Wonton Soup (Classic Chinese Comfort Food)

Chinese wonton soup is a light yet deeply satisfying dish that delivers delicate pork-filled dumplings in a fragrant, savory broth. This classic Cantonese recipe uses simple ingredients, balanced seasoning, and time-honored techniques to create a comforting soup that’s beloved in Chinese households and restaurants around the world.

Course: Appetizer, Lunch, or Light Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese recipe, Cantonese dish
Region of origin: Southern China (Guangdong / Canton)

Wonton soup remains one of the most popular Chinese soups because it’s comforting, customizable, and lighter than many takeout options. Its low-fat broth, tender wontons, and clean flavors make it ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.

WHY THIS CHINESE WONTON SOUP IS SO POPULAR

Wonton soup (雲吞湯) has been enjoyed in Chinese cuisine for centuries, especially in Cantonese cooking where clarity of flavor is prized. Unlike heavily spiced soups, this dish focuses on balance—savory pork filling, aromatic sesame oil, and a clear broth that enhances rather than overwhelms. It’s commonly eaten for breakfast, lunch, or late-night comfort, and it’s often one of the first dishes introduced to newcomers exploring Chinese food.

This homemade version tastes cleaner and fresher than restaurant takeout while still delivering that classic Chinese flavor people crave.

Possible adaptations:

• Vegetarian or vegan: Use mushroom-tofu filling and vegetable broth
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce
• Lower calorie: Use extra-lean ground chicken or shrimp filling and reduce sesame oil

RECIPE FOR 4 SERVINGS

This recipe makes approximately 24 wontons, serving 4 people as a starter or light meal.

INGREDIENTS FOR WONTON SOUP

Wonton filling

• Ground pork: juicy protein base
• Shrimp (optional): adds sweetness and texture
• Green onions: fresh aromatics
• Garlic: savory depth
• Ginger: warmth and balance
• Soy sauce: umami seasoning
• Sesame oil: nutty aroma
• White pepper: subtle heat

Wontons

• Wonton wrappers: thin wheat wrappers for dumplings
• Water: for sealing

Soup broth

• Chicken broth: light, savory base
• Garlic: aromatic flavor
• Ginger slices: clean warmth
• Soy sauce: seasoning
• Sesame oil: finishing aroma
• Green onions: garnish

HOW TO MAKE WONTON SOUP

1. Combine ground pork, shrimp (if using), green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper in a bowl until well mixed.
2. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper.
3. Moisten edges with water, fold diagonally, and seal tightly, bringing corners together.
4. Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and cook wontons until they float and are fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
5. In a separate pot, bring chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to a simmer.
6. Add cooked wontons to the broth and simmer briefly.
7. Finish with sesame oil and garnish with green onions before serving hot.

DIETARY INFORMATION

This traditional wonton soup is:

• Dairy-free
• Nut-free
• Lower calorie compared to cream-based soups

Wonton Soup (Classic Cantonese Recipe)

This easy homemade Chinese wonton soup features tender pork wontons simmered in a light, savory broth. A comforting Cantonese classic that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Servings 4

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

Wontons

• 8 oz ground pork
• 4 oz raw shrimp finely chopped (optional)
• 2 green onions finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 24 wonton wrappers

Soup

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 slices fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic lightly crushed
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

 

• Mix all wonton filling ingredients until sticky and well combined.
• Place 1 teaspoon filling onto each wonton wrapper, seal with water, and shape.
• Boil wontons in water until they float and are cooked through, about 3–4 minutes.
• Simmer chicken broth with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for 5 minutes.
• Add cooked wontons to broth and simmer 1–2 minutes.
• Finish with sesame oil and garnish with green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

NUTRITION FACTS (ESTIMATED)

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 6 wontons)
Calories: 260 (13%)
Carbohydrates: 24g (8%)
Protein: 18g (36%)
Fat: 10g (15%)
Saturated Fat: 3g (15%)
Cholesterol: 45mg (15%)
Sodium: 780mg (34%)
Fiber: 1g (4%)
Sugar: 2g

Nutrition values are estimates only and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.

Course: Appetizer, dinner, lunch

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Cantonese wonton soup, Chinese wonton soup, easy wonton soup recipe, homemade wonton soup, traditional Chinese soup

RECIPE TIPS & SUBSTITUTIONS

• Make wontons ahead and freeze uncooked for up to 2 months
• Use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for vegetarian versions
• Add bok choy or napa cabbage for extra nutrients
• Avoid overfilling wontons to prevent breaking

SERVING IDEAS

Serve Chinese wonton soup with:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Chinese stir-fried vegetables
• Scallion pancakes
• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Chili oil or chili crisp on the side

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