Learn how to make pork and shrimp wonton soup at home, with this recipe and tutorial. From filling and folding the wontons to making an aromatic broth, you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need for takeout-inspired wonton soup that will wow your family and friends.
One of the most comforting dishes in our takeout order is always the wonton soup. I love just about every Asian noodle- and broth-based soup, but wonton soup in particular defines coziness and nostalgia for me.
Just the thought of it, and I can taste the aromatic broth, the silky wonton wrappers, the tender filling. One inevitable slurp, and I feel like a kid again, sitting around the table with my family on a Friday night.
Takeout-inspired wonton soup isn’t difficult to make at home. It’s a great weekend project that the whole family can participate in. In this post, I’ll take you through the entire process, step by step, with all the tips and tricks you need to ensure homemade wonton soup success.
To make restaurant-style wontons for soup, I use a filling of ground pork and finely-minced shrimp. It’s a classic combination that makes a tender filling.
In choosing ground pork, you’ll want it to have a bit of fat to it. Very lean pork (tenderloin, for example), will result in a drier, tougher cooked filling.
I’ve been finding really gorgeous ground pork at my local Asian Market (as pictured) that’s the same quality as when I grind it myself. Many times, you can also ask the butcher counter at your regular grocery store to grind pork fresh for you. If you’re going to have it freshly ground, or grind it yourself, pork butt is the best cut.
Want to learn how to grind meat at home? Click the red text for my full tutorial!
For the raw shrimp, you can use any size you’d like. I don’t send them through the grinder, but instead use my chef’s knife to mince them very finely, almost to a paste. You want the pieces to be tiny, so they’ll incorporate with the pork for a fine-textured filling.
The seasonings for my pork and shrimp wontons are classic: freshly-grated ginger, garlic, scallions, shaoxing rice wine, toasted sesame oil, light soy sauce, and ground white pepper. Check out my Chinese-Inspired Cooking: Pantry Essentials guide to read more about these ingredients, with shopping tips.
After you’ve mixed the filling, cook a teaspoonful in a skillet on the stove. This is an extra step, but one I wouldn’t recommend skipping. It’ll allow you to taste for seasoning and make any necessary adjustments for your personal tastes before folding the wontons.
Hey there, food lovers! If you’re craving somethin’ warm, savory, and straight-up soul-soothing, lemme tell ya about a dish that’s gonna steal your heart—shrimp wonton soup. This ain’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with juicy shrimp-filled dumplings floating in a fragrant broth that’ll have you slurpin’ down every last drop. And the best part? We’re makin’ this bad boy at home, quick and easy, in under half an hour. Whether you’re a busy bee or just wanna impress someone with your kitchen skills, I’ve got your back with this recipe. Let’s dive into what makes shrimp wonton soup so darn special and how you can whip it up without breakin’ a sweat.
What Is Shrimp Wonton Soup, Anyways?
If you ain’t familiar with shrimp wonton soup, picture this: delicate little parcels of dough stuffed with a tasty mix of shrimp (and sometimes a bit of pork for extra oomph), bobbing around in a clear, flavorful broth that’s got hints of ginger and soy. It’s a classic in Chinese cuisine, often served as a starter or a full-on meal when you’re feelin’ cozy. The wontons are like tiny treasure pockets—bite into one, and you get that burst of seafood goodness, paired with a broth that’s light yet packed with umami. It’s comfort food that don’t mess around.
Why do I love it so much? Well, it’s quick to make, for starters. Plus, it feels fancy without needin’ a chef’s hat. You can find versions of this soup at dim sum spots or takeout joints, but trust me, makin’ it at home is where it’s at. You control the flavors, the freshness, and heck, you get to brag about foldin’ those wontons yourself. Let’s get into how we can rustle up this dish with minimal fuss.
