The Best Easy Wonton Soup You’ll Ever Make

There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of wonton soup. The delicate dumplings floating in a flavorful broth, the subtle heat from fresh ginger, and that little touch of sesame oil—it’s everything you crave when you need a cozy, nourishing meal. This easy wonton soup recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. It comes together in under an hour and delivers restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen. You’ll love how easy this is!

Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

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For the Wontons

• ½ lb (225g) ground chicken
• ¼ cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• ½ tsp freshly grated ginger
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp ground white pepper (or black pepper if that’s what you have)
• 20–25 wonton wrappers

For the Broth

• 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy, roughly chopped
• ½ cup sliced scallions, for garnish
• Optional: chili oil, for drizzling

Make the Wonton Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything thoroughly. You want a sticky, uniform mixture that binds well. This step is essential to getting juicy, flavorful wontons.

Tip: Let the filling sit for about 10 minutes while you prep your wrappers. This gives the flavors a chance to develop.

Assemble the Wontons

Set up a clean work surface with a small bowl of water, your wonton wrappers, and the filling.

Place a wrapper on the surface and spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center. Dip your finger in the water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle and press out any air bubbles while sealing the edges tightly.

For a traditional look, bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and press to seal them into a little boat shape.

Repeat until you’ve used all the filling. You’ll likely end up with about 20–25 wontons.

Prepare the Soup Broth

In a large soup pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 5–7 minutes. The ginger and sesame oil will infuse the broth with a warm, aromatic flavor that’s key to this dish.

Want to elevate the broth? Add a few slices of fresh garlic or a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy edge. You can even toss in a star anise pod or a piece of dried shiitake mushroom for deeper flavor.

Cook the Wontons

Once your broth is infused and simmering, gently lower in the wontons one at a time. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.

Simmer for 5–6 minutes, or until the wontons float and the filling is fully cooked. The wrappers should turn translucent and tender.

Tip: Avoid over-stirring the pot. Wontons are delicate and can tear easily if handled too roughly while cooking.

Add the Greens

Stir in the baby spinach or bok choy and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, just until wilted. This adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich broth and dumplings.

Optional: Add sliced mushrooms or shredded carrots for extra texture and nutrition.

Serve It Up

Ladle the hot broth into bowls, making sure each portion gets 4–5 wontons and a handful of greens. Garnish with sliced scallions and, if you like a little heat, drizzle with chili oil.

Serve immediately while it’s steaming and fragrant!

Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Wonton Wrappers: If available, fresh wrappers give a more delicate texture. Frozen wrappers are totally fine—just make sure to thaw them fully before use.
• Don’t Overfill: One teaspoon of filling per wrapper is plenty. Overstuffing makes them hard to seal and more likely to burst during cooking.
• Seal Tightly: Press out all the air and seal the edges well to prevent them from opening in the broth.
• Experiment With Fillings: Try chopped shrimp, crumbled tofu, or finely diced mushrooms for a different take.
• Infuse the Broth: Simmer garlic, lemongrass, or dried chili for a twist on the classic base.

Serving Suggestions

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Wonton soup is fantastic on its own, but you can round out your meal with a few extras:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A simple side that pairs beautifully with the savory broth.
• Crispy Spring Rolls: A crunchy contrast to the tender wontons.
• Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, it balances the warmth of the soup.
• Green Tea: Sip alongside for a traditional and soothing drink.

You can also serve this soup as a starter for a larger Asian-inspired dinner with dishes like stir-fried noodles or sesame chicken.

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Broth: Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Wontons: If cooked, store in a single layer to prevent sticking. They’ll last 2–3 days in the fridge.
• Uncooked Wontons: Freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keeps for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

Reheat the broth until hot, then gently add the cooked or frozen wontons. If reheating frozen ones, cook directly in the simmering broth until they float—about 6–7 minutes.

Avoid microwaving the soup with wontons inside—they can get mushy and fall apart. Reheat on the stove for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen wonton wrappers?
Yes! Just thaw them in the fridge or on the counter as per the package instructions. Be gentle—they’re delicate once thawed.

How do I make this vegetarian?
Use finely chopped mushrooms, shredded tofu, or mashed edamame as the filling. Replace the chicken broth with a well-seasoned vegetable broth.

What vegetables can I add to this soup?
Baby bok choy, spinach, napa cabbage, mushrooms, shredded carrots, or even bean sprouts work beautifully. Add them toward the end of cooking so they stay crisp-tender.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes—freeze the uncooked wontons, and prepare the broth fresh when you’re ready to enjoy. Fully assembled soup doesn’t freeze well as the wontons can become mushy.

Is this soup spicy?
Not at all—unless you want it to be. Add chili oil, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to bring the heat.

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This easy wonton soup is everything you want in a homemade meal: warm, flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. Once you try it, it just might become a weekly tradition in your kitchen. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or craving a light but filling lunch, this recipe delivers every time.