes. Remove the ginger/garlic pieces with a slotted spoon if desired.

4. Cook the Wontons
   Gently add wontons to the simmering broth. Cook for 4–6 minutes, or until they float and the filling is cooked through. If adding vegetables, stir them in for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.

5. Serve and Garnish
   Ladle hot broth and wontons into bowls. Top with sliced green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and optional chili oil or fresh cilantro.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Make It Spicy: Add a spoonful of chili crisp or a few drops of hot sesame oil to spice it up.

• Use Frozen Wontons: Store-bought frozen wontons work well in a pinch. Just drop them into simmering broth and cook per package instructions.

• Vegan Option: Use tofu and finely chopped mushrooms as the filling base. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.

• Freeze for Later: Freeze uncooked wontons on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cooking time.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Wonton soup makes a perfect:

• Light but comforting weeknight dinner

• Appetizer for homemade Asian-inspired meals

• Lunch paired with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed edamame

• Soothing remedy for when you’re under the weather

It’s nourishing without being heavy, and endlessly adaptable for the season or your fridge contents.

Nutritional & Health Notes

Wonton soup offers lean protein from ground meat, hydrating broth, and if added, greens like bok choy or cabbage that bring fiber and vitamins. Each bowl typically comes in around 250–350 calories depending on portion size and toppings.

To make it lighter:

• Use lean ground meat or tofu

• Limit added oil and sodium

• Add plenty of vegetables for volume and nutrients

It’s an ideal choice when you want something warm, filling, and gentle on the stomach.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make wontons ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Or freeze uncooked wontons in a single layer, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

Q2: How do I keep wontons from sticking together?
Lay them on a floured or parchment-lined tray as you make them. Don’t stack, and keep them covered with a damp cloth.

Q3: Can I use store-bought wontons?
Absolutely. Look for them in the freezer section. They work great and save time.

Q4: What vegetables go well in wonton soup?
Bok choy, spinach, napa cabbage, and mushrooms are great choices. Add them near the end of cooking so they stay tender-crisp.

Q5: Can I use a different protein for the filling?
Yes—ground turkey, shrimp, or tofu are great substitutes. Just keep the filling moist with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil.

Q6: What’s the best broth to use?
A clear, low-sodium chicken broth allows the wontons to shine. Add garlic, ginger, and scallions to elevate the flavor.

Q7: How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and rice wrappers instead of wheat wonton wrappers. The texture will differ but it still works well.

Wonton Soup Recipe | Cozy 30-Minute Homemade Classic

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Isabella Moretti
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A cozy, homemade wonton soup with delicate dumplings and gingery broth — ready in just 30 minutes for a quick, comforting meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 25 wonton wrappers

• ½ lb ground pork or chicken

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 5 cups chicken broth

• 1 additional garlic clove & ginger slice for broth

• 1 cup bok choy or spinach (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Combine pork, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.

• Place 1 tsp filling in each wonton wrapper. Moisten edges, fold into triangles, then pinch corners together.

• Simmer broth with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for 5–10 minutes.

• Add wontons and cook 4–6 minutes, until they float.

• Add vegetables if using. Simmer 2–3 more minutes.

• Serve hot with green onions, sesame oil, and optional chili oil.

Notes

• Freeze uncooked wontons for later use.

• Add rice noodles or mushrooms for extra bulk.

• Use tofu for a vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Soup, Dinner
• Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired

Nutrition

• Calories: ~300 per serving