Weeknight Wonton Soup Recipe

There’s something utterly magical about whipping up a soul-soothing wonton soup, especially when each steamy bowl is brimming with hearty broth, tender wontons, and vibrant veggies—a comforting hug in a bowl that you didn’t even know you needed.

Weeknight Wonton Soup is a comforting dish I love for its rich flavors and quick preparation. The chicken broth is infused with the aromatic combination of garlic and ginger, with soy sauce and rice vinegar deepening the flavor.

Texture and nutritional value come from the shiitake mushrooms and baby bok choy, which are perfectly complemented by the tender wontons.

Ingredients

• Garlic: Boosts immunity, adds aromatic flavor, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ginger: Aids digestion, adds a hint of spice, and has anti-nausea benefits.
• Chicken Broth: Provides protein, soothing and flavorful, with essential minerals.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth, contains sodium, and complements other flavors.
• Wontons: Offers protein and delicious texture, making the soup hearty.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: High in fiber, boosts immune health, with a rich savory taste.
• Bok Choy: Low in calories, rich in vitamins A and C, adds crunch and freshness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 24 frozen or fresh wontons
• 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 2 cups baby bok choy, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sriracha or chili oil, to serve (optional)

How to Make this

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Minced garlic and grated ginger go in next, and these two ingredients need to be sautéed together for about 1 minute until they are very fragrant.

2. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the soy sauce and rice vinegar.

3. When the broth is at a simmer, put in the frozen or fresh wontons. Cook according to the directions given on the package. They should take about 4-6 minutes to reach a state where they are floating and fully cooked. Wontons are very versatile and can be filled with a number of things, which makes them a great addition to broth.

4. Place the sliced shiitake mushrooms in the pot and allow them to cook for approximately 3 minutes until they begin to soften.

5. Add the diced newborn bok choy and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it has shrunk to its final size.

6. Add salt and pepper to taste in order to season the soup.

7. Spoon the soup into bowls, making certain that each bowl receives an ample amount of broth, wontons, and vegetables.

8. Add sliced green onions as a garnish.

9. If you’re looking for more heat, consider adding some sriracha or a bit of chili oil.

10. Serve the soup steaming and savor your soothing weekday wonton soup!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Measuring spoons
3. Large spoon or spatula
4. Grater
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Ladle
8. Bowls

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of broth?Certainly! If you would like a different flavor profile, using a broth made from vegetables or beef would work just as well.
• How do I store leftovers?If there are any remnants, place them in a container that doesn’t let air in. Store this container in your fridge. Its contents should be good for 48 hours. You can reheat them on the stove. You can heat them using a method that allows for even heating if you want to avoid a couple of small, dry, reheated pizza slices.
• Can I make my own wontons?Certainly! Wontons can be made in advance and frozen, so they can be ready in a pinch whenever you need them. Making them from scratch does add some prep time to this recipe, so if you’d rather not do that, grab some fresh or frozen wontons from the store and use those instead.
• What if I can’t find shiitake mushrooms?You can use button or cremini mushrooms instead, or omit them altogether, if you prefer.
• Is there a vegetarian version?Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use vegetarian wontons.
• What can I use instead of baby bok choy?Substituting regular bok choy or napa cabbage for baby bok choy works just fine.
• How can I adjust the spice level?Tailor the heat to your preference. To do this, simply mix in more sriracha or chili oil if you want it hotter, less if you want it milder.

Weeknight Wonton Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Sesame oil can be used in place of vegetable oil to impart a nuttier flavor.
1 teaspoon of ground ginger can take the place of fresh ginger, though it is best to use fresh ginger for the most flavorful results.
Substitutes for shiitake mushrooms include cremini mushrooms or button mushrooms.
Napa cabbage or spinach can take the place of bok choy.
For a gluten-free substitute, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Pro Tips

1. Boost Flavor with Aromatics Before adding the broth, make sure the minced garlic and grated ginger are sautéed just until golden, not burned, to enhance their flavors. You can also add a pinch of white pepper for an extra layer of aroma.

2. Optimize Broth For an even richer flavor, consider using a mix of chicken and vegetable broth. Adding a splash of sesame oil just before serving can elevate the soup’s depth and aroma.

3. Wonton Handling If using frozen wontons, do not thaw them before adding to the broth. This ensures they retain their shape and don’t break apart during cooking.

4. Enhance with Vegetables Consider adding other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, napa cabbage, or julienned carrots for additional texture and color.

5. Garnishing Techniques For a fresh finish, garnish with not only green onions but also fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This can provide a nice contrast in flavor and appearance.