Why You’ll Love this Asian Wonton Soup
Although I’ve tried countless soup recipes over the years, there’s something truly magical about this homemade wonton soup that keeps me coming back for more.
The delicate wontons, filled with seasoned ground chicken and crisp water chestnuts, practically melt in your mouth. Can you imagine anything more comforting on a chilly evening?
What makes this soup special is its perfect balance of flavors—the sesame oil adds a nutty warmth, while fresh ginger provides that zingy kick we all crave.
Plus, those vibrant spinach leaves and colorful shredded carrots make it as beautiful as it’s delicious.
What Ingredients are in Asian Wonton Soup?
Making wonton soup at home doesn’t require a trip to a specialty market—just some fresh ingredients and a bit of patience for wrapping those delightful little dumplings. This comforting soup combines delicate wontons with a flavorful broth that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly special that warms you from the inside out.
- 1/4 pound ground chicken or ground turkey (your choice)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped water chestnuts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (divided)
- 1 egg white, slightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 46 ounces (1 can) chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup thinly sliced cooked pork
- 1/2 cup diagonally sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon oriental sesame oil
- Shredded carrots for garnish
When shopping for these ingredients, the wonton wrappers can typically be found in the refrigerated section near the produce department. Fresh is always best when it comes to the vegetables, particularly the spinach and green onions, as they add vibrant color and nutrients to the finished soup.
Don’t skip the sesame oil—it might seem like a small addition, but it provides that distinctive Asian flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
And while the recipe calls for both ground chicken and sliced pork, you could simplify by using just one meat if you prefer. The combination, however, creates a wonderful texture contrast that makes each spoonful a little adventure.
How to Make this Asian Wonton Soup
Making wonton soup is much easier than you might think, and the process breaks down into two main parts: preparing the wontons and assembling the soup.
Start by combining 1/4 pound of ground chicken (or turkey if you prefer), 1/4 cup of freshly chopped water chestnuts, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 slightly beaten egg white, and 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger in a small bowl. Mix these ingredients thoroughly—this will be your wonton filling. The water chestnuts add such a lovely crunch that contrasts with the tender meat, making each bite more interesting.
Now comes the fun part—folding the wontons. Place a wonton wrapper on your counter with one point facing toward you, like a diamond. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling near the bottom point. Fold that bottom point over the filling and roll it forward once, creating a little package. Dab a bit of water on the side points, then bring them together below the filling so they overlap slightly. Press firmly to seal—think of it like closing a little envelope.
As you finish each wonton, keep them covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Remember, practice makes perfect with wontons, and even the misshapen ones will taste delicious!
For the soup itself, bring 46 ounces of chicken broth and the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to a boil in a large saucepan. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and gently add your handcrafted wontons. Let them simmer uncovered for 4 minutes—they’ll float when they’re done.
For authentic results, consider using a premium wok set to achieve the perfect temperature control when preparing your broth and ingredients.
Next, stir in 1 1/2 cups of sliced fresh spinach, 1 cup of thinly sliced cooked pork, and 1/2 cup of diagonally sliced green onions. Remove the pot from heat and finish with 1 tablespoon of oriental sesame oil, which adds that authentic aromatic touch.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded carrots for a pop of color. The contrast between the savory broth, tender meat-filled wontons, and fresh vegetables creates a bowl of comfort that’s sure to impress.
Asian Wonton Soup Substitutions and Variations
While our basic wonton soup recipe is fabulous as written, the beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility and adaptability.
You can easily swap ground chicken for ground pork, beef, or even minced shrimp if seafood’s more your style. Not a fan of spinach? Try bok choy or napa cabbage instead.
For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili oil or sriracha to your broth.
Vegetarians can use vegetable broth and tofu-filled wontons. Got leftover roast duck? That’s a luxurious substitute for the sliced pork.
What to Serve with Asian Wonton Soup
Although wonton soup can certainly stand on its own as a light meal, pairing it with complementary dishes creates a more satisfying Asian-inspired feast.
I love serving mine with crispy vegetable spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil.
For heartier appetites, steamed white rice or garlic-fried rice makes the perfect foundation.
Can you imagine dipping a scallion pancake into that savory broth? Divine.
For drinks, jasmine tea cuts through the richness, while a cold Tsingtao beer offers a revitalizing contrast.
The key is balance—something crispy, something fresh, something substantial.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve mastered this homemade wonton soup recipe, you’ll never need to order takeout again.
There’s something deeply satisfying about crafting those little pouches of flavor and watching them bobbing gently in fragrant broth. The combination of tender meat, crisp water chestnuts, and that hint of sesame oil creates magic in every spoonful.
I’m constantly amazed at how something so impressive can come together in under an hour.
Can you think of a more comforting meal on a chilly evening? Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste—that’s the beauty of cooking from scratch, making it uniquely yours.
