Homemade Wonton Soup is an easy, flavorful Chinese dish featuring delicate pork and shrimp dumplings in a savory, aromatic broth. Master this classic meal. You will be so glad you learned how to prepare this comforting dinner. This recipe provides clear steps for perfect wontons and a rich broth.

What is Homemade Wonton Soup?

Homemade Wonton Soup is a popular Chinese dish that features small, delicate dumplings, known as wontons, served in a clear, flavorful broth. This recipe focuses on creating the most delicious pork and shrimp filling. The dish provides a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
Wontons are typically made by wrapping a savory filling in thin, square dough wrappers. This preparation method is key to their light, tender texture. Serving them in a simmering broth transforms them into a comforting, complete meal. This classic soup is widely enjoyed across various Asian cuisines.

A Brief History of Wontons

Wontons originated in Northern China and were traditionally eaten during the winter months. They were once called “hùndùn,” which means “chaos” or “confusion” due to their simple, cloud-like shape. Over time, the dish traveled south and evolved into the version we know today.
The shape and fillings can vary significantly by region, but the core concept remains the same. You will find that these dumplings have become a staple in Chinese cooking globally. This long history makes preparing them a satisfying culinary experience.

Wonton Soup vs. Dumpling Soup: What’s the Difference?

Homemade Wonton Soup is often confused with general dumpling soup, but a key difference lies in the wrapper. Wonton wrappers are typically thin, square, and made from a simple flour and egg dough. The filling is usually much finer.
Dumpling wrappers, like those for jiaozi, are often thicker and rounder, resulting in a chewier texture. The fillings for dumplings can also be coarser and more varied than the smoother wonton fillings. Understanding this helps you appreciate the lightness of the wonton.

Key Takeaways for Perfect Wonton Soup

Mash the filling ingredients only until fairly smooth; avoid making a complete paste.
Brush only two adjacent edges of the wrapper with water for a secure seal.
Press the air out when sealing the wontons to prevent them from bursting while cooking.
Simmer the broth for at least 5-10 minutes to properly infuse the ginger and garlic flavors.
Uncooked wontons can be frozen and cooked directly from frozen for future meals.

Homemade Wonton Soup is made by first mixing ground pork, shrimp, and seasonings for the wonton filling. Next, wrap the mixture in wonton wrappers, folding the corners to seal them tightly. Simmer chicken broth with aromatics like ginger and garlic to create a rich base. Finally, cook the wontons in boiling water, then combine them with the hot broth and garnish with green onions.

Selecting and Preparing the Wonton Filling

The filling is the heart of your Homemade Wonton Soup, providing the main flavor and texture. A classic mixture combines ground pork and raw shrimp for a satisfying, rich taste. These two proteins complement each other wonderfully.
You want to chop your shrimp, but avoid turning it into a complete paste; small chunks add a nice bite. Combining them with grated ginger, green onions, and various sauces creates a complex, savory filling. This careful preparation is crucial for that authentic flavor.

Essential Filling Ingredients and Seasonings

Your filling requires ground pork and raw, chopped shrimp as the primary components. These must be seasoned well with light soy sauce and Chinese cooking wine to tenderize the meat and add depth. Do not skip these liquid seasonings for the best flavor.
Further flavoring comes from salt, toasted sesame oil, and freshly grated ginger. Use a potato masher to blend all these ingredients until they are fairly smooth. Remember that a bit of texture from the shrimp is desirable.

Mixing and Achieving the Right Filling Consistency

The key to a good filling is texture, not just taste. You should place all the filling ingredients into a bowl before beginning to mash. Use a potato masher, not a food processor, to control the texture carefully.
Mash the mixture about 20 times until it becomes cohesive and fairly smooth. You are aiming for a sticky consistency that holds its shape well. This makes wrapping much easier and ensures the wontons don’t fall apart during cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Wrapping Wontons

Wrapping wontons can seem tricky, but it is actually a straightforward process once you get the hang of it. You should work in batches to prevent the wrappers from drying out. Keep the wrappers covered while you work on other tasks.
Lay the wonton wrappers out on a clean work surface to prepare them for filling. Use two teaspoons to place a small amount of the filling right in the center of each wrapper. Too much filling will make sealing impossible and cause bursting.

