Learn how to make comforting homemade wonton soup with tender pork-filled wontons, a flavorful clear broth, and fresh vegetables. This easy step-by-step recipe creates a restaurant-quality soup perfect for lunch or dinner.
Homemade Wonton Soup
Wonton soup is a classic Chinese comfort food featuring delicate dumplings filled with seasoned meat, gently simmered in a fragrant broth. The combination of silky wonton wrappers, savory filling, and light yet flavorful soup makes this dish both satisfying and nourishing.
Making wonton soup from scratch may seem intimidating, but the process is surprisingly simple. Once you learn how to fold the wontons, you’ll be able to create a delicious homemade version that rivals your favorite restaurant.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Wonton Filling
- ½ pound (225 g) ground pork
- ½ pound (225 g) raw shrimp, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Wontons
- 30–35 wonton wrappers
- Small bowl of water for sealing
For the Soup Broth
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Baby bok choy
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Snow peas
- Cooked noodles
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Large pot
- Small spoon
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground pork
- Chopped shrimp
- Green onions
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Ginger
- Garlic
- White pepper
- Salt
Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed and slightly sticky.
Cover and refrigerate while preparing the wrappers.
Step 2: Fill the Wontons
Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean work surface.
Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.
Avoid overfilling, as this can cause the wrappers to tear during cooking.
Step 3: Seal the Wontons
Dip your finger in water and lightly moisten all four edges of the wrapper.
Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle.
Press firmly around the filling to remove air pockets and seal the edges.
Bring the two bottom corners together and press them firmly to create the traditional wonton shape.
Repeat until all filling is used.
Place finished wontons on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, combine:
- Chicken broth
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Remove the garlic and ginger slices if desired.
Step 5: Cook the Wontons
Carefully drop the wontons into the simmering broth.
Cook for 4–6 minutes.
The wontons are done when they float to the surface and the filling is fully cooked.
Avoid vigorous boiling, which may break the delicate wrappers.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
If using vegetables such as bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms, add them during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
Cook until tender but still vibrant in color.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with:
- Salt
- White pepper
- Additional soy sauce if needed
The broth should be light, savory, and aromatic.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the hot broth and wontons into serving bowls.
Garnish with sliced green onions.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Perfect Wonton Soup
Keep Wrappers Covered
Wonton wrappers dry out quickly. Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel while assembling.
Remove Air Pockets
Press out excess air when sealing to prevent the wontons from opening during cooking.
Use Homemade Stock
A rich homemade chicken stock creates a deeper, more authentic flavor.
Freeze Extra Wontons
Arrange uncooked wontons on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Cook frozen wontons directly from the freezer without thawing.
Variations
Chicken Wonton Soup
Replace pork and shrimp with ground chicken for a lighter version.
Shrimp Wonton Soup
Use all shrimp filling for a seafood-focused soup.
Vegetable Wonton Soup
Fill wontons with finely chopped mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and tofu.
Spicy Wonton Soup
Add chili oil or chili crisp to the finished soup for extra heat.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For best results, store cooked wontons separately from the broth.
Freezer
Freeze uncooked wontons for up to 3 months.
The broth can also be frozen separately for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Homemade wonton soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender dumplings with a delicate, aromatic broth. Whether served as a starter or a complete meal, this classic soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. With a little practice folding wontons, you’ll have a restaurant-quality recipe that can be enjoyed any time of year.