Easy Wonton Soup Recipe: A Quick & Comforting Weeknight Meal
This easy wonton soup recipe offers the perfect balance of light and filling, built on a deeply comforting chicken broth base. It’s generously loaded with hearty store-bought wontons, fresh bok choy, savory shiitake mushrooms, and a symphony of umami flavors, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Why This Easy Wonton Soup Recipe is a Must-Try
While the achievement of crafting wontons from scratch is certainly commendable, for most busy home cooks, time is a precious commodity. That’s precisely why this easy wonton soup recipe shines. We’ve simplified the process by leveraging the convenience of store-bought wontons, allowing you to whip up a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in just around 40 minutes. This approach eliminates the stress and intricate steps associated with making homemade wrappers and fillings, ensuring your weeknight dinner is both effortless and enjoyable. You won’t have to worry about your carefully folded wontons falling apart in the pot!
Our recipe doesn’t compromise on flavor. It harnesses the aromatic power of fresh garlic and ginger root, combined with the rich, savory notes of soy sauce and the distinct nutty essence of sesame oil. These key ingredients form the backbone of a wonderfully flavorful broth that perfectly complements the tender wontons, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and crisp bok choy. The result is a soup that is incredibly comforting on a chilly day, yet light enough to enjoy as a refreshing lunch. It’s a delightful culinary experience that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other Asian favorites like egg drop soup, offering a deeply satisfying and wholesome meal.
Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Wonton Soup
To create this incredibly flavorful and comforting wonton soup, you’ll need a handful of fresh and pantry staples. Find all precise measurements, ingredient details, and comprehensive instructions in the printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this article. For now, let’s explore the star components that bring this soup to life.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing smart substitutions can elevate your cooking experience and adapt this wonton soup recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand.
WONTONS – The ultimate time-saver! Feel free to use any variety of frozen wontons or potstickers you prefer. We’ve found that smaller wontons work particularly well in soup, as they cook quickly and are easy to scoop. Look for mini wontons (often available in chicken and vegetable, pork, or shrimp fillings) at your local grocery store for the best results. If you prefer, you can certainly use larger wontons, just ensure they are fully cooked through.
GINGER – Fresh ginger root is undeniably superior for this recipe, offering a vibrant, zesty, and slightly spicy kick that grounds the umami flavors of the soup. When preparing, peel the skin with a spoon or peeler, then mince or grate it finely. If fresh ginger is unavailable, you can substitute with ground ginger, but be very cautious with the quantity. Ground ginger is significantly more potent, so you’ll need only a fraction of the amount (typically about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh ginger). We strongly recommend fresh for its authentic flavor profile.
BOK CHOY – This leafy green vegetable adds a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness to the soup. Baby bok choy and regular bok choy are essentially the same vegetable, differing mainly in size. We favor baby bok choy for its convenience, as you can often add the whole stalks to the soup without much chopping, after a thorough wash. If you opt for regular bok choy, simply separate the leaves from the tougher stalks and chop both into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and fit comfortably in your pot and spoon. Other leafy greens like spinach or napa cabbage can be used as a substitute, though they will offer a slightly different texture and flavor.
BROTH – The soul of any great soup! We typically use a concentrated bouillon base for many of our recipes due to its intense flavor, space-saving convenience, and ease of reconstitution with water. For this wonton soup, a chicken base combined with water provides a rich foundation. However, you can absolutely use ready-made chicken broth or stock. When using chicken base or store-bought broth, remember to adjust for saltiness, as some brands can be quite high in sodium. Low-sodium options are great if you prefer to control the seasoning yourself. For a vegetarian version of this wonton soup, a good quality vegetable broth works wonderfully.
GARLIC – Fresh minced garlic infuses the broth with an indispensable aromatic depth. It pairs perfectly with ginger to create that classic Asian flavor profile. Always opt for fresh garlic over garlic powder for the best taste.
GREEN ONIONS – These are not just for garnish; green onions add a mild oniony bite and a burst of fresh color. They are added at an earlier stage in the cooking process to infuse their flavor into the broth, with extra reserved for a fresh topping if desired.
SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS – Known for their rich, umami flavor and meaty texture, shiitake mushrooms are a fantastic addition to this wonton soup. Fresh or dried (rehydrated) shiitakes work well. If fresh shiitakes aren’t available, cremini (baby bella) mushrooms or even sliced white button mushrooms can be substituted, though the flavor will be milder.
SOY SAUCE – This provides crucial saltiness and deep umami. We recommend a good quality light or all-purpose soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, tamari is an excellent substitute.
SESAME OIL – A finishing touch that adds a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor. A little goes a long way with toasted sesame oil, so add it at the end to preserve its delicate fragrance.
Crafting Your Delicious Wonton Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe perfectly. For a printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Flavorful Broth Base: Begin by adding your chicken broth to a sturdy stockpot or Dutch oven. Place the pot over medium-high heat. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced ginger root. These aromatics are crucial for building the foundational flavors of your soup. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Allow it to cook vigorously for 5 minutes, giving the garlic and ginger time to fully infuse their delightful flavors into the broth. This initial simmering step is key to a rich and aromatic soup base.
- Add the Greens: Carefully remove the cover from the stockpot. Now, it’s time to incorporate the vibrant green onions and fresh baby bok choy. Stir these vegetables gently into the simmering broth. The green onions will add a mild, fresh onion flavor, while the bok choy will contribute a tender-crisp texture. Replace the lid on the pot and bring the mixture back to a boil. This short boiling period will allow the bok choy to slightly soften while retaining its pleasant texture.
