One of my favorites parts of eating dinner at a Chinese restaurant is a simple bowl of wonton soup with its savory broth and delicious wontons. It’s so good that sometimes I find myself craving it at home even when we don’t go out for Chinese. Turns out, homemade wonton soup is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends and family. This chicken wonton soup recipe is the best way to serve up some classic Chinese food that’s both rich in flavor and history. Originating in Northern China, Wonton Soup has always been a beloved dish in both traditional Chinese cuisine and among fans of Chinese takeout worldwide. The key ingredients like chicken stock, scallions, and soy sauce are staples in Chinese cooking, providing a rich, authentic flavor that tastes just as delicious as my favorite restaurant version. For more delicious recipes for easy soups, check out our Zuppa Toscana Soup, Homemade Tomato Basil Soup, Easy Minestrone Soup, Easy Pumpkin Turkey Chili, Egg Drop Soup, and Creamy Irish Leek and Potato Soup!
Why We Love This Recipe
The only thing you need to know to cook wontons is how to boil a large pot of water, whether you’re making your own juicy wontons from scratch or opting for premade ones. This recipe’s adaptability to personal preferences and dietary needs, such as substituting ground pork with ground chicken or adding vegetables like baby bok choy, makes it a fantastic option for a nutritious and hearty meal that anyone can enjoy. This is a great recipe for busy nights as you can have a bowl of flavorful broth and tender wontons cooked to perfection within 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Chicken stock – The liquid for the soup base, providing flavor depth and richness. Scallions – Adds a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor. Garlic cloves – Gives the broth a rich, aromatic flavor. Fresh ginger – Adds a warm, spicy kick that complements the garlic and scallions. Soy sauce – Brings saltiness and umami, adding to the savory notes of the broth. I prefer to use light soy sauce for its balanced flavor. Fish sauce – Provides a slight seafood hint, essential to many Asian broths. Frozen wontons – Choose between juicy pork, chicken, or shrimp wontons based on your personal preference, and fresh, homemade wontons can also be used if you prefer.
How to Make Easy Wonton Soup Recipe
How Do I Store Wonton Soup?
To store Wonton Soup properly, the wontons should be stored separately from the broth to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
Storing the Broth
Allow the broth to cool to room temperature to prevent bacterial growth. You can place the pot in a sink filled with cold water to speed up the process. Transfer the cooled broth to an airtight container. This will help preserve its flavors and prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Store the broth in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, the broth can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Storing Cooked Wontons
Allow the wontons to cool to room temperature. Place the cooked wontons in an airtight container or a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Store the cooked wontons in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the wontons on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips for Success
Fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions are central to creating the aromatic base that characterizes an authentic wonton soup. Whenever possible, choose fresh ingredients over dried or powdered versions as this can make a world of difference in flavor. The savory broth is the main component of wonton soup, so using a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth, whether homemade or store-bought, can significantly impact the overall taste. If you have time, making chicken broth from scratch allows you to control the flavor and salt content. The key to a delicious broth is the right balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors. Taste your broth after simmering and adjust if necessary with an extra dash of soy sauce for saltiness, a little bit of sugar for sweetness, or a few drops of fish sauce for depth. Cook the wontons just until they float to the surface, which indicates they’re done. Overcooking can make the wrappers too soft and the filling less juicy. If you’re unsure, test one wonton by removing it from the pot, and cutting it open to ensure the filling is cooked through. The garnishes not only add visual appeal but also introduce fresh flavors and textures to the soup, so don’t skimp on the sliced scallions, and consider adding other garnishes like cilantro, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a sprinkle of fried garlic for additional layers of flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use homemade chicken stock for a homemade touch, but store-bought works just as well for a quicker option. Swap chicken stock for beef stock, or use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version. A little bit of lemongrass, star anise, or cinnamon sticks in the soup broth will provide a different flavor profile. Remember to strain the broth to remove these larger items before serving. For a spicier soup, add a few slices of fresh red chili to the broth while it simmers, or serve the soup with a side of hot cause or homemade chili oil for individuals to adjust their own bowls according to taste. Add spinach, kale, or other leafy greens to the soup for extra nutrition – they’ll wilt nicely in the hot broth. Turn it into a more substantial meal by adding cooked rice noodles or egg noodles directly into the soup. Customize each bowl with Asian-inspired toppings like boiled egg halves, bean sprouts, or bamboo shoots. For a gluten-free version, ensure that the soy sauce and wonton wrappers are gluten-free. Tamari is the best substitute for traditional soy sauce if you’re going gluten-free.
More Asian-Inspired Easy Meal Recipes
Asian Salad with Peanut Dressing Korean Beef Tacos (Bulgogi) Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork Sliders Homemade Egg Rolls The BEST Orange Chicken Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs Recipe Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork
Vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas, either steamed or lightly stir-fried with garlic, add color and nutrition to your meal without overpowering the delicate flavors of the soup. A side of steamed white or brown rice or a small bowl of noodles (plain, rice, or egg noodles) can absorb the rich flavors of the soup and make the meal more filling. A simple Asian-inspired salad, like my Asian Salad with Peanut Dressing, can offer a crisp and refreshing contrast to the warm, savory soup. If you’re aiming for a more elaborate meal, complement your wonton soup with a selection of dim sum items like steamed Chinese dumplings, spring rolls, homemade egg rolls, or potstickers. These small bites are perfect for sharing and can add variety to your dining experience.
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