SIMPLE WONTON SOUP

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of wonton soup to bring comfort and flavour to your day. Delicate dumplings filled with savoury chicken float in a fragrant, ginger-infused broth alongside tender greens. This homemade version is surprisingly simple to make and tastes even better than takeout. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something soothing and satisfying.

What is wonton soup and is it good

Wonton soup is a classic Chinese dish made with delicate dumplings (called wontons) usually filled with seasoned ground chicken, pork or shrimp. These dumplings are simmered or boiled and served in a flavourful, clear broth that’s often infused with ginger, lemongrass stalks, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Sometimes, veggies like bok choy or mushrooms are added too.

On the other hand, Wontons are a type of Chinese dumpling. The word “wonton” (雲吞 or 云吞, yún tūn in Mandarin, wàhn tān in Cantonese) literally means “swallowing clouds,” because of how they look floating in the broth — light, delicate, cloud-like. Yes, we are also going to make wonton dumplings filled with ground chicken, for the wonton soup.

Wonton soup is loved for a reason, It’s kind of like a cozy hug in a bowl in a freezing weather. I can’t think of a better thing then one perfect soup to reheat your body and soul. Homemade won-ton soup with ginger, lemongrass and brown mushrooms will reheat to you in a minute. I am sure you can already smell that amazing chicken broth cooking together with lemongrass. And it’s fairly easy to make, once you have your family under the weather, you don’t wait and get this ready in no time.

• The wontons are soft, juicy, and full of savoury flavour.
• The broth is warm, aromatic, and comforting—perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Light yet satisfying, it’s not too heavy, but still fills you up in the best way.
• Customizable – You can make it spicy, add veggies, use different proteins, or even swap in veggie broth for a vegetarian twist.

Is wonton soup Chinese

Wonton soup is originally Chinese— it’s a classic dish with deep roots in Chinese cuisine.

Where is wonton soup especially popular in

• Cantonese cuisine (Southern China, including Hong Kong)
• Often served as a starter, side, or even part of dim sum
• Also common in Taiwan, and variations exist throughout Asia

Is wonton soup healthy

Wonton soup is a nourishing, balanced meal—light but satisfying, and full of flavour. Homemade version is definitely health. You can tweak it to match your health goals.

Lean Protein – The wonton filling is usually made with ground pork, chicken, or shrimp—great sources of protein. You control the portion and fat content by choosing leaner meats or adding veggies to the filling.

Light Broth – The broth is typically a clear chicken or vegetable broth—low in fat and calories. Homemade versions have less sodium than restaurant or takeout versions.

Veggie-Friendly – It’s a great way to sneak in greens. You can load it up with bok choy, mushrooms, spinach, carrots—whatever you like.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken is the base of the filling. You could sub with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

• Soy Sauce & fish sauce is perfect seasoning, umami flavor enhancer

• Sesame Oil will brings a toasty, nutty fragrance that’s classic in Chinese cuisine. A little goes a long way!

• Ginger is a must in wonton soup, it adds a slightly peppery aroma that lifts the whole dish and pairs perfectly with the pork.

• Garlic (minced) deepens the savory base of both the filling and the broth.

• Green Onions adds texture and a slightly sweet, herbal note to both filling and broth.

• Cornstarch will helps hold the filling together so it’s not crumbly or watery inside the wonton.

• Wonton Wrappers thin dough sheets made from flour and water that encase the filling and get silky-soft when cooked.

• Chicken Broth the main ingredient in wonton soup. Provides body and umami; the foundation of the soup’s flavor. Can be swapped for pork or veggie broth. How to make your own veggie broth read more below.

How to make wonton soup

Wonton soup

1. In a large pot, heat sesame oil. Add ginger, green onions and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
2. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce and mushrooms. Bring to a simmer for 20 minutes.

Wonton dumplings

1. In a bowl, combine the ground chicken (or pork), soy sauce, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, green onions, and cornstarch. Mix until well combined.
2. On a clean, dry working surface, spread out your wonton wrappers. Pour a little water into a bowl for dipping your fingers.
3. Spoon 1 teaspoon of filling into the middle of each wrapper and, using your fingers, wet the outer edges (this will make it stick). Fold the wrapper into a half, pressing the edges to seal.
4. Gently drop in the soup the wontons and boil for 3–4 minutes or until they float, and the meat is cooked through.
5. To serve, pour the soup with wonton dumplings into your favourite bowls and garnish with fresh spring onions.

