Ingredients:

For the Wontons:

  • 200g ground pork or chicken
  • 100g shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 30 wonton wrappers

For the Soup:1 liter chicken broth

2 cups water

4 slices of ginger

2 cloves garlic, smashed

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine or sherry

1 teaspoon sesame oil

4-5 bok choy leaves, chopped

2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Wonton Filling:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork (or chicken), chopped shrimp, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, cornstarch, and egg. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold together.
  2. Assemble the Wontons:
    • Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to create a triangle, pressing the edges to seal. You can leave them as triangles or bring the two bottom corners together to form a traditional wonton shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  3. Prepare the Soup:
    • In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, water, ginger slices, garlic, soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the broth to cook for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  4. Cook the Wontons:
    • Carefully add the wontons to the simmering broth. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes or until they float to the top and the filling is fully cooked. Be gentle when stirring to avoid breaking the wontons.
  5. Add the Vegetables:
    • Once the wontons are cooked, add the chopped bok choy to the soup. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the bok choy is tender but still vibrant.
  6. Serve:
    • Ladle the wonton soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good number of wontons and some of the vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Drizzle with a bit more sesame oil for added flavor.

Tips:Wonton Wrappers: Store-bought wrappers are convenient and easy to use, but if you’re up for it, homemade wrappers add a personal touch.

Filling Variations: Customize the filling by adding mushrooms, water chestnuts, or using different meats like beef or turkey.

Freezing Wontons: Wontons can be frozen for later use. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Final Thoughts: Wonton soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the delicate taste of homemade wontons with a savory broth. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a starter to a larger meal. With fresh ingredients and a bit of patience, this classic Chinese dish can be easily made at home. Enjoy your wonton soup with a side of soy sauce and chili oil for extra depth of flavor.