Homemade Wonton Soup
Okay, real talk—there’s just something about a warm bowl of homemade wonton soup that makes everything feel better. It’s cozy, it’s tasty, and oh wow, it smells amazing. I tried it once and now… I’m hooked.
I always thought it was hard to make. Like, super tricky. But guess what? It’s actually pretty simple when you know what to do.
The best part? You get to fill those cute little wontons with whatever you like. Chicken, shrimp, veggies—yum! And when it all simmers in that rich broth? Oh yes, total comfort in a bowl.
So if you’ve ever wanted to try making it at home, I’ve got you. I’ll walk you through each step. It’s way easier than it sounds—promise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Light: A go-to bowl for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Flavorful and Simple: The homemade broth is deeply flavored but easy to make.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors and soft textures make this a favorite with little ones.
- Customizable: Add bok choy, spinach, or thin noodles for variety.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch of wontons and freeze them for easy future meals.

What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings:
This recipe makes about 30 wontons—perfect for serving 4 to 6 people. Want more? You can double the batch and freeze half.
Difficulty:
Moderate—folding wontons takes a little practice, but it’s fun and worth the effort.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large pot for boiling broth
- Medium bowl for mixing filling
- Small bowl of water (for sealing wontons)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for clearer broth)
- Slotted spoon
- Soup bowls for serving
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this soup from scratch. Exact amounts will be in the recipe card.
For the Wontons:
- Ground Pork: Gives the filling a juicy, tender texture. Use 80–85% lean.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth.
- Sesame Oil: Just a bit for that signature nutty flavor.
- Fresh Ginger: Bright and warming—finely grated is best.
- Garlic: Minced finely to blend into the filling.
- Green Onion: Chopped finely for a mild onion flavor.
- Salt: To season the meat mixture.
- Ground White Pepper (optional): Adds gentle heat.
- Wonton Wrappers: Find these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
For the Broth:
- Chicken Broth: Go for low-sodium to control the seasoning.
- Water: Balances the broth concentration.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds subtle warmth to the broth.
- Garlic: Crushed, not minced, to infuse the broth.
- Soy Sauce: For a hint of savoriness.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount goes a long way.
- Salt: Taste and adjust to preference.
- Green Onions (for garnish): Thinly sliced for brightness.
- Optional Add-Ins: A handful of peas, bok choy, or thin rice noodles if desired.
Variations for Wonton Soup
- Use Shrimp: Replace half or all of the pork with finely chopped raw shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Add Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or bok choy to the broth for a heartier meal.
- Swap the Protein: Try ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a leaner filling.
- Boost the Broth: Simmer broth with dried shiitake mushrooms, star anise, or a splash of rice vinegar for extra depth.
- Make it Spicy: Stir in chili oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper to heat things up.

How to Make Wonton Soup Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Wonton Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, green onion, salt, and white pepper. Mix until everything is well combined but don’t overwork the meat. Set aside.
2. Fill and Fold the Wontons
Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center. Dip your finger in water and wet the edges of the wrapper. Fold into a triangle, pressing out air and sealing the edges. Then, bring the two bottom corners together and press to seal. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers.
Tip: Keep unused wrappers and folded wontons covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
3. Make the Broth
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, water, ginger slices, and crushed garlic. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove the ginger and garlic with a slotted spoon or strain the broth for a clearer finish.
4. Cook the Wontons
Bring a second pot of water to a boil. Drop in the wontons (about 8–10 at a time) and cook for 4–5 minutes or until they float to the top and look translucent. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and add directly to serving bowls.
Note: You can also cook the wontons directly in the broth, but it may cloud the soup slightly.
5. Assemble and Serve
Ladle hot broth over the cooked wontons. Garnish with sliced green onions. Add bok choy, peas, or cooked noodles if using. Drizzle with extra sesame oil or chili oil if desired.
How to Serve Wonton Soup
This soup is delicious on its own but can be paired with many sides for a more filling meal:
- With Rice: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to make it a heartier meal.
- With Dumplings: Add a side of steamed dumplings or egg rolls for an extra treat.
- With Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried vegetables or a simple side salad to balance the richness of the soup.
- For Lunch: Enjoy it as a light lunch or a satisfying snack.
Storing Wonton Soup
- Wonton Filling: Store unused filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Cooked Wontons: If you have leftovers, store the wontons separately from the broth. Refrigerate them for 2–3 days. Reheat by boiling the wontons briefly in water or broth.
- Broth: Store leftover broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Pro Tip: Make a double batch of wontons, freeze them, and you’ll have a quick meal ready to go in no time!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overfill the Wontons: It’s tempting, but too much filling can cause them to burst while cooking. Stick to about 1 teaspoon per wrapper.
- Sealing the Wontons: Ensure each wonton is tightly sealed to prevent filling from leaking out while cooking.
- Clear Broth: If you want a crystal-clear broth, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
- Add More Flavor: Boost the broth with a few dashes of fish sauce or a squeeze of lime juice for more depth.
Nutrition Information (per serving – approx. 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
Homemade Wonton Soup
Course: Dinner Ideas4
servings35
minutes25
minutes300
kcal1
hourIngredients
- For the Wontons:
1 lb ground pork
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground white pepper (optional)
1 package wonton wrappers
- For the Broth:
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 slices fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt, to taste
Green onions, for garnish
Directions
- Mix the Wonton Filling: Combine ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, green onion, salt, and white pepper in a bowl.
- Fill and Fold the Wontons: Spoon 1 teaspoon of filling into each wrapper, wet the edges with water, fold, and seal.
- Make the Broth: In a pot, combine chicken broth, water, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
- Cook the Wontons: Drop wontons into boiling water and cook until they float (about 4-5 minutes).
- Assemble and Serve: Place cooked wontons in bowls, pour over hot broth, garnish with green onions, and serve.
Wonton Soup FAQs
Can I use store-bought broth?
Yes, using store-bought broth is a convenient option. Just be sure to choose a high-quality, low-sodium version for the best flavor.
Can I freeze wontons?
Absolutely! To freeze, arrange the uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen.
How do I make the soup spicier?
To add some heat, you can stir in chili oil, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth.
Conclusion
Homemade Wonton Soup is a truly satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this soup delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. With a rich broth, juicy wontons, and endless possibilities for customization, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
