What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A warm bowl of homemade wonton soup, made easy with store-bought wrappers and a quick pork filling. Save this idea for a stress-free family favorite meal to enjoy on busy nights, try it soon and make it a regular weeknight dinner staple

two bowls of wonton soup on a table with the words, weeknight wonton soup

Introduction

Imagine coming home on a busy weeknight to a warm, comforting bowl of homemade wonton soup, filled with tender dumplings and a rich, savory broth. This recipe for weeknight wonton soup is designed to be easy, flavorful, and creative, using everyday ingredients that you likely have on hand. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this soup is sure to become a staple in your household. The best part? It can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a quick and delicious meal after a long day.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe uses a combination of common ingredients like pork, shrimp, and vegetables to create a deep and satisfying flavor profile that is both accessible and delicious.
• Ease of preparation: With its simple and straightforward instructions, this recipe is easy to follow and prepare, even for those who are new to cooking.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this recipe yields impressive results, with a rich and savory broth and tender dumplings that are sure to impress friends and family.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe include wonton wrappers, ground pork, shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a variety of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and scallions. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding other ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby corn. For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute the pork and shrimp with tofu or other plant-based protein sources.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the ingredients, including chopping the vegetables, measuring out the soy sauce and sesame oil, and wrapping the wontons. To wrap the wontons, place a small spoonful of the pork and shrimp mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper, and then dip your finger in a small amount of water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point, and then press the edges together to seal the wonton.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the chopped vegetables, cooking until they are tender.
3. Step 3: Add the wrapped wontons to the pot and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through and float to the surface.
4. Step 4: Serve the soup hot, garnished with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of soy sauce. You can also customize the dish to your taste by adding other toppings like sliced pork, boiled eggs, or pickled ginger.

Handy Tips

• To freeze the wontons, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To cook the wontons from frozen, simply add them to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are cooked through and float to the surface.
• To make