- Introduce the Wontons: Once the broth is boiling again, remove the cover. Gently add the frozen wontons to the hot liquid. It’s important to add them frozen to prevent them from sticking together. Stir them carefully to ensure they are submerged. Cover the pot once more and allow the soup to return to a boil. The wontons will cook through in just a few minutes, typically floating to the surface when done. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them mushy.
- Final Flavor Adjustments & Serve: For the grand finale, remove the lid. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, and a drizzle of aromatic sesame oil. Stir all ingredients together gently to combine. Allow the soup to heat through for another minute or two, ensuring the mushrooms are tender and the flavors are fully melded. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or a pinch of white pepper for a subtle kick. Ladle the hot wonton soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra sliced green onions or a dash of chili oil for an added zing.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Wonton Soup
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious wonton soup later. Once your soup has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an air-tight container. For convenient meal prepping, individual food prep containers work wonderfully. Store the soup in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for 4-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed through. Avoid boiling vigorously during reheating to maintain the wontons’ texture.
While you technically can freeze wonton soup, it’s generally best enjoyed fresh or simply refrigerated. The primary reason for this recommendation is the wontons themselves; they tend to absorb a lot of liquid and can become mushy or fall apart once frozen and then thawed. If you are determined to freeze it, we recommend a slightly modified approach: prepare the broth and all the vegetables (garlic, ginger, green onions, bok choy, mushrooms) as directed in the recipe, but **do not add the wontons**. Allow this vegetable-broth base to cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or large zip-top bags (lie them flat for easier storage and thawing). When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, thaw the broth and vegetable mixture, reheat it on the stovetop, and then add fresh, frozen wontons to the simmering soup towards the end of the reheating process. This way, you get the convenience of a make-ahead base with the best possible wonton texture.
For those who enjoy a little heat, there are several easy ways to spice up your wonton soup. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger, or incorporate a small amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce directly into the broth. For a table-side garnish, a drizzle of chili oil is always a fantastic option, allowing each diner to customize their spice level.
Absolutely! To make this wonton soup vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with a good quality vegetable broth. Ensure your frozen wontons are also vegetarian (look for vegetable-only fillings). For a fully vegan version, confirm the wontons do not contain egg in the wrappers or dairy in the filling.
Adjusting seasoning is a common part of cooking! If your soup tastes too salty, you can dilute it by adding a little more unsalted chicken or vegetable broth, or even a splash of water. If it’s too bland, add a bit more soy sauce, a dash of white pepper, or even a tiny bit more minced ginger or garlic to boost the flavors. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can also brighten up the taste.
Creative Serving Ideas for Wonton Soup
This easy wonton soup recipe is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic meal on its own, whether for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Personally, I love to prepare a larger batch at the beginning of the week to enjoy for satisfying lunches throughout busy workdays. The comforting flavors are always a welcome break!
However, if you’re looking to transform it into a more elaborate dinner, it pairs beautifully with a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. Consider serving it alongside some crispy stir-fried vegetables, a hearty plate of beef lo mein, or the ever-popular sweet and sour chicken. The lightness of the soup provides a wonderful contrast to richer main courses.
For those special occasions when you want to truly impress your guests and elevate the dining experience, present this hearty wonton soup in elegant white pasta dishes. Complete the authentic presentation with stylish Asian soup spoons, just like the ones often pictured in gourmet culinary magazines. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a few extra slices of green onion, or a swirl of chili oil can add both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.
Discover More Comforting Soup Recipes
If you’re a fan of warm, comforting bowls of soup, you’ll love exploring some of our other popular recipes. Each one is designed to bring warmth and flavor to your table, with many offering the same ease and convenience as this wonton soup.
- Hearty Cabbage Soup
- Classic Egg Drop Soup
- Savory Sausage Orzo Soup
- Creamy Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup
I absolutely love sharing my passion for baking and cooking with all of you! To make sure you never miss out on a delicious new recipe, I offer a convenient newsletter delivered right to your inbox every time a new post goes live. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Wonton Soup
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons sliced ginger root
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- 3 baby bok choy
- 2 cups frozen wontons
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
Things You’ll Need
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Stockpot or Dutch oven with lid
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Large mixing bowl
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Wooden spoon
Before You Begin
- You can use any frozen wontons or potstickers. We like the smaller ones for soup and found mini wontons (chicken and vegetable) at our local grocery store.
- In our experience, fresh ginger root is best for this recipe. You could substitute, but you will need a LOT less, as ground ginger is much more potent.
- Baby bok choy and regular bok choy are essentially the same aside from their size. We like the baby bok choy in this soup because it doesn’t really require cutting and you can drop them in whole. You can use regular bok choy if desired; you will just need to cut the leaves off the stalk so that both ends will fit into the pot.
- We use a concentrated bouillon base for most of our recipes instead of broth or stock. It’s convenient, takes up a lot less space, has a more intense flavor, and is easily reconstituted with water. We listed broth in this recipe, but we actually used chicken base and water. You can certainly use broth or stock. A note about chicken base: it can be saltier than stock depending on how much you use (plus water).
Instructions
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Over medium-high heat, add chicken broth to the stockpot.6 cups chicken broth
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Add minced garlic and ginger. Stir.1 Tablespoon minced garlic, 2 teaspoons sliced ginger root
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Cover pot and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes.
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Remove cover. Add green onions and baby bok choy. Stir together and cover the pot. Bring to a boil.1/2 cup sliced green onions, 3 baby bok choy
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Remove the cover and add the frozen wontons. Cover pot and bring to a boil.2 cups frozen wontons
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Remove cover and add mushrooms, soy sauce, and the sesame oil. Heat through and serve.1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Storage – Allow your soup to cool then transfer it to an air-tight container, or food prep containers, and store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.