There are some dishes that instantly bring comfort with just one spoonful — and wonton soup is one of them. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish is loved worldwide for its light yet flavorful broth, tender wontons filled with savory meat, and fresh garnishes that tie it all together.
Making this Classic Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe at home may sound intimidating at first, but once you learn the process of folding wontons and building a flavorful broth, it becomes both approachable and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl on a chilly night or want to impress guests with a restaurant-style soup, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and authenticity.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything: the ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, pro tips for folding wontons, variations to suit your taste, storage tips, and even common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll have a recipe that becomes a household favorite for years to come.
What Makes This Classic Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe Special?
- Authenticity: Inspired by traditional Chinese flavors with a balance of ginger, garlic, sesame, and soy.
- Customizable: Switch up fillings, add vegetables, or adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Comforting & Nutritious: Light on the stomach but satisfying, making it perfect for a balanced meal.
- Beginner-Friendly Folding: Simple folding techniques make wontons easy even for beginners.
Ingredients for Classic Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe
Creating a truly flavorful Classic Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe requires two main components: the wontons and the broth. Let’s break them down.
For the Wontons
- 200 g ground chicken (lean, skinless)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks green onions (finely chopped)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp white pepper
- 24 wonton wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
For the Broth
- 1.5 L chicken stock (preferably homemade, low sodium)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 slices fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 2 stalks green onions (cut into 5 cm lengths)
- 0.5 tsp salt (adjust as needed)
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Green onions (thinly sliced)
- Chili oil (optional, for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Combine ground chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, green onions, salt, and white pepper in a bowl. Mix until the filling is slightly sticky. This ensures the wontons hold together and stay juicy when cooked.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
- Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean surface.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.
- Lightly moisten the edges with water.
- Fold into a triangle, pressing firmly to seal.
- Bring the two bottom corners together and press to form the classic wonton shape.
- Repeat until all filling is used.
Pro Tip: Keep wonton wrappers covered with a damp cloth while working, to prevent them from drying out.
Step 3: Build the Broth
In a large pot, combine chicken stock, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger slices, garlic, and green onion stalks. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let flavors infuse for 15 minutes. Strain to create a clear, aromatic broth.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
Bring the strained broth back to a gentle simmer (around 100°C). Add wontons in small batches and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until they float and filling is fully cooked.
Step 5: Assemble the Soup
Ladle broth into serving bowls, add 5–6 wontons per portion, and garnish with cilantro, green onions, and chili oil (if desired). Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Wonton Soup
- Seal Properly: Press edges firmly with water to avoid wontons bursting open during cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook wontons in batches to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
- Flavorful Broth: Homemade stock always beats store-bought, but if using packaged stock, enhance it with ginger, garlic, and green onions.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your broth before adding wontons, since soy sauce and sesame oil bring strong flavors.
Variations of Classic Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe
Protein Options
- Shrimp Wontons: Replace chicken with minced shrimp or a chicken-shrimp mix.
- Vegetarian Wontons: Use a combination of mushrooms, tofu, and finely chopped vegetables.
- Turkey or Beef: For a heartier filling, substitute ground chicken with turkey or lean beef.
Broth Variations
- Spicy Broth: Add a spoon of chili paste or chili oil.
- Vegetable-Enriched Broth: Include bok choy, napa cabbage, or shiitake mushrooms.
- Bone Broth: For richer flavor, simmer chicken bones for several hours before using.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside spring rolls or dumplings for an Asian-inspired feast.
- Add a side of jasmine rice or fried rice for a heartier dinner.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Cooked wontons can be stored in broth for up to 2 days, though they may soften.
- Freezing Uncooked Wontons: Arrange on a tray, freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They last up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen by adding 1–2 minutes extra cooking time.
- Broth Storage: Broth can be refrigerated for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling Wontons: This can cause them to burst open. Stick to 1 teaspoon of filling.
- Overcooking: Wontons only need a few minutes. Overcooking can make wrappers mushy.
- Skipping the Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and green onions elevate the broth—don’t leave them out.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Note: Nutritional values vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.
Final Thoughts
The Classic Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a comforting ritual. From carefully folding each wonton to simmering a broth infused with aromatics, every step brings you closer to a bowl that feels both nourishing and satisfying.
Once you try making wontons at home, you’ll realize how simple it is to prepare this beloved dish whenever cravings strike. Whether you enjoy it as a starter, a light dinner, or part of a larger Chinese-inspired meal, this soup will warm both your body and your soul.
Classic Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe
Description
This Classic Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe is a comforting Chinese-inspired dish made with delicate chicken wontons simmered in a light, flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or quick weeknight meals, this recipe balances savory fillings with soothing soup, offering an authentic yet simple-to-make experience.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
For the Broth:
For Garnish & Serving:
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onions, salt, and white pepper. Mix until well incorporated. The mixture should be slightly sticky to ensure it binds inside the wonton.
Assemble the Wontons
- Place one wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Add 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Moisten the edges with a little water. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, pressing firmly to seal. Bring the two bottom corners together and seal with water to form the traditional wonton shape. Repeat until all filling is used.
Prepare the Broth
- In a large pot, add chicken stock, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger slices, garlic, and green onion stalks. Bring to a gentle simmer (around 100°C). Allow it to infuse for 15 minutes, then strain out the aromatics for a clear broth.
Cook the Wontons
- Bring the strained broth back to a simmer. Carefully add wontons in batches (do not overcrowd). Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until wontons float to the surface and chicken filling is cooked through.
Assemble and Serve
- Ladle broth into bowls. Add 5–6 wontons per serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and chili oil if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Note
Storage: Uncooked wontons can be frozen on a tray, then stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes extra to cooking time.
Broth Variation: Add bok choy, napa cabbage, or shiitake mushrooms for extra depth and nutrition.
Wonton Wrappers: If homemade, roll thin for best texture. Store-bought wrappers should be kept covered to avoid drying.
Protein Variation: You can substitute ground chicken with ground shrimp, turkey, or beef depending on preference.