The Simple Fold and Seal Technique

After placing the filling, brush just two adjacent edges of the wrapper with water. This simple moisture acts as the “glue” to seal the dough. Carefully fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, ensuring you press out all the air.
A trapped air bubble will cause the wonton to inflate and potentially rupture when boiled. Now, brush a little more water on one of the triangle’s corners. Bring the two opposite corners together and press firmly to seal the final shape.

Storing and Freezing Wrapped Wontons

As you wrap the wontons, place them into a container with a lid to keep them fresh. You can refrigerate the fresh wontons for a few hours before cooking. This method is great for preparing the components ahead of time.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the uncooked wontons in a single layer inside a container. Once they are frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. Always cook them from frozen; do not thaw them first. You can find more freezer tips on our Pinterest account.

Crafting the Perfect Aromatic Broth

The broth is just as important as the wontons themselves in Homemade Wonton Soup. A simple, yet richly flavored chicken broth is the ideal base for this dish. Your broth should complement the filling, not overpower it.
You will infuse the broth with aromatics like smashed garlic and a slice of fresh ginger. This simmering process builds a deep, savory foundation. A good broth will leave you feeling warm and nourished.

Infusing Broth with Garlic and Ginger

To start, gather all the broth ingredients, including the chicken broth, garlic, and ginger. Place these into a saucepan and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. This low heat allows the flavors to meld slowly.
Let the broth simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to properly infuse the intense flavors into the liquid. Before serving, you must remove the garlic cloves and the ginger slice. You only want the flavor, not the bulky pieces.

Seasoning the Broth for Richness

The broth requires careful seasoning to balance its richness. Add light soy sauce, sugar, and Chinese cooking wine to the simmering liquid. The sugar helps to cut the saltiness and balance the savory notes.
A small amount of sesame oil added near the end provides a wonderful, nutty aroma. If you plan to add bok choy or noodles, blanch them directly in the broth. This ensures they are cooked and seasoned nicely.

Cooking the Wontons to Perfection

The cooking process for your wontons is quick and simple. You should always cook the wontons separately from the broth. This prevents the broth from becoming cloudy or excessively starchy.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil before adding the wontons. Do not overcrowd the pot; cook them in batches if necessary. This step is vital to prevent the wontons from sticking together.

Boiling Time for Fresh and Frozen Wontons

For fresh, uncooked wontons, drop them gently into the boiling water. They will typically cook in about four minutes. You will know they are ready when they float to the surface of the water.
If you are cooking them from frozen, the process takes slightly longer, around 6 to 8 minutes. Always remove the cooked wontons immediately with a slotted spoon and place them into your serving bowls. Overcooking them will make them mushy.

Tips for Preventing Wontons from Sticking

Sticking is a common issue when cooking dumplings, but it is easy to avoid. Ensure the water is boiling vigorously before adding the wontons. This high heat seals the dough quickly.
You can also give the water a gentle stir immediately after adding them to ensure they separate. Once they are cooked and transferred to the bowls, keep them separated until the hot broth is added. You can learn more about techniques on our Stovetop category page.

Assembling and Serving Your Homemade Wonton Soup

The final step is bringing all your beautifully prepared components together. Wonton soup is best served immediately and piping hot. This quick assembly ensures the noodles and wontons do not get too soggy.
If you are using noodles, make sure you add the cooked noodles to the bottom of the serving bowls first. You want them to soak up the lovely flavor of the broth. This creates a more substantial, filling meal.

Final Garnish and Presentation

After the noodles, layer the cooked wontons on top of the noodles in the bowl. The wontons should be slightly visible above the noodles for an attractive presentation. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Ladle the hot, flavorful broth over the wontons and noodles to warm them through. Garnish generously with shredded green onions right before serving. A drizzle of extra sesame oil can also enhance the aroma.

