Craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s ready in a flash? This wonton soup recipe is your perfect answer! We use convenient frozen wontons as our star, making this classic incredibly quick and easy to prepare. You’ll create a deeply flavorful broth infused with ginger and garlic, alongside tender vegetables. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying, homemade dish that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Wonton Soup Recipe
This fantastic wonton soup recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It’s the ideal choice for busy parents and beginners looking for a satisfying meal.
- Incredibly Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have a delicious bowl on the table in just 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Weeknight Meals: Forget complicated dinners; this soup fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
- Comforting and Deeply Flavorful Broth: Aromatic ginger and garlic build a rich base that truly warms the soul.
- Customizable with Favorite Additions: Easily adapt this recipe by adding extra proteins or vegetables you love.
- Healthier than Takeout Versions: You control the ingredients, meaning less sodium and more fresh goodness in your homemade wonton soup. Studies suggest that preparing meals at home often leads to lower calorie and sodium intake compared to restaurant or takeout options, supporting the benefits of cooking at home.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful wonton soup. Using quality components will truly elevate the flavor of your homemade wonton soup.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This forms the essential, savory base for your soup. Opting for low-sodium allows you to control the seasoning.
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger (sliced thin): Fresh ginger is key for a bright, aromatic, and slightly spicy depth. Beyond its distinct flavor, fresh ginger also offers various health benefits, including digestive support and anti-inflammatory properties, as detailed by Harvard Health on the benefits of ginger.
- 1 clove minced garlic: Adds a robust, savory undertone that complements the ginger beautifully.
- 20 mini frozen wontons: The star of our quick wonton soup recipe! I love the Chicken Cilantro ones from Trader Joe’s for convenience and flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms: These mushrooms provide an earthy, umami-rich flavor and a pleasant chewiness.
- 4 baby bok choy (halved lengthwise and halved): Tender, slightly sweet, and crisp greens add freshness and essential nutrients.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: An indispensable seasoning that brings umami and a salty balance to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant finishing oil that imparts a nutty, toasted aroma.
- Scallions (sliced green parts only for garnish): Fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color to brighten each serving.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this quick wonton soup to your pantry or dietary preferences.
- Broth: While chicken broth is recommended, feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or even a rich mushroom broth for extra depth.
- Ginger/Garlic: If fresh isn’t available, use 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
- Wontons: Explore different varieties! Use fresh wontons from an Asian market, or choose pork, shrimp, or entirely vegetarian fillings based on your preference.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms are excellent substitutes for shiitake. Dried shiitake can also be rehydrated and used.
- Bok Choy: Spinach, napa cabbage, or even thinly sliced kale can stand in for baby bok choy. Add heartier greens earlier to ensure they tenderize.
- Soy Sauce: For gluten-free needs, use tamari or coconut aminos. Adjust quantity to taste as their saltiness can vary.
- Sesame Oil: If you have a sesame allergy, you can simply omit this or use a tiny dash of toasted nut oil.
- Scallions: Fresh chives or cilantro make lovely alternative garnishes, offering a slightly different aromatic profile.
Equipment
Making this easy wonton soup requires only a few basic kitchen tools. You likely have most of these on hand already, making preparation even simpler.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the broth and cooking all the ingredients.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For prepping your ginger, garlic, and bok choy efficiently.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient ratios for the best flavor.
- Serving bowls: To enjoy your delicious, comforting homemade wonton soup.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting wonton soup recipe in under 30 minutes. This guide makes assembling your easy wonton soup straightforward for any home cook.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Step 1: Prepare Aromatics
Bring the 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to a boil in your large pot. While it heats, smash the 1-inch piece of sliced fresh ginger with the side of a knife to release its vibrant flavor. Add the smashed ginger and the 1 clove of minced garlic to the boiling broth. Cover the pot and allow these aromatics to simmer gently for 5 minutes, infusing the broth with their wonderful fragrance.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, uncover the pot and add the 4 baby bok choy, which have been halved lengthwise and halved again. Stir the bok choy into the simmering broth. Allow the bok choy to partially cook for another 5 minutes, softening slightly while retaining some of its crispness.