Wonton soup wouldn’t be wonton soup without the little wontons (dumplings), so you either are in a hurry like I am, and you grab a bag of wontons in a grocery store, or you take your time and prepare it yourself. Another alternative is to toss some Chinese noodles in the soup, and you get it perfectly covered, because when you don’t feel well, simple chicken stock with some vegetables is to go as well.

Bring your wonton soup to the next level with these flavour boosts

Chili oil or chili crisp – drizzle on top for a spicy kick (so good with the richness of the broth.)

Black vinegar – adds a tangy depth that balances the savoury flavours.

A dash of fish sauce – a tiny bit goes a long way to deepen the umami.

A splash of Shaoxing wine – traditional Chinese cooking wine that adds complexity to the broth.

Add-in ideas for wonton soup

• Thinly sliced mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, or cremini)
• Baby spinach or bok choy for a pop of green
• Julienne carrots or snap peas for crunch and colour
• Seaweed strips for that ocean-y flavour

TIP: Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

What broth to use for wonton soup

Chicken broth all the way

• Most traditional and popular base
• Use low-sodium so you can control the salt

Bone Broth (Rich & Nutritious)

• Deeper flavour and high in collagen
• Great if you want a more filling, protein-packed base

Pork Broth (Authentic & Flavourful)

• Used in many traditional Chinese wonton soups
• Richer than chicken broth
• If you’re going for classic dim sum vibes, this is a great pick

Vegetable Broth (Light & Vegan-Friendly)

• Works well if you’re making a vegetarian version.

Is wonton soup vegetarian

Traditionally, wonton soup is not vegetarian because it usually includes wonton dumplings filled with chicken, shrimps or pork. And the broth is made from chicken or pork bones.

BUT — it’s super easy to make a vegetarian version, and still so flavourful.

How to Make Vegetarian Wonton Soup

Use good-quality vegetable broth (or homemade!) Simmer with fresh ginger & garlic, dried shiitake mushrooms, green onions, a piece of kombu (for umami, optional). Finish with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a few drops of sesame oil.

Ideas how to make vegetarian wonton dumplings filling:

• Finely chopped mushrooms (shiitake or cremini)
• Napa cabbage or bok choy (sautéed and squeezed dry)
• Grated carrots
• Crumbled tofu or tempeh
• Scallions, garlic, ginger
• A splash of soy sauce + sesame oil

Tip: Mix your veggies with cornstarch or a touch of miso to help the filling stick together.

Can wonton soup be reheated

Yes, wonton soup can be reheated, and here are the instruction how to do it:

If it’s stored with the broth and wontons together

• Reheat gently on the stove top over medium heat until warmed through (don’t boil).
• Stir occasionally, so the wontons don’t stick to the bottom or break apart.
• You can also microwave it in short intervals (1–2 mins), stirring in between.

If you stored broth and wontons separately

Heat the broth separately on the stove or microwave. Reheat the wontons by dropping them in the hot broth for a few minutes, or steaming them briefly. Avoid boiling once reheated — it can make the wonton wrappers break down.

Can wonton soup be frozen

Yes, it’s fairly easy to freeze wonton soup as it is a simple broth. Follow this easy step to freezing tips to preserve the best nutrients in wonton soup.

Freezing Tips

Avoid freezing assembled soup

• The broth together with veggies and dumplings don’t freeze as well. Mushrooms, for example, gets mushy.
• The broth should be frozen on its own separately from dumplings or veggies, in airtight containers or freezer bags (leave room at the top for expansion). It will last up to 3 months frozen.
• If the dumplings are in the broth already, separate them and freeze them separately in airtight containers.

Freeze the wontons (dumplings) before cooking them separately

• Before cooking is best: Lay assembled wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (not touching). Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• They’ll last up to 3 months frozen.
• You can boil them straight from frozen (just add 1–2 extra minutes of cooking time).

When Ready to Serve:

1. Boil frozen wontons.
2. Heat the broth separately.
3. Add fresh greens or veggies if you like.
4. Combine and enjoy fresh-tasting wonton soup anytime!

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