The Ultimate Shrimp Wonton Soup Recipe for Busy Folks
Alright, y’all, let’s get cookin’. I’m breakin’ this down step by step so even if you’ve never folded a wonton in your life, you’ll be a pro by the end. This recipe serves about 4 people, perfect for a family dinner or savin’ leftovers for a rainy day. We’re keepin’ it under 30 minutes from start to finish, so let’s roll!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what to grab from your kitchen or the store. I’ve laid it out in a handy table so you don’t miss nothin’:
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Ground pork | ¾ pound | Can swap with ground chicken or turkey |
Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | ½ pound for filling, ½ pound for broth | Finely chop the filling shrimp |
Green onions | 4 stalks | Thinly sliced, for filling and broth |
Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons total | 1 for filling, 2 for broth |
Sesame oil | 2 teaspoons total | 1 for filling, 1 for broth |
Fresh ginger | 2 teaspoons minced | Split between filling and broth |
Garlic | 1 small clove | Minced, for filling |
Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon | For binding the filling |
Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon | For filling |
White pepper | ¼ teaspoon | For filling, gives a lil’ kick |
Wonton wrappers | 12-ounce pack | Square ones, found in most supermarkets |
Chicken broth | 6 cups | Use low-sodium if you’re watchin’ salt |
Bok choy | 4 to 6 leaves | Roughly chopped, adds crunch to broth |
Cooking wine (or dry white) | 1 tablespoon | Optional, for depth in broth |
Step-by-Step Cookin’ Guide
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Mix Up the Wonton Filling
Grab a big ol’ bowl and toss in the ground pork, chopped shrimp, green onions (save a bit for the broth), soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Mix it all up with your hands or a spoon ‘til it’s good and combined. This is the heart of your wontons, so don’t skimp on mixin’—you want every bite to be flavorful. -
Fold Them Wontons Like a BossTake a wonton wrapper lay it flat, and put about a teaspoon of filling smack in the center. Wet the edges of two sides with a lil’ water (use your finger or a brush) then fold it over into a triangle, pressin’ the edges to seal. Now, grab the two long corners of the triangle, bring ‘em together to make a lil’ purse shape, and dab a bit more water to stick ‘em. Lay ‘em out on a parchment-lined tray so they don’t stick together. Repeat ‘til you’ve used up the filling—aim for about 16 to 20 wontons.
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Get That Broth Simmerin’
In a medium pot, pour in the chicken broth and add ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and that splash of cooking wine if you’re usin’ it. Bring it to a simmer over high heat, then lower to medium and let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Toss in the bok choy, the rest of the shrimp, and some green onions, cookin’ ‘til the shrimp turn pink—takes just a couple minutes. -
Cook the Wontons Separately (Trust Me!)
While the broth does its thing, boil a big pot of water. Drop in the wontons in batches—don’t crowd ‘em—and cook ‘til they float to the top, about 5 minutes. This keeps the broth clear instead of gettin’ all starchy. Scoop ‘em out with a slotted spoon. -
Assemble and Serve Hot
Divvy up the cooked shrimp and bok choy into 4 bowls, add 3 to 5 wontons per bowl (or more if you’re hungry), then ladle that steamin’ broth over everything. Garnish with extra green onions if you’re feelin’ fancy. Serve it right away—don’t let it sit, or the wontons get soggy!
And there ya have it, folks—a bowl of shrimp wonton soup that’s better than takeout and done in a flash. The shrimp pops with flavor, the wontons are tender, and that broth? Pure comfort.
Why Shrimp Wonton Soup Is Your New Go-To
Now lemme tell ya why I’m obsessed with this dish and why you should be too. First off, shrimp as the star ingredient brings a sweet, briny taste that pairs perfect with the savory filling and broth. It’s light yet satisfyin’, so you ain’t feelin’ weighed down after eatin’. Plus, makin’ wontons is kinda therapeutic—foldin’ ‘em up feels like a lil’ art project, and when they come out lookin’ cute, I’m prouder than a peacock.
Another reason? It’s super customizable. Don’t eat pork? Swap it for chicken or just go all-shrimp. Watchin’ sodium? Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce. Got extra veggies? Throw ‘em in the broth for more crunch. And if you’re short on time, store-bought frozen wontons work in a pinch, though I’m tellin’ ya, homemade is where the magic’s at.
Tips and Tricks for Wonton Wizardry
I’ve cooked this soup a buncha times, and I’ve picked up some nifty hacks to make it even easier. Here’s my insider advice:
- Freeze Extra Wontons for Later: Made too many? Don’t cook ‘em all at once. Lay uncooked wontons on a tray in a single layer, freeze ‘em solid, then pop into a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for months. When you’re ready, just boil straight from frozen—add a minute or two to the cook time.
- Don’t Overfill Wontons: I know it’s temptin’ to stuff ‘em full, but too much filling and they’ll bust open while boilin’. Keep it to a small spoonful, and you’re golden.
- Clear Broth Hack: Always boil wontons separate from the broth. If you cook ‘em in the soup, it gets cloudy real quick from the starch. I learned this the hard way, y’all.
- Taste Test the Filling: Before you start foldin’, pinch off a tiny bit of the raw filling mix, cook it in a pan, and taste. Adjust salt or soy if needed—better to fix it now than after wrappin’ 20 wontons!
