Wonton soup is a cherished staple in Chinese cuisine, renowned for its delicate dumplings floating in a savory broth. This recipe guides you through crafting traditional pork-filled wontons and assembling a comforting bowl of soup that's both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients:
For the Wontons:
• 8 ounces ground pork
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 24 square wonton wrappers (approximately 3½ inches each)
For the Soup:
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2-3 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions:
• Prepare the Wonton Filling:
• In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, brown sugar, and chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
• Assemble the Wontons:
• Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface.
• Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pork filling into the center of the wrapper.
• Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water.
• Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal securely.
• Bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together, overlapping them slightly, and press to seal, creating the traditional wonton shape.
• Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
• Cook the Wontons:
• Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil.
• Carefully add the wontons, ensuring they don't stick together.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface and the filling is fully cooked.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked wontons to a plate.
• Prepare the Soup Broth:
• In a separate large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the broth. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Assemble the Soup:
• Gently add the cooked wontons to the simmering broth.
• Allow them to warm through for about 2 minutes.
• Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has an ample number of wontons.
• Garnish with the finely chopped green onions.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this wonton soup as a starter or a light main course. For a more substantial meal, consider adding leafy greens like bok choy or napa cabbage to the broth during the simmering stage. Serve alongside steamed rice or a simple stir-fried vegetable dish for a complete dining experience.
Tips:
• To save time, you can prepare a large batch of wontons and freeze them uncooked. When ready to use, cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the boiling time.
• Ensure the wonton wrappers are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
This classic wonton soup offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a comforting dish that's sure to warm both the body and soul.