There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade wonton soup to warm your soul on a chilly day. The delicate wontons, bursting with savory goodness, swim in a fragrant broth that soothes with every sip. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking to impress guests with an authentic homemade dish, this recipe is a must-try.

I first learned how to make wonton soup from my grandmother, who would meticulously fold each dumpling while sharing stories of her childhood in China. Over the years, I’ve refined her recipe to make it more approachable without losing its traditional charm. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create this restaurant-quality soup in your own kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Wonton Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this homemade wonton soup for so many reasons!

First off, it's incredibly comforting and nourishing. The light yet flavorful broth, combined with juicy, tender wontons, creates the perfect balance of warmth and heartiness.

It’s also surprisingly easy to make. While folding wontons might seem intimidating at first, with a little practice, you'll be making them effortlessly. Plus, you can prepare a big batch and freeze them for future use!

If you're watching your budget, this recipe is cost-effective. Making wontons from scratch is far cheaper than ordering takeout, and you likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

Best of all, this soup is customizable. You can experiment with different proteins, add extra vegetables, or spice up the broth to suit your taste.

Once you try this homemade version, you'll never go back to store-bought again!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this homemade wonton soup comes from a handful of fresh and simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor.

Let’s talk about the wonton wrappers. These thin sheets of dough can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. They should be pliable but sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. If they feel too dry, cover them with a damp towel while you work.

For the filling, I prefer using ground pork, which provides the perfect amount of fat for a juicy and flavorful wonton. If you don’t eat pork, ground chicken or shrimp works just as well. The addition of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger enhances the filling with a deep umami flavor.

A good broth is the backbone of this soup. I recommend using chicken broth for a mild yet savory base. Adding a splash of soy sauce, a hint of white pepper, and a touch of garlic transforms it into something truly special.

Lastly, don’t forget green onions and bok choy. These add freshness and a bit of crunch, balancing the richness of the wontons beautifully.

If you have a bamboo steamer or dumpling press, they can make the process of folding and sealing your wontons easier, though they aren’t necessary.

How To Make This Homemade Wonton Soup

Making homemade wonton soup is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting dish to life.

Start by preparing the wonton filling. In a bowl, mix together ground pork, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and slightly sticky.

Next, assemble your wontons. Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges, then fold the wrapper into a triangle. Press the edges to seal, ensuring there are no air pockets. Bring the two bottom corners together and press to seal, creating a classic wonton shape.

Now, bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and cook the wontons in batches. They’ll float to the surface when done, usually within 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as this can cause them to stick together.

Meanwhile, prepare the broth. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Add soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of white pepper for extra depth of flavor. If you like a more robust broth, a splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of chili oil can enhance the taste.

Once the wontons are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the top and garnish with fresh green onions and bok choy. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftover wontons, they can be easily stored for future meals. Place uncooked wontons on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Cook them straight from frozen—no need to thaw!

For leftover soup, store the broth and wontons separately to prevent them from getting mushy. The broth will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, while cooked wontons are best eaten within 2 days.

When reheating, bring the broth to a simmer and add the wontons just before serving to maintain their texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this homemade wonton soup is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to switch things up!

If you want a different protein, swap out the pork for ground chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.

For a heartier meal, consider adding noodles. Cook some thin egg noodles separately and add them to the bowl before ladling in the broth.

Spice lovers can elevate the broth with a spoonful of chili oil or Sichuan peppercorns for a bold kick of heat.

If you love extra veggies, toss in some mushrooms, baby bok choy, or shredded carrots to make the soup even more nutritious.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can experiment and tailor it to your preferences. However you choose to enjoy it, this homemade wonton soup will always be a comforting classic!