If you ask me, wonton soup is pure magic in a bowl. The moment that first spoonful hits your mouth – the savory broth, the tender dumplings – it’s like being wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket. Wonton soup just has a way of making everything feel right in the world.
I’ve loved wonton soup for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest and happiest memories are of helping my grandma make wontons in her kitchen. I was probably only about 5 or 6 years old, but I vividly remember standing on a step stool at the counter, using my tiny fingers to carefully fold the wonton wrappers around the filling. My wonky, misshapen wontons looked nothing like grandma’s perfect pouches, but I took such pride in making them.
Best Wonton Soup Recipe
Wonton Soup
Ingredients
- 1 package wonton wrappers
For wonton filling
- 1/2 pound medium shrimp shelled, deveined
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon shallots finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped
- 2 green onion stalks thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice wine
For broth
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon fennel
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 star anise
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves for garnish
- Green onion for garnish
- Chili sauce
Instructions
- Wipe the prawns dry with paper towels, and chop finely.
- Combine the ingredients for the filling in a bowl, and mix thoroughly.
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the middle of the wrapper. Moisten the wrapper with a dab of water around the filling; this will help the sides of the wrapper to stick together.
- Fold into either a rectangle or a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal. For rectangles, bring the bottom corners together until they overlap, moisten with water, and press to seal. For triangles, bring side corners together until they overlap, and seal. Repeat until filling is used up.
- Place the wontons on a parchment lined baking sheet. Leave some space between pieces to prevent sticking. For long term storage (about 2 months), cover with plastic wrap and freeze.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil. Drop in the wontons in batches, and stir with chopsticks to prevent them from sticking to pan. The wontons are done when they float up to the surface, after about 3 minutes.
- Distribute the wontons into serving bowls.
- Place the cinnamon stick, fennel, coriander, and star anise in a square piece of cheesecloth, and tie it into a knot.
- To prepare the soup, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Immerse the spice pouch in the boiling broth. Cover the pot and reduce it to a simmer.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, and remove the spice pouch.
- Add the fish sauce and sugar, adjusting the amounts according to your taste.
- Scoop the hot broth into the bowls ready with wontons.
- Serve garnished with cilantro and green onions, with chili sauce on the side.
Video
Notes
- For the pork filling, I like to use a mix of ground pork and shrimp for added flavor and texture. The shrimp bring a subtle sweetness.
- Chilling the wonton filling for 30 minutes before wrapping helps the flavors meld. It also makes the filling easier to handle.
- Brushing the wonton wrappers lightly with water helps them seal tightly. Don't overfill them or they'll burst open during cooking.
- Adding a pinch of baking soda to the boiling water helps keep the wontons tender. It maintains the water's pH.
- Blanch the wontons in small batches so they have room to swim freely. This prevents them from sticking together.
- For the broth, skim off any impurities that rise to the surface while simmering. This keeps it crystal clear.
- Let the soup sit for 5-10 minutes after adding the wontons so they can soak up the broth's flavor.
- Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro and chili oil right before serving for maximum vibrancy.
- For convenience, wontons can be made ahead and frozen raw or cooked. Thaw before using.
- Leftover wonton soup is just as tasty the next day. The flavors have time to develop even more.
- Customize the soup with favorite add-ins like bok choy, mushrooms, chicken, shrimp, rice noodles or chili sauce.
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
About Wonton Soup
The Origins of Wonton Soup
Wonton soup has been around for centuries. It originated in China’s Guangdong province. The earliest known mention of wontons dates all the way back to the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century!
The name “wonton” comes from the Cantonese phrase “wun tan,” meaning “cloud swallow” or “cloud pocket.” This poetic name refers to the fluffy, billowy appearance of the dumplings floating in broth.
Over the centuries, wonton soup spread from China to become a staple throughout Asia. It’s now popular around the world, with countless regional variations. But for me, the comforting, soul-warming magic of classic Cantonese-style wonton soup can’t be beat.
The Key to Great Wonton Soup
The wontons themselves are obviously essential. But in my opinion, the broth is what really makes or breaks a good wonton soup. My favorite is a simple chicken broth seasoned with aromatics like ginger, green onions, and garlic. I also like to add dried shrimp and mushrooms for extra flavor and body.
The key is keeping the broth light, clear and pure. You want the fresh, delicate flavors of the filling and wrappers to shine through. Overly heavy, greasy broths just weigh everything down.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to starting off an Asian-inspired meal, wonton soup stands out as a perfect appetizer, offering a comforting blend of flavors. To enhance this culinary experience, here are some delightful recipes to pair with wonton soup. For a Japanese twist, consider serving Curry Yakisoba, stir-fried noodles drenched in a flavorful curry sauce, alongside the soup for a delightful mix of textures and tastes. For added depth, Soy Sauce Eggs serve as a wonderful garnish or side, their saltiness beautifully contrasting the mild broth of the wonton soup. Adding a crunchy element, Shrimp Tempura perfectly complements the seafood essence of the soup, offering a crispy texture alongside its succulent flavor. For an indulgent pairing, Tonkotsu Ramen, with its rich pork bone broth, harmonizes flawlessly with wonton soup, creating a heavenly duo of broths. For those craving more seafood, Teriyaki Shrimp served over rice continues the Asian flavor profile, offering a sweet and sticky addition to the meal. Finally, to conclude on a sweet note, Matcha Ice Cream provides a refreshing contrast of flavors and temperatures, serving as a delightful dessert to round off a meal that began with wonton soup. These serving suggestions aim to elevate the dining experience, ensuring each bite is a journey of culinary delight.
Conclution
Wonton soup has been warming bellies and soothing souls for centuries, and for good reason. This humble bowl of pillowy dumplings swimming in a savory, aromatic broth is the ultimate comfort food. For me, wonton soup will always hold a special place in my heart and taste buds.
I hope this post has shed some light on the origins, ingredients, and proper cooking techniques for authentic Cantonese-style wonton soup. While the basic components are simple, perfecting this soup does take some practice and patience. But the payoff is so worth it.
Even if your dumplings look a little wonky, they will still taste delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings, broth flavors, and add-in ingredients until you find your perfect bowl. Make this soup your own.
The next time you need a little pick-me-up, turn to wonton soup. Let it transport you back to the warmth of your grandma’s kitchen. Lose yourself in the nostalgic flavors and textures that only this soup can provide. One steaming spoonful is all it takes to feel that everything is right in the world, if only for a moment.
Wonton soup is so much more than just a meal. It’s comfort, it’s family, it’s love – one dumpling at a time.
I'm Tracy F Hilton, a devoted culinary professional shaped by a mix of natural aptitude and refined skills from a top culinary school. In the dynamic kitchen environment, I'm a catalyst for seamless operations and timely, high-quality dish preparation. My culinary creations are a blend of art and skill, offering visually and gustatorily delightful experiences. A learner at heart, I'm continuously honing my craft, embracing new techniques, and culinary innovations. My positive, collaborative nature is amplified in fast-paced settings, showcasing my commitment to team efficiency and guest satisfaction. Each dish I present is a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation, promising an unforgettable dining experience that marries taste, aroma, and aesthetic appeal in perfect harmony. Join me on a gastronomic journey where each bite encapsulates a rich, evolving narrative of flavors and culinary artistry.