Easy Wonton Soup Recipe

Wonton soup is the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl—steamy, savory broth filled with delicate dumplings that burst with flavor. And despite its restaurant reputation, this Easy Wonton Soup Recipe proves you don’t need a wok or hours of prep to bring takeout-quality comfort to your kitchen. With store-bought wontons (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious), a few pantry staples, and fresh greens, this soup comes together in 25 minutes for a light but satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

For the Soup Broth:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ tablespoon fish sauce (optional for umami)
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper to taste)
  • Salt to taste

For the Wontons:

  • 20–25 frozen or fresh wontons (pork, chicken, shrimp, or veggie) Tip: Use high-quality store-bought wontons or dumplings for speed.

Add-Ins & Toppings:

  • 1 cup baby bok choy, chopped (or spinach)
  • ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
  • Chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lime wedges (optional for serving)

Equipment Needed:

  • Medium or large soup pot
  • Ladle or slotted spoon
  • Fine grater (for ginger)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Base: In a large pot over medium heat, warm sesame oil. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
  2. Build the Broth: Add chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fish sauce (if using), and white pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let flavors meld for 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the Wontons: Carefully add frozen wontons to simmering broth. Simmer gently (don’t boil) for 4–6 minutes, or until wontons float and are cooked through.
  4. Add Veggies: Stir in bok choy and carrots, cooking for 1–2 more minutes just until wilted but vibrant.
  5. Finish and Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Top with green onions, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of chili oil or squeeze of lime, if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: ~230 per serving (varies with wonton type)

The Beauty of Store-Bought Wontons

Homemade wontons are a labor of love—but this recipe is about speed and satisfaction. High-quality frozen wontons (available at most Asian or well-stocked grocery stores) offer an easy shortcut to flavor. Pork, shrimp, chicken, or veggie varieties all work; just check cook time on the package and add accordingly.

If you want to elevate the dish, steam or pan-fry the wontons separately before adding them to the broth for a crispy contrast.

A Broth That Belongs in a Restaurant

What sets this soup apart is its broth: fragrant from ginger and garlic, complex thanks to soy sauce and fish sauce, and deeply savory without being heavy. Sesame oil adds a hint of nuttiness, and rice vinegar brightens everything up.

No MSG here—just layered flavor that builds fast.

Want it spicy? Stir in a bit of chili crisp, Sriracha, or a splash of hot sesame oil. For depth, try adding a few drops of dark soy sauce or a dash of Chinese cooking wine.

Customization Ideas

Make it heartier:

  • Add cooked shredded chicken or tofu
  • Crack in an egg and stir gently for egg-drop effect
  • Stir in cooked noodles (ramen, rice noodles, or udon)

Change the greens:

  • Try napa cabbage, kale, spinach, or even snow peas

Flavor boost:

  • Use a few dried shiitake mushrooms in the broth (remove before serving)
  • Add miso paste for a fusion twist

Low-carb/keto?

  • Use keto-friendly wontons or skip them entirely and just enjoy the broth with chicken and greens

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: The broth can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container. Add fresh greens and wontons when reheating.

Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, store wontons separately from broth to avoid sogginess.

Freezing: Not recommended once fully assembled. However, broth freezes beautifully, and you can add frozen wontons straight into it when reheating.

Serving and Pairing

Serve this soup on its own for a light lunch or pair with:

  • Steamed dumplings or potstickers
  • A side of jasmine rice or garlic bok choy
  • Kimchi or cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast

Pair with green tea, a cold crisp beer, or a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.

Cost Breakdown

This dish proves simple doesn’t mean boring—or expensive:

  • Frozen wontons: ~$4
  • Broth and aromatics: ~$3
  • Greens and toppings: ~$2

Total: under $10 for four bowls, or about $2.50 per serving—far less than takeout with all the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Wonton Soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen hero—warming, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re short on time or just want a cozy meal that soothes the soul, this one’s a keeper. One sip of the broth, one bite of that tender wonton, and you’ll wonder why you ever waited for delivery.