Wonton Soup

Wonton Soup is the ultimate comfort food—delicate dumplings filled with savory meat and shrimp, served in a fragrant, soothing broth. This classic dish combines tender wontons, a rich aromatic base, and fresh vegetables or noodles, making it the perfect balance of heartiness and lightness. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or want to impress guests with authentic flavors, this recipe will show you how to make Wonton Soup from scratch, step by step.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Once you master the wrapping technique, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
• Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples plus a few Asian essentials bring bold, authentic flavors.
• Customizable – Add noodles, greens, or extra protein to make it your own.
• Comfort in a Bowl – A warm, nourishing dish that feels like a hug on a cold day.
• Authentic Flavor – Balanced seasoning, a delicate filling, and a fragrant broth that rivals restaurant versions.

This Wonton Soup stands out for its flavorful broth and juicy filling with a perfect mix of beef and shrimp. It’s both satisfying and versatile—ideal for a family dinner, a starter for guests, or a freezer-friendly meal prep option.

Ingredients Needed

For the Wontons

• 50–60 wonton wrappers (fresh or thawed if frozen)
• Filling
  • 200 g (7 oz) lean ground beef
  • 200 g (7 oz) raw prawns/shrimp, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated (about 3 cm piece)
  • 2 shallots or green onions, finely chopped (about 5 tbsp)
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

For the Broth (2 servings)

• 3 cups (750 ml) chicken broth
• 2 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
• 1 cm piece of fresh ginger, sliced (optional but adds depth)
• 1½ tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tsp sugar (white or brown)
• 1½ tbsp Shaoxing wine
• ¼–½ tsp sesame oil

To Serve

• Fresh scallions, finely sliced
• Bok choy (quartered) or Chinese broccoli, cut into 10 cm (4″) lengths (optional)
• 40–50 g (1.5–1.75 oz) dried egg noodles per person (optional)

How to Make Wonton Soup

Step 1: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped shrimp, ginger, shallots, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, and sesame oil. Mash the mixture about 20 times with a potato masher or the back of a spoon until it’s mostly smooth but still has small shrimp chunks for texture. This ensures the filling stays juicy inside the wrapper.

Step 2: Wrap the Wontons

• Place a few wonton wrappers on a clean surface.
• Spoon a small amount of filling (about 1–2 teaspoons) into the center.
• Brush two adjacent edges with water, fold into a triangle, and press firmly to seal, removing any air pockets.
• Dab one corner with water and press the two ends together to form the classic wonton shape.
• Place wrapped wontons in a covered container to prevent drying out.

Tip: Start with 5 at a time until you’re comfortable—then work in larger batches.

Step 3: Cook or Freeze

• To cook immediately: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop in the wontons and cook for 4 minutes, or until they float to the top.
• To freeze: Arrange uncooked wontons in a single layer in an airtight container. Cook directly from frozen for 6–8 minutes. Note: Do not freeze if using previously thawed shrimp.

Step 4: Make the Broth

In a saucepan, combine chicken broth, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Add any leftover white scallion ends from the filling. Cover and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5–10 minutes to infuse flavor. Remove garlic and ginger before serving.

Step 5: Assemble the Soup

• If using vegetables, blanch them briefly in the broth.
• Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
• Place noodles (if using), cooked wontons, and vegetables into serving bowls.
• Ladle over hot broth, garnish with fresh scallions, and serve immediately.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Garnish with fresh chili oil, cilantro, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for a flavor boost. Serve with a side of soy sauce or dipping chili for extra punch.
• Storage: Store cooked wontons and broth separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat broth on the stove and add wontons just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Helpful Notes

• For a lighter broth, use vegetable stock instead of chicken.
• Swap shrimp with chicken mince if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Wonton wrappers dry quickly—keep them covered with a damp towel while working.
• A splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of white pepper can add extra brightness to the broth.

Conclusion

This homemade Wonton Soup is pure comfort—delicate dumplings, a deeply flavored broth, and endless customization options. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve guests. The combination of beef and shrimp in the filling creates a satisfying bite you won’t forget.

If you try this recipe, let us know in the comments and leave a star rating—it helps others find it! Don’t forget to share your beautiful bowls of wonton soup on Pinterest or Facebook. What’s your favorite variation—extra noodles, spicy broth, or veggie-packed? We’d love to hear!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is wonton soup made of?

Wonton soup typically features dumplings filled with ground meat and/or shrimp, wrapped in thin wonton skins, and served in a savory chicken-based broth.

What does wonton soup taste like?

It’s light yet flavorful, with a savory broth, aromatic ginger, soy sauce notes, and juicy dumplings that are both meaty and delicate.

Is wonton soup Chinese or Japanese?

Wonton soup is a traditional Chinese dish, often enjoyed as part of Cantonese cuisine.

Is wonton soup a healthy soup?

Yes—when made at home, it can be a balanced meal. The broth is light, the dumplings are protein-rich, and you can add vegetables for extra nutrients.