Wonton Soup

Authentic Wonton Soup Recipe from China with Pork and Shrimp

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Wonton soup is a popular Chinese dish that consists of wontons, which are small dumplings filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and seasonings, served in a flavorful chicken broth. This dish is not only delicious but also comforting and satisfying.

History

Wonton soup has a long history in Chinese cuisine and is believed to have originated in Northern China. The word "wonton" translates to "swallowing clouds" in Chinese, which refers to the shape of the dumplings floating in the soup resembling clouds in the sky. Wonton soup has been enjoyed for centuries and has become a staple in Chinese cuisine.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) ground pork
2 oz (57 g) peeled shrimp, finely chopped
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp chinese rice wine
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp chopped green onion
1 tsp chopped fresh ginger root
24 wonton wrappers
3 cup chicken stock
1 garlic clove, minced

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the pork and shrimp with the sugar, wine or sherry, soy sauce, scallions, and ginger.
Mix well and let it sit for 25-30 minutes.
Place approximately one teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wonton skin.
Moisten all four edges of the wonton wrapper with water and fold the top corner down to the bottom, creating a triangle shape.
Press the edges firmly to seal.
Bring the left and right corners together above the filling.
Overlap the tips of these corners, moisten with water, and press together.
Place the completed wrapper on a cornstarch-covered plate and repeat until all wrappers are used.

Soup

Bring the chicken stock to a boil.
Add the wontons and cook for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped scallions and serve. (Note: uncooked wontons can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months if well wrapped. Thaw before frying, or they can be boiled directly from frozen for an additional 2 minutes).

To fry

Heat 2 to 3 cups of oil in a wok until hot.
Deep-fry the wontons in batches until golden, approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
Drain the excess oil.
Serve with dipping sauce or duck sauce, also known as plum sauce.

Variations

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork for a lighter option.
Add vegetables such as bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms to the soup for extra flavor and nutrients.
Make a vegetarian version by filling the wontons with tofu, mushrooms, and water chestnuts.

Notes

Wontons also freeze well. Just place on cornstarch covered cookie sheet and freeze. Place in Ziploc when frozen. Take out what is needed when making the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the wontons properly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

- Use a small amount of filling in each wonton to ensure they cook evenly.

- For a crispy texture, you can deep-fry the wontons instead of boiling them.

- Garnish the soup with fresh herbs or chopped scallions for added flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve wonton soup as a starter or main dish with steamed rice or noodles on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the wontons in the soup broth for a traditional preparation.

- Deep-fry the wontons for a crispy texture and golden color.

- Steam the wontons for a healthier cooking method.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute ground beef or lamb for the ground pork.

- Use fish sauce or tamari as a substitute for soy sauce.

- Replace shrimp with diced chicken or tofu for a different protein option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the wonton filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

- Freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

- Thaw frozen wontons before cooking or add an extra 2 minutes to the cooking time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve wonton soup in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of sesame oil. - Arrange the wontons neatly in the soup for an attractive presentation. - Serve the soup with a side of chili oil or soy sauce for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair wonton soup with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.

- Serve the soup with a side of fried rice or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.

- Pair wonton soup with a refreshing drink such as green tea or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover wonton soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

- Do not reheat the soup more than once to maintain its quality.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of wonton soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of wonton soup contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of wonton soup contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of wonton soup contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Wonton soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Wonton soup contains shellfish (shrimp) and wheat (wonton wrappers) allergens.

Summary

Wonton soup is a balanced dish that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in each serving.

Summary

Wonton soup is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can enjoy this comforting soup at home. Whether you boil, fry, or steam the wontons, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve wonton soup as a starter or main dish for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a cold winter day, and I found myself craving a warm and comforting bowl of soup. I had always been a fan of Chinese cuisine, so I decided to try my hand at making Wonton Soup.

I remembered hearing about this dish from a friend who had traveled to China and raved about how delicious it was. I knew that I had to give it a try. So, armed with my trusty recipe book and a sense of adventure, I set out to make my very own Wonton Soup.

I started by making the wonton wrappers from scratch. I mixed together flour, water, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth and elastic dough. I rolled it out thinly and cut it into small squares. Then, I filled each square with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, green onions, and seasonings. I carefully folded the wrappers into little parcels, making sure to seal them tightly.

Next, I prepared the broth for the soup. I simmered chicken broth with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. The aroma that wafted through my kitchen was simply heavenly. I knew that this soup was going to be something special.

Once the broth was ready, I dropped the wontons into the simmering liquid. They bobbed and floated, looking so delicate and delicious. I couldn't wait to dig in.

After a few minutes, the wontons were cooked through and ready to be served. I ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of chili oil. The final touch was a few slices of hard-boiled egg on top.

I sat down at the table and took my first spoonful of the soup. The flavors exploded in my mouth – savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. The wontons were tender and flavorful, and the broth was rich and comforting. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

As I savored each spoonful, I couldn't help but think about all the people who had contributed to this recipe. My friend who had sparked my curiosity, the cookbook author who had shared their knowledge, and the generations of Chinese cooks who had perfected this dish over the years. It was a true labor of love, and I felt honored to be able to recreate it in my own kitchen.

Since that day, Wonton Soup has become a staple in my cooking repertoire. Whenever I feel the need for a warm and comforting meal, I turn to this recipe. It never fails to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my belly.

I am grateful for the journey that led me to discover this recipe and for all the people who have shared their knowledge with me along the way. Cooking is not just about following instructions – it's about connecting with others, exploring new flavors, and creating memories that last a lifetime. And for me, Wonton Soup will always hold a special place in my heart.