What To Know
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to develop a rich flavor.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the wontons from the water and transfer them to a serving bowl.
- To make the wontons easier to fold, moisten the edges of the wrappers with a little water before sealing.
For the Wontons:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 package (30 sheets) wonton wrappers
For the Broth:
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup pork stock
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground garlic
For the Garnish:
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
- 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips
Instructions
Preparing the Wontons
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, green onions, cilantro, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add the water and mix until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.
3. Place a wonton wrapper on a lightly floured surface. Spoon a generous teaspoon of the pork filling into the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wonton wrapper in half to form a triangle. Press the edges together to seal.
5. Fold the two bottom corners of the triangle up and press them together to form the signature wonton shape.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 until all the wrappers and filling are used up.
Making the Broth
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken stock, pork stock, soy sauce, sesame oil, Chinese rice wine, salt, white pepper, ground ginger, and ground garlic.
2. Bring the broth to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to develop a rich flavor.
Assembling the Soup
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Carefully drop the wontons into the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove the wontons from the water and transfer them to a serving bowl.
4. Pour the hot broth over the wontons.
5. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, scallions, and crispy wonton strips.
Tips for Perfect Wontons
- For a more flavorful filling, use a combination of ground pork and shrimp.
- To make the wontons easier to fold, moisten the edges of the wrappers with a little water before sealing.
- If you don’t have Chinese rice wine, you can substitute dry sherry or even white wine.
- To make crispy wonton strips, cut the wonton wrappers into thin strips and fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
- Wonton soup is traditionally served as a starter or appetizer.
- It can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground pork with tofu or mushrooms.
- Add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped carrots, celery, or water chestnuts.
- Experiment with different types of broth, such as beef broth or vegetable broth.
- Top the soup with a drizzle of chili oil or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Ending with Excellence
Mastering the art of authentic wonton soup is a culinary journey that rewards patience and attention to detail. By following these steps and incorporating your own personal touches, you can create a delectable dish that will warm your soul and impress your taste buds. Embrace the flavors, savor the experience, and enjoy the sheer delight of crafting this timeless classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I make my wontons more flavorful?
A: Use a combination of ground pork and shrimp in the filling, and add some chopped ginger and garlic for extra flavor.
Q: Can I freeze wontons?
A: Yes, you can freeze wontons before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked wontons, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To freeze cooked wontons, drain them well and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Q: How long does wonton soup last in the refrigerator?
A: Wonton soup will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
