Description
Wonton Soup is a classic, soul-warming dish featuring delicate dumplings filled with seasoned beef floating in a light yet deeply satisfying broth. Each tender wonton wrapper encases a savory filling that bursts with umami from soy sauce, aromatic ginger, and fragrant sesame oil. This broth-based soup unites simple components into a soothing meal that feels both comforting and refined. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it as a starter for a larger meal, this wonton soup delivers warmth and flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- 1 large egg
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Mise en Place
Begin by setting out all of your ingredients on your kitchen workspace. This makes the assembling and cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Measure out the chicken broth into a liquid measuring cup and have it ready near the stove. Peel and finely mince the garlic and ginger — fresh aromatics are key to the depth of flavor in both the filling and the broth. Chop the green onions into small pieces; you’ll use some in the filling and reserve a little for garnishing at the end. Finally, crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly with a fork; this will be used to help seal the wonton wrappers.
2. Make the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the minced garlic, minced ginger, and about three-quarters of the chopped green onions. Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and then use clean hands or a fork to mix everything together. Work the mixture gently but thoroughly so that the beef and seasonings are evenly distributed. The soy sauce adds savory depth while the sesame oil gives a subtle nuttiness to the filling.
3. Assemble the Wontons
Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Using a small spoon, place a modest teaspoon-sized mound of the beef filling in the center of the wrapper. It’s important not to overfill the wrapper; too much filling will make sealing difficult and can cause the wontons to burst during cooking. Dip your fingertip into the beaten egg and brush a thin line of egg along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wonton over into a triangle, pressing gently but firmly around the edges to seal in the filling. Make sure there are no gaps or air pockets. Repeat this process carefully with the remaining wrappers and filling, placing finished wontons on a plate in a single layer.
4. Heat the Broth
Place a large soup pot over medium heat and pour in the chicken broth. As it warms up, you’ll begin to smell the savory aroma rising from the pot. A gentle simmer is what you want — small, steady bubbles but not a full rolling boil. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain this.
5. Cook the Wontons
Once the broth is simmering, gradually add the assembled wontons to the pot one at a time. Stir gently with a slotted spoon right after adding them so they don’t stick to the bottom. As the wontons cook, you’ll notice them first sinking and then slowly floating to the surface. This is a good indication that the beef filling inside has cooked through. Allow the wontons to cook for about five minutes total, keeping the heat steady so the broth stays hot but not furious.
6. Final Seasoning and Serving
Taste the broth and adjust any seasoning if needed — a dash more soy sauce or a pinch of salt can bring it to your preferred level of flavor. To serve, ladle a generous amount of broth into each bowl and use a slotted spoon to place a few wontons on top. Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the soup for a fresh, vibrant finish. The contrast between the warm savory broth and the tender, juicy wontons creates a deeply satisfying dish that’s both simple and elegant.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overfill the wonton wrappers; a small amount of filling goes a long way and ensures beautiful shapes that cook evenly.
- Keep the wontons covered with a clean kitchen towel while you work so they don’t dry out.
- If you want to add extra vegetables like bok choy or spinach, simply add them to the simmering broth a couple of minutes before the wontons are done — leafy greens cook quickly and add great texture and color.
- Leftover uncooked wontons can be frozen in a single layer and used later; just add a couple extra minutes to cooking time when using them from frozen.