Wonton Soup with Bok Choy

Wonton Soup with Bok Choy Recipe - Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China, Northeast Asia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 5 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Wonton soup with bok choy is a classic Chinese dish that is both comforting and delicious. The combination of savory pork and chicken broth, tender bok choy, and flavorful wontons make this soup a favorite among many.

History

Wonton soup has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. The origins of wontons can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty in China, where they were initially called "Huidun." Over time, the recipe evolved, and different variations of wonton soup emerged, including the addition of bok choy for added flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) country-style pork ribs
2 lb (907 g) chicken thighs, legs, and wings
4 scallions, coarsely chopped
1 (2-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
0.5 cup warm water
1.5 lb (680 g) bok choy, leaves halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise with stalks
1.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp white pepper
0.5 lb (227 g) ground pork
1 large egg yolk
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 (1.5-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
0.5 tsp Asian sesame oil
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp white pepper

How to prepare

Place the ribs, chicken, ginger, scallions, and water in a pot and cook until the meat is tender (approximately 4-5 hours).
Chill the mixture for approximately 1-1.5 hours.
In a bowl, combine scallions, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, pork, and white pepper.
Fill each wonton with approximately 1 tsp of the filling, then seal the wonton by bringing together the two opposite corners.
Heat the soup and add bok choy, wontons, and salt.
Cook for approximately 4-6 minutes. Pour the wonton soup into bowls and serve warm, either plain or with any main dish.

Variations

Add shrimp or tofu to the filling for a different flavor.
Use different vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms in place of bok choy.
Make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and omitting the meat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the meat until it is tender to ensure a flavorful broth.

- Chilling the meat mixture before making the wontons helps the flavors meld together.

- When filling the wontons, be sure not to overfill them to prevent them from bursting during cooking.

- Cooking the wontons in the soup allows them to soak up the flavors of the broth, making them even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the meat ensures a flavorful broth.

- Chilling the meat mixture before making the wontons helps the flavors meld together.

- Cooking the wontons in the soup allows them to soak up the flavors of the broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground pork.

- Substitute spinach or kale for bok choy.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

The meat mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

- The wontons can be assembled and frozen for up to 1 month before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with chopped scallions or cilantro for a pop of color. - Serve the soup in individual bowls with a side of chili oil or soy sauce for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the wonton soup with bok choy with a side of steamed rice or noodles.

- Serve the soup with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of wonton soup with bok choy contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of wonton soup with bok choy contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of wonton soup with bok choy contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of wonton soup with bok choy contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Wonton soup with bok choy is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Wonton soup with bok choy is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Summary

Wonton soup with bok choy is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful broth, tender bok choy, and savory wontons, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Wonton Soup with Bok Choy. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I sifted through the faded index cards and stained scraps of paper, I came across a yellowed piece of parchment that caught my eye.

The recipe was written in a delicate cursive script, and the ingredients were listed in precise measurements. As I read through the instructions, my mouth watered at the thought of the savory broth and tender wontons filled with seasoned pork.

I knew that I had to try making this dish, despite never having attempted anything quite like it before. I remembered my own grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen and had taught me many of the recipes that I now cherished.

With a renewed sense of determination, I set out to gather the necessary ingredients for the Wonton Soup with Bok Choy. I went to the local market and carefully selected the freshest bok choy, ground pork, and wonton wrappers. As I checked out at the register, the cashier smiled and asked what I was planning to make with my purchases. When I mentioned the recipe for Wonton Soup with Bok Choy, her eyes lit up and she shared a story of her own grandmother teaching her how to make the dish.

I left the market feeling inspired and eager to begin cooking. I returned home and laid out all of the ingredients on the kitchen counter, taking a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and textures before me. As I started preparing the broth, the aroma of garlic and ginger filled the air, transporting me back to my grandmother's kitchen.

I carefully folded the wonton wrappers around the seasoned pork mixture, shaping them into small bundles of deliciousness. With each twist and turn of my fingers, I felt a sense of connection to the generations of women who had passed down this recipe.

Finally, it was time to assemble the soup. I gently placed the wontons into the simmering broth, watching as they floated to the surface like delicate flowers blooming in a pond. I added the bok choy, letting it wilt slightly in the heat, before ladling the soup into bowls and garnishing with sliced green onions.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I couldn't help but think of all the hands that had touched this recipe before me. From the unknown author of the yellowed parchment to the cashier at the market and my own grandmother, each person had played a part in shaping my culinary journey.

With each spoonful of the fragrant broth and tender wontons, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the rich tapestry of flavors and stories that had come together in this humble bowl of Wonton Soup with Bok Choy. And as I savored the last drop, I knew that this recipe would find its way into the hearts and kitchens of future generations, carrying on the legacy of those who had passed it down to me.