How to Make Chinese Wonton Soup from Scratch
Chinese wonton soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that can be made right in your own kitchen. Making wontons from scratch might seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can create a delicious bowl of soup. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make Chinese wonton soup from scratch, including the wontons and the broth.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 1 cup ground pork (or chicken/shrimp for variation)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Wonton wrappers (about 30)
For the Broth:
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 slices fresh ginger
- 2 green onions, cut into large pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: bok choy or spinach for added greens
Making the Wontons
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined.
2. Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place about a teaspoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
3. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to create a triangle. Press the edges to seal.
4. To form the classic wonton shape, take the two opposite corners of the triangle and bring them together, pinching to seal. Repeat this process until you have made all the wontons.
Preparing the Broth
1. In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the slices of fresh ginger, pieces of green onion, and soy sauce to the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add more soy sauce to your liking.
Cooking the Wontons
1. Once the broth is ready, carefully add the prepared wontons to the pot. Cook the wontons for about 5-6 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
2. If you’re including greens like bok choy or spinach, add them to the pot in the last minute of cooking to wilt them.
Serving Your Wonton Soup
1. Ladle the wontons and broth into bowls. You can garnish with additional chopped green onions, a dash of sesame oil, or even some chili oil for added heat.
2. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Chinese wonton soup!
Making Chinese wonton soup from scratch may take a little time, but the results are well worth it. The handmade wontons paired with aromatic broth create a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether for a cozy dinner at home or to impress guests, this soup is sure to delight!