Step 3: Cook Wontons & Mushrooms
It’s time to add the star ingredients! Carefully place the 20 mini frozen wontons and the 1 1/2 cups of sliced shiitake mushrooms into the pot. Gently stir to ensure everything is submerged in the hot broth. Continue to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the wontons are fully heated through and cooked, and the bok choy is tender and slightly wilted. Be careful not to overcook the wontons.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Once the wontons and vegetables are cooked, stir in the 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a tiny pinch more salt or a dash more soy sauce, depending on your preference and the initial saltiness of your broth.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully divide the hot wonton soup into four individual serving bowls. Garnish each bowl generously with the freshly sliced green parts of the scallions. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade wonton soup while it’s wonderfully warm and fresh.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making this easy wonton soup even better is simple with these expert tips. Avoid common pitfalls and enhance your flavorful soup.
- Don’t Overcook Wontons: Cook them just until heated through and floating. Overcooked wontons can become mushy and fall apart in your soup.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of savory depth, add a small dash of fish sauce along with the soy sauce. It enhances the umami without making the soup taste “fishy.”
- Broth Quality Matters: Use a good quality, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. A flavorful base makes all the difference in this comforting wonton soup.
- Ginger Freshness: Always opt for fresh ginger over powdered. The vibrant, pungent flavor of fresh ginger is crucial for an authentic taste profile in this wonton soup recipe.
- Salt to Taste: Broth and soy sauces vary in saltiness. Always taste your soup at the end and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcrowding your pot, especially when adding wontons. This can lower the broth temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile wonton soup recipe is perfect on its own, but also easily adaptable.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delicious soup with a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick and beautiful color.
- Make it a heartier meal by adding a side of steamed white rice, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Top individual bowls with crispy fried onions or garlic for added texture and a burst of savory crunch.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate any leftover wonton soup promptly within two hours of cooking. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For best results, if you anticipate leftovers, it’s ideal to store the cooked wontons separately from the broth. This prevents the wontons from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until just simmering. Avoid vigorous boiling which can break down the wontons.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Wonton Soup: For those who love heat, stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce along with the soy sauce.
- Vegetarian: Simply swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth and use your favorite brand of vegetarian wontons.
- Noodle Soup: Transform this into a more substantial meal by adding cooked ramen noodles, thin rice vermicelli, or even egg noodles during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Protein Boost: Enhance the protein content by adding shredded cooked chicken, thinly sliced pork, or cubes of firm tofu along with the wontons.
Nutrition Information
This homemade wonton soup offers a comforting and relatively light meal. The estimated nutritional values are based on the ingredients listed, assuming standard portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation, and portion sizes. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional nutritional advice. Customizing your wonton soup recipe with different ingredients can alter these values significantly.
FAQ
Got questions about this easy wonton soup recipe? Here are some quick answers.
- Can I use fresh wontons? Yes, absolutely! Adjust the cooking time, as fresh wontons often cook faster than frozen ones, typically just 1-2 minutes until they float.
- What kind of broth is best for this easy wonton soup? Low-sodium chicken broth is highly recommended for a balanced flavor, allowing you to control the saltiness.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the flavorful broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge. For the best texture, add the wontons and vegetables just before serving.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your chosen wontons are also certified gluten-free.
- How do I make it spicier? For more heat, stir in some chili garlic sauce, a dash of sriracha, or a pinch of red pepper flakes during the last seasoning step.
- Can I freeze wonton soup? The broth freezes beautifully for later use. However, freezing cooked wontons is not recommended as they tend to become mushy and lose their texture upon thawing.
Conclusion
This easy wonton soup recipe proves that incredibly flavorful, comforting meals don’t need to be complicated. With minimal effort and convenient ingredients, you can quickly whip up a satisfying bowl that rivals your favorite takeout. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a little warmth and goodness. We hope this simple, beginner-friendly wonton soup becomes a staple in your kitchen, making cooking simple and enjoyable. We can’t wait to see your delicious creations – share them with us!
Easy Wonton Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring chicken broth to a boil. Smash ginger and add it along with garlic. Simmer covered for 5 minutes.
- Add halved bok choy to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to soften.
- Add frozen wontons and sliced mushrooms. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until wontons are cooked through and bok choy is tender.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Divide into bowls. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately.
Notes
Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com
