Wonton Soup with Shrimp and Pork Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s a beautiful blend of tender pork and juicy shrimp encased in delicate wonton wrappers, swimming in a fragrant, savory broth that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or wanting to impress friends with homemade Asian flavors, this recipe brings the right balance of textures and tastes that are simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Wonton Soup with Shrimp and Pork Recipe lies in its thoughtful yet straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in bringing out authentic flavors and delightful textures, creating that perfect bowl of comforting soup.
- 50 – 60 wonton wrappers: These thin sheets are the gentle cradle that holds the flavorful pork and shrimp filling.
- 200 g / 7 oz lean pork mince: Provides a juicy and tender foundation for the filling, balancing the seafood’s sweetness.
- 200 g / 7 oz peeled prawns/shrimp, roughly chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a pleasant bite to the filling.
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated: Injects a warm, zesty kick that brightens the filling.
- 2 shallots/green onions, finely chopped: Brings mild oniony sweetness and crunch to every bite.
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth to both filling and broth.
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine): Enhances complexity and a hint of subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors just right.
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Offers a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 3 cups / 750 ml chicken broth: The comforting, flavorful base that ties everything together.
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed: Infuses a mild garlicky background in the soup.
- â…“” / 1 cm piece of ginger, sliced (optional): For an extra layer of fragrant warmth in the broth.
- 1½ tbsp light soy sauce: Balances the soup’s seasoning perfectly.
- 2 tsp sugar: Rounds the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- 1½ tbsp Chinese cooking wine: Enhances the broth’s complexity and aroma.
- ¼ – ½ tsp sesame oil: Adds a final touch of toasty fragrance to the broth.
- Shallots/scallions, finely chopped: Fresh garnish that brightens each spoonful.
- Bok choy or Chinese broccoli, quartered or cut into lengths (optional): Adds a lovely, crisp vegetable texture and a pop of color.
- 40 – 50 g dried egg noodles per person (optional): For a heartier soup experience, adding chewiness and substance.
How to Make Wonton Soup with Shrimp and Pork Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Wonton Filling
Start by combining the lean pork mince and chopped shrimp in a bowl. Add the finely grated ginger, chopped shallots, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, salt, and toasted sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly until well blended and slightly sticky. This ensures the filling holds together beautifully and is full of flavor. Take a moment to appreciate how the ginger and sesame oil lift the aroma—promise you, this will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy street food stand.
Step 2: Wrapping the Wontons
Lay out your wonton wrappers and place about a teaspoon of filling in the center of each. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, fold it over to create a triangle, and press firmly to seal. You can then bring the two opposite corners together and pinch them to create a classic wonton shape. Don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfect—they’ll still taste amazing! Wrapping wontons is a fun hands-on step that brings you closer to the heart of this recipe.
Step 3: Preparing the Broth
In a pot, gently heat the chicken broth along with the smashed garlic cloves and sliced ginger. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors. Then, season the broth with light soy sauce, sugar, Chinese cooking wine, and a splash of sesame oil. Taste to find that perfect harmony between savory, sweet, and aromatic. This broth is the soul of your soup, so take your time to get it just right.
Step 4: Cooking the Wontons
Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and carefully drop in the prepared wontons in batches. They will cook quickly—about 3 to 4 minutes—until they float to the surface and the filling is cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer them into your soup pot to soak up the flavorful broth. This step always feels like a little celebration because those floating wontons look so inviting.
Step 5: Adding Vegetables and Noodles (Optional)
If you love a bit more texture or want to bulk up your soup, now is the time to add bok choy or Chinese broccoli and dried egg noodles to the simmering broth. Let the greens soften gently and the noodles cook tender but still firm to the bite, usually about 3-4 minutes. These additions make your Wonton Soup with Shrimp and Pork Recipe feel even more like a fulfilling, complete meal.
How to Serve Wonton Soup with Shrimp and Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches are what turn a good soup into a memorable one. I recommend a sprinkle of finely chopped shallots or scallions for a fresh, crisp contrast. If you like a little heat, a few drops of chili oil or fresh sliced chili bring warmth and depth. A tiny drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving will magnify those toasty, nutty notes, making every spoonful sing.
Side Dishes
This soup shines beautifully on its own, but pairing it with light, complementary sides can take your meal up a notch. Consider serving it alongside a crisp cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even some crispy spring rolls for a satisfyingly textured contrast. The versatility of this Wonton Soup with Shrimp and Pork Recipe makes it an ideal centerpiece for many kinds of meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the wontons separate from the broth, so guests can pick and choose or add their own toppings. Using pretty bowls with vibrant garnishes like fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red chilies, or toasted sesame seeds also makes your table setting pop. Serving the soup family-style, with a big pot and everyone ladling their portion, brings a warm, communal feeling to the meal that’s just perfect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover wontons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the wontons and broth separate to prevent them from becoming too soggy. This way, their delicate texture stays intact when you reheat.
