There's nothing more comforting than a bowl of homemade wonton soup on a chilly day. The delicate dumplings, filled with savory pork and shrimp, float in a fragrant broth that's both light and satisfying. Each spoonful delivers a burst of warmth, making this dish the perfect choice for a cozy night in.

I first learned to make wonton soup from my grandmother, who would patiently fold each dumpling by hand. She always said that the key to a perfect wonton was in the filling—well-seasoned, juicy, and wrapped just right to hold in all the flavors. Over the years, this recipe has become a beloved tradition in my home, and now I'm excited to share it with you.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Wonton Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this homemade wonton soup! It's not just delicious—it's a wholesome, satisfying meal that comes together with ease.

First, this soup is incredibly comforting. Whether you're feeling under the weather or simply craving a warm bowl of goodness, wonton soup never disappoints.

It's also surprisingly easy to make. While folding the wontons might seem intimidating, I'll walk you through the process step by step. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be making them like a pro in no time.

Plus, it's versatile and customizable. You can adjust the filling to your liking, swap out ingredients, or even make a vegetarian version. The broth itself is a simple yet flavorful base that pairs well with a variety of proteins and vegetables.

Finally, making wonton soup from scratch is far better than takeout. Freshly made wontons and a homemade broth elevate the flavors beyond anything you can get from a restaurant.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of homemade wonton soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Ground pork is the star of the wonton filling. It provides a rich, savory base that pairs beautifully with other ingredients. If you prefer, you can use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

Shrimp adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the filling. Finely chopped shrimp blends seamlessly with the pork, creating a juicy and tender wonton.

Soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper bring depth to the filling. These ingredients infuse the wontons with umami and a hint of warmth, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

Ginger and garlic lend a fragrant, aromatic quality to both the filling and the broth. Freshly grated ginger, in particular, adds a bright and slightly spicy note that elevates the soup.

For the broth, a combination of chicken broth, green onions, and a splash of soy sauce creates a light yet flavorful base. You can also add a few dried shiitake mushrooms for extra depth and umami.

You'll also need wonton wrappers, which can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. These thin sheets of dough are easy to work with and cook quickly in the broth.

How To Make This Homemade Wonton Soup

Making wonton soup at home is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a steaming bowl of deliciousness in no time.

Start by preparing the filling. In a bowl, combine ground pork, finely chopped shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, ginger, and garlic. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The filling should be slightly sticky, ensuring that it holds together inside the wonton wrapper.

Next, it's time to assemble the wontons. Lay out a wonton wrapper and place a small teaspoon of filling in the center. Dip your finger in water and lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing firmly to seal. Then, bring the two corners together and pinch to create the classic wonton shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

To cook the wontons, bring a pot of chicken broth to a gentle boil. Drop the wontons in one by one, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Let them cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This is a sign that they're fully cooked and ready to enjoy.

Meanwhile, prepare the soup base by simmering the broth with green onions, soy sauce, and optional mushrooms. Let it infuse for a few minutes before adding the cooked wontons.

Once everything is ready, ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets plenty of wontons and broth. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage Options

If you have leftover wontons, you can freeze them for later. Arrange the uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months and can be cooked straight from frozen.

For leftover soup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep the broth and wontons separate, as the wontons can become soggy if left in the liquid too long.

To reheat, bring the broth to a gentle simmer on the stove and add the wontons just before serving. This ensures they stay fresh and maintain their texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about homemade wonton soup is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

Want a vegetarian version? Swap the pork and shrimp for finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a mixture of shredded vegetables like cabbage and carrots. The filling will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Prefer a spicy kick? Add a teaspoon of chili oil or sriracha to the broth for a bit of heat. You can also mix some chili flakes into the filling for an extra punch of flavor.

For a gluten-free option, use rice paper wrappers instead of traditional wonton wrappers, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.

If you're short on time, you can use store-bought frozen wontons for a quick and easy meal. Just heat up the broth, drop in the wontons, and enjoy a near-instant bowl of soup.

However you customize it, homemade wonton soup is always a winner. Experiment with different fillings and seasonings to make it your own. Once you master the basics, you’ll never need takeout again!