wonton soup

Wonton Soup is a classic dish in Chinese cuisine, renowned for its comforting and savory flavors. The soup begins with the preparation of wontons, which are traditional Chinese dumplings. These delicate parcels are made from thin, square sheets of dough, typically crafted from flour, egg, water, and salt. The filling for the wontons is a key component, usually consisting of a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, or a combination of both. This mixture is seasoned with a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, finely chopped green onions, and a hint of ginger and garlic, offering a balance of savory and aromatic flavors.

Once the filling is prepared, it’s carefully placed in the center of each wonton wrapper. The wrappers are then folded into a distinctive shape, often resembling a small pouch or a flower, with the edges sealed tightly to ensure the filling remains enclosed during cooking. The art of folding wontons is a cherished skill, with various regional styles and techniques adding uniqueness to the dish.

The soup base for Wonton Soup is equally important. It’s typically a clear broth, simmering with flavors extracted from chicken, pork bones, or a combination of both. The broth is seasoned with a variety of aromatics such as scallions, ginger, and sometimes a dash of white pepper or star anise, creating a deeply flavorful yet light and clear soup. In some variations, vegetables like bok choy or Chinese cabbage are added, bringing a gentle sweetness and additional texture to the dish.

To assemble the soup, the prepared wontons are gently boiled until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through. The cooking process is swift, ensuring the wontons are tender but not overcooked. The cooked wontons are then ladled into bowls along with the hot broth. Garnishes play a crucial role in finishing the dish; finely sliced green onions, a sprinkle of cilantro, and occasionally a few drops of sesame oil are added to enhance the flavor and aroma.

Wonton Soup is celebrated for its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The silky smoothness of the wonton wrappers, the juicy, flavorful filling, and the comforting warmth of the seasoned broth make it a beloved dish. It’s often enjoyed as a starter in Chinese meals but can also serve as a light and satisfying main course. Each spoonful offers a delightful experience, with the delicate wontons and the nourishing broth leaving a lasting impression of comfort and culinary tradition.

Ingredients

8 ounces ground pork

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 teaspoon brown sugar

2 green onions, finely chopped

24 square (3½ inches each) wonton wrappers

6 cups (1,440g) chicken broth

1½ teaspoons garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2-3 green onions, finely chopped

Preparation

In a large bowl combine pork, rice wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, sugar, and onion. Mix well. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filling into the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten edges with water and fold the corners together, pressing out any excess air. (It should look like a triangle). Slightly lift the long edge of the wonton. Wrap the edges in the opposite directions and press firmly to seal, using your finger to create a space and wetting the edges as needed. Continue with the rest of the wontons and let them rest while you prepare the soup.

In a medium pot over medium heat add chicken broth, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. In a separate large pot, bring about 4 quarts of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add wontons and cook for 5 minutes. Strain the wontons and add them to the warm broth mixture. Serve warm.

Enjoy !