Wonton Soup

An Engaging Introduction

There’s something magical about a bowl of homemade wonton soup. Imagine sinking your spoon into a comforting broth, rich with delicate and flavorful wontons filled with juicy pork and prawn. This recipe will take you from novice to Wonton Wrapping Master, complete with step-by-step photos and a recipe video. Not only is this dish a delicious treat, but it’s also a healthy option at just 350 calories per bowl. Plus, it’s the perfect meal to have on standby in your freezer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever tried store-bought frozen wontons or those from a budget-friendly Chinese restaurant, prepare to be amazed by the difference. Homemade wontons boast a fresher, more authentic texture and flavor since they’re made without any mysterious fillers. Many people assume making wontons is a tedious task, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The filling is quick and easy to prepare, and with my efficient wrapping method, you’ll have a batch ready in no time!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Potato masher
• Teaspoons
• Large pot
• Slotted spoon
• Saucepan

Ingredients

Wonton Wrappers

• 50 – 60 wonton wrappers (Note 1)

Wonton Filling

• 200 g / 7 oz lean pork mince (ground)
• 200 g / 7 oz peeled prawns / shrimp, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated (1.5″ / 3cm piece)
• 2 shallots / green onions, finely chopped (5 tbsp)
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce (Note 2)
• 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) (Note 3)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sesame oil, toasted (Note 4)

Broth (For 2 Servings)

• 3 cups / 750 ml chicken broth (Note 5)
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• ⅓” / 1 cm piece of ginger, sliced (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1½ tbsp light soy sauce (Note 2)
• 2 tsp sugar (any)
• 1½ tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Note 3)
• ¼ – ½ tsp sesame oil

To Serve

• Shallots / scallions, finely chopped
• Bok choy, quartered, or Chinese broccoli cut into 10cm /4″ lengths (optional)
• 40 – 50 g / 1.5 – 1.75 oz dried egg noodles per person, (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Wontons

• Place Filling ingredients in a bowl. Use a potato masher to mash until fairly smooth – about 20 mashes. Don’t turn the prawn into a complete paste; small chunks are good.

Wrapping (See Photos and Video)

• Use My Way (better Wonton Soup experience!) or the Asian Grocery Store Way (easier to pack for freezing).
• Lay wontons on a work surface. Use 2 teaspoons to put the filling on the wontons. Work in batches of 5 if starting out, up to 15 or 20 if confident. Brush 2 edges with water. Fold to seal, pressing out air. Brush water on one corner and bring corners together, pressing to seal.
• Place wrapped wontons into a container with a lid as you work (so they don’t dry out).

Cooking/Freezing

• To cook: bring a large pot of water to boil. Place wontons in water and cook for 4 minutes or until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon straight into serving bowls. Ladle over broth.
• To freeze: Freeze uncooked in airtight containers. Cook from frozen for 6 to 8 minutes. IMPORTANT: Do not freeze if you made this with defrosted frozen prawns.

Broth

• Place Broth ingredients in a saucepan over high heat. Add white ends of scallions/shallots if leftover from Wonton filling.
• Place lid on, bring to simmer, then reduce to medium-high and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Pick garlic and ginger out before using.
• If using vegetables, blanch in the soup broth and place in the serving bowl.

Assemble Soup

• Prepare noodles according to packet directions (if using noodles). Place in serving bowl with cooked wontons and blanched vegetables.
• Ladle over soup. Serve!

Tips for Success

• Ensure the filling is well-mixed but still has some texture with small prawn pieces.
• Keep the wonton wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while wrapping.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Try adding a dash of chili oil to the broth for a spicy kick.
• Experiment with different greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of wonton soup is approximately 350 calories. It’s a healthy, balanced meal option rich in protein from the pork and prawns and packed with flavorful herbs and spices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers? Yes, store-bought wrappers work perfectly for this recipe.
• How long can I store the wontons in the freezer? You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Ensure they are stored properly in airtight containers.
• What can I use instead of Chinese cooking wine? You can substitute it with dry sherry or leave it out if necessary.

Conclusion

This homemade wonton soup is not only delicious but also a fun and rewarding cooking project. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or planning to impress friends and family, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let us know how it went in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your experience!