Variations and Ingredient Substitutions

Homemade Wonton Soup is flexible and allows for many personal adjustments. You can easily modify the filling or the ingredients in the broth. This recipe serves as an excellent starting point for your creativity.
If you prefer a lighter filling, you can use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork. You can also skip the shrimp for a simple pork wonton. Adjusting the type of broth, such as using vegetable broth, is also an option.

Vegetable Additions to the Soup

While traditionally simple, wonton soup is improved by adding some crisp vegetables. Bok choy is a classic choice, offering a nice green color and a slight crunch. You can blanch it in the broth before serving.
Other good additions include thinly sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or shredded carrots. These ingredients add nutrients and visual appeal to your bowl. Check out our other recipes for inspiration on fresh vegetable preparation.

Making the Broth Spicy or Richer

If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily turn your broth into a spicier version. Add a pinch of white pepper or a dash of chili oil to the broth while it simmers. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
For a richer flavor, you can simmer a small piece of dried shiitake mushroom in the broth. You could also substitute half of the chicken broth with pork bone broth. Follow our Instagram for more flavor tips and tricks: @carinarecipes20.

Homemade Wonton Soup: A Timeless Comfort Food

Homemade Wonton Soup is more than just a meal; it is a bowl of true culinary comfort. Mastering the simple steps for the filling and the aromatic broth will quickly make this a weeknight favorite. This dish is perfectly suited for a cozy, satisfying dinner at home.
Homemade Wonton Soup provides such a fulfilling experience, both in making it and eating it. You can prepare a large batch of wontons and freeze the extras, ensuring you always have a quick, comforting meal ready to go. Enjoy creating this wonderful, classic Chinese soup for your family and friends!

Wonton Soup Recipe

Author: Carina James
Total Time: 35

Print Recipe

Description

This wonton soup is pure comfort in a bowl, with a rich, aromatic broth loaded with tender pork and shrimp dumplings. It’s an absolute game-changer!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Wontons

50–60 wonton wrappers
200 g ground pork
200 g raw shrimp chopped
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 green onions chopped
1 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

For the Broth

3 cups chicken broth
2 garlic cloves smashed
1– inch ginger slice
1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
1/4 – 1/2 tsp sesame oil

For Serving (Optional)

Shredded green onions for serving
Bok choy or noodles optional

Instructions

Make the wonton filling: Place all filling ingredients (pork, shrimp, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, cooking wine, salt, sesame oil) in a bowl. Use a potato masher to mash until fairly smooth – about 20 mashes. Don’t turn the prawn into a complete paste; small chunks are good.
Wrapping wontons: Lay wontons on a work surface. Use 2 teaspoons to put the filling on the wontons. Work in batches. Brush 2 adjacent edges with water. Fold diagonally to seal, pressing out air to form a triangle. Brush water on one corner and bring the two opposite corners together, pressing to seal. Place wrapped wontons into a container with a lid as you work.
Cooking/Freezing wontons: To cook, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add wontons and cook 4 minutes until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon to bowls. To freeze, freeze uncooked wontons in containers. Cook from frozen for 6-8 minutes.
Make the broth: Place broth ingredients (chicken broth, smashed garlic, ginger slice, soy sauce, sugar, cooking wine, sesame oil) in a saucepan and simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse flavors. Remove the garlic and ginger before serving. Blanch veggies in the broth if using them.
Assemble: Add cooked noodles to bowls if using. Top with the cooked wontons and ladle over the hot broth. Garnish with shredded green onions.

Notes

This recipe makes approximately 50 to 60 wontons, depending on the amount of filling you use. These dumplings can be made ahead of time and frozen for a quick weeknight dinner.

Remember to press all the air out when sealing the wontons to prevent them from bursting during the boiling process.

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 15

Nutrition

Serving Size: 50 wontons

Keywords: wonton,soup,chinese,dinner

Homemade Wonton Soup: A Simple Recipe for Comfort in a Bowl