- Wonton Wrappers Dry Out Fast: Keep ‘em covered with a damp cloth while you work so they don’t turn brittle. Ain’t nobody got time for cracked wrappers.
Variations to Mix Things Up
Wanna switch up your shrimp wonton soup game? I’ve got some ideas to keep things fresh:
- Veggie-Packed Broth: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or even some sliced carrots along with the bok choy. Makes it heartier and sneaks in more nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a spoonful of chili oil or some crushed red pepper to the broth if you like heat. It’ll wake up them taste buds real nice.
- All-Shrimp Filling: Skip the pork altogether and double up on shrimp for a pure seafood vibe. Chop ‘em fine so the filling holds together.
- Different Proteins: Not feelin’ shrimp some days? Try ground turkey or even crab meat for a fancy twist. Mix with the same seasonings for that classic taste.
- Noodle Addition: Throw in some thin rice noodles or wonton noodles for a more fillin’ meal. Cook ‘em separate and add to the bowl before pourin’ broth.
These tweaks let you make the soup your own, dependin’ on what’s in your fridge or what mood you’re in I’ve tried most of these myself, and they never disappoint.
Pairin’ Your Soup with Other Goodies
Shrimp wonton soup is awesome on its own, but if you’re feedin’ a crowd or just wanna round out the meal, here’s what I like to serve alongside:
- Fried Rice: A side of simple pork or veggie fried rice adds some heft. The flavors play nice with the soup’s lightness.
- Stir-Fried Greens: Quick-cooked broccoli or green beans with a touch of garlic keeps things healthy and colorful on the table.
- Spring Rolls: Grab some frozen ones or make ‘em fresh if you’ve got time. Dippin’ ‘em in sweet chili sauce while sippin’ soup is pure bliss.
- Spicy Noodles: A lil’ plate of cold noodles with a fiery dressing contrasts the hot soup real well. It’s a texture party in your mouth!
These pairings turn your soup into a full-on feast without much extra effort. I often do this for family dinners when everyone’s got different cravings.
A Lil’ Story from My Kitchen
Lemme share a quick tale about the first time I made shrimp wonton soup. It was a chilly evening, and I was feelin’ under the weather—y’know, that scratchy throat, stuffy nose kinda mess. I didn’t wanna order takeout again, so I figured I’d try makin’ this soup I’d been dreamin’ about. Now, I ain’t no master chef, and my first batch of wontons looked more like lumpy pillows than pretty purses. But when I took that first sip of the hot broth, with the ginger hittin’ just right, and bit into a wonky wonton burstin’ with shrimp, I felt like I’d cured myself. My partner laughed at my shapin’ skills but cleaned their bowl faster than me! Since then, it’s been my go-to when I need a pick-me-up or just wanna feel like I’ve accomplished somethin’ in the kitchen.
That’s the beauty of this dish—it don’t gotta be perfect to be amazin’. Every time I make it, I get a lil’ better at foldin’, and it brings back that warm, fuzzy memory of conquerin’ my cold with a bowl of goodness.
Why Shrimp Shines in This Soup
Let’s chat a sec about why shrimp is the MVP here. These lil’ crustaceans bring a sweet, tender bite that’s unlike any other protein. They cook up fast, so you ain’t waitin’ around forever, and they soak up the flavors of whatever you mix ‘em with—be it the savory filling or the aromatic broth. Plus, they’re pretty darn good for ya, packin’ protein without a ton of fat. I always feel like I’m eatin’ somethin’ a bit special when shrimp’s on the menu, like I’m treatin’ myself without breakin’ the bank.
If you’re pickin’ shrimp at the store, go for raw, peeled, and deveined ones to save time. Frozen works just fine too—just thaw ‘em quick under cold water before usin’. I’ve done both, and honestly, as long as they’re fresh-tastin’, your soup will sing.
Common Hiccups and How to Dodge ‘Em
Even with a simple dish like this, stuff can go sideways if you ain’t careful. Here’s a few bumps I’ve hit and how to avoid ‘em:
- Wontons Fallin’ Apart: If they’re bustin’ open in the water, you might’ve overfilled or not sealed ‘em tight. Use less filling and really press those edges. Wet fingers help a ton.
- Broth Too Bland: Forgot to season enough? Taste the broth before servin’ and add a splash more soy or a pinch of salt if it’s lackin’. A lil’ extra ginger don’t hurt neither.
- Overcooked Shrimp: Them lil’ guys turn rubbery if cooked too long. Add the extra shrimp to the broth at the very end, just ‘til pink. Same for wonton filling—don’t boil forever.
- No Time to Fold: If you’re rushed, premade frozen wontons from an Asian market are a lifesaver. Not as good as homemade, but they’ll do in a crunch.
These fixes keep the process stress-free, so don’t sweat it if things ain’t perfect first try.
Wrappin’ It Up with a Big Ol’ Bowl of Love
So there ya have it, my friends—everything you need to know about makin’ shrimp wonton soup at home. It’s a dish that’s equal parts comfort and flair, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a lazy weekend project. I’ve shared my fave recipe, some handy tips, and even a personal story or two to show ya how much this soup means to me. The beauty is in its simplicity—fresh shrimp, a few pantry staples, and a bit of patience for foldin’ wontons is all it takes to create somethin’ truly delish.
Next time you’re hankerin’ for somethin’ warm and satisfyin’, give this a whirl. I promise, once you’ve slurped down a bowl of your own shrimp wonton soup, you’ll be hooked. Drop a comment below if you try it out or got any quirky variations of your own—I’m all ears! Now, go get cookin’ and treat yourself to a steamin’ bowl of goodness. You’ve earned it!
How to Fold Wontons
There are so many different ways to fold wontons for soup, from a simple triangle fold, to more intricate techniques with overlaps and flourishes. You can try out different folds and choose the ones that you like best.
My favorite fold for wonton soup is Chao Shou, or “folding hands,” which I’ve depicted step-by-step in the photos below. It’s a fairly simple technique that looks pretty both when folded and cooked.
In full disclosure, folding the wontons is the most time consuming part of making this recipe. I find that once I get going, my folding technique speeds up a bit, but plan that it will take a bit of time to get them all done.
Even better, get your friends and family involved in the folding! It’s fun to make an event out of it and fold wontons together.
For more wonton folding inspiration and instructions, check out 10 Ways to Fold Wontons.
With any folding technique that you choose, a few tips are key:
- Don’t let them dry out. Keep both the stack of wonton wrappers and the wontons you’ve folded covered with lightly-dampened towels while you’re working. Wontons dry out quickly when exposed to air. I fill and fold four wrappers at a time.
- Don’t overfill the wontons. You only need about a teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Overfilled wontons will be prone to splitting when simmered.
- Press out the air. When you make your first fold over the filling, use your thumbs to press out as much air as possible in the wonton. You’ll feel the little air pockets as you press around the diameter of the filling. Too much air left in the wontons will also lead to splitting.
- Your folds don’t have to be perfect. It can take some practice to get your folding technique down pat, especially for more intricate folds. More important than pretty folds is that the wontons are well-sealed.
- Avoid sticking. Place the folded wontons on a nonstick baking mat (like Silpat), or a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornstarch so they don’t stick and tear.
Cooking Wontons for Soup
Wonton wrappers are coated with a dusting of starch (usually, cornstarch) in the package to keep them from sticking to one another when stacked. In order to keep the soup broth from becoming starchy and cloudy, I like to cook the wontons separately, in boiling water.
It’s best to simmer wontons in batches so they don’t crowd each other. The number you can fit depends on the width of your pot. They only need about 2-3 minutes to cook through.
When they’re ready, the wontons will float to the top of the water. The wrapper will be transparent and will pucker around the filling.
How To Make Shrimp and Pork Wonton Soup (Recipe) 海老と豚肉のワンタンスープの作り方 (レシピ)
FAQ
What is in shrimp wonton soup?
Shrimp wonton soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Chewy wontons filled with sweet white shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and scallions are simmered in a light, savory broth. The combination of delicate wontons and flavorful broth makes this soup both satisfying and refreshing.
What is wonton soup made of?
Wonton soup typically consists of a seasoned chicken or pork broth filled with wontons, which are small dumplings usually filled with a mixture of ground meat and seasonings. The broth is often flavored with ingredients like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sometimes Shaoxing wine. The wontons themselves are made with a thin, square or trapezoid-shaped wrapper, and can be filled with pork, shrimp, or a combination of both.
What is shrimp wonton made of?
Shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and water chestnuts are mixed with fresh ginger, garlic, and sesame oil then wrapped up and cooked in soft, wonton wrappers. Drizzle and dip them in the spicy + vinegar-y sesame dressing and enjoy! You can expect a cloud-like texture as the flavors melt in your mouth with each bite.
Is shrimp wonton soup good for you?
Benefit #1: Wonton Soup is Rich in Protein
The pork and shrimp filling from the dumplings are packed with protein, making the soup a great dish to increase your protein intake. In addition to the poultry, the soup uses chicken broth as its base, which is also rich in protein.