Freezing
If you want to save time, you can freeze uncooked wontons on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, drop them directly into boiling water without thawing for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat the broth in a pot over medium heat and add leftover cooked wontons just long enough to warm through. If you’re reheating frozen wontons, cook them straight from the freezer in boiling water until they float before adding to the broth. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture of both wontons and soup.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins besides shrimp and pork?
Absolutely! Chicken, minced beef, or even a vegetarian filling with mushrooms and tofu can work wonderfully. Just be sure to adjust seasonings to complement your choice.
What can I substitute for Chinese cooking wine?
If Shaoxing wine isn’t available, dry sherry or a splash of mirin can work as great substitutes, lending similar depth of flavor.
Are wonton wrappers gluten-free?
Traditional wonton wrappers usually contain wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can buy gluten-free versions made from rice or other flours at specialty stores.
How do I store leftover soup without the wontons getting mushy?
Keep the broth and cooked wontons separate in airtight containers. Add the wontons only when you reheat the soup to prevent them from over-softening.
Can I prepare wontons ahead of time?
Yes! You can make and freeze unopened wontons up to a month in advance. Just place them on a tray, freeze, then transfer to freezer bags for easy cooking later.
Final Thoughts
This Wonton Soup with Shrimp and Pork Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience filled with comforting flavors and playful textures that make cooking at home feel extra special. Whether you’re new to making wontons or a seasoned pro, you’ll find joy in each step. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delicious reward waiting at the end of this delightful cooking journey.
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Wonton Soup with Shrimp and Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 50-60 wontons
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This classic Chinese Wonton Soup features delicate pork and prawn-filled wontons served in a fragrant, savory chicken broth seasoned with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or light meal, this recipe yields 50 to 60 delicious wontons with an optional addition of egg noodles and vegetables like bok choy.
Ingredients
Wonton Filling
- 50 – 60 wonton wrappers
- 200 g / 7 oz lean pork mince (ground pork)
- 200 g / 7 oz peeled prawns / shrimp, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated (1.5″ / 3cm piece)
- 2 shallots / green onions, finely chopped (about 5 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
Soup Broth
- 3 cups / 750 ml chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- â…“” / 1 cm piece of ginger, sliced (optional but highly recommended)
- 1½ tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1½ tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- ¼ – ½ tsp sesame oil
Additional Ingredients
- Shallots / scallions, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Bok choy, quartered, or Chinese broccoli cut into 10cm / 4″ lengths (optional)
- 40 – 50 g / 1.5 – 1.75 oz dried egg noodles per person (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the lean pork mince, roughly chopped prawns, finely grated ginger, chopped shallots, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, salt, and toasted sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a flavorful wonton filling.
- Assemble the Wontons: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon a small amount of the filling (approximately 1 teaspoon) into the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edges with water, then fold and seal the wontons by pressing the edges firmly together, forming traditional shapes such as a triangle or pouch.
- Prepare the Broth: In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add the smashed garlic cloves and sliced ginger to infuse the broth with aromatic flavors. Stir in the light soy sauce, sugar, Chinese cooking wine, and sesame oil. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Wontons: Carefully drop the prepared wontons into the simmering broth. Cook the wontons for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the filling is thoroughly cooked.
- Optional Additions and Serving: If using, add bok choy or Chinese broccoli to the broth a few minutes before removing from heat to soften slightly. For a heartier soup, cook egg noodles separately according to package instructions and add them to serving bowls. Ladle the wonton soup into bowls, garnish with chopped shallots or scallions, and serve hot.
Notes
- Note 1: Use fresh or frozen wonton wrappers found in most Asian grocery stores.
- Note 2: Light soy sauce provides a milder saltiness and color compared to dark soy sauce.
- Note 3: Shaoxing wine adds depth and authenticity; substitute dry sherry if unavailable.
- Note 4: Toasted sesame oil imparts a rich nutty aroma—do not substitute with plain sesame oil for the same effect.
- Note 5: Homemade or store-bought chicken broth can be used based on preference.
- Note 6: For a more delicate texture, finely chop the prawns to blend well with the pork filling.
- Note 7: To freeze, uncooked wontons can be placed on a baking tray lined with parchment, frozen until solid, then transferred to a freezer bag.
- Note 8: Adding egg noodles makes the soup more filling and can be adjusted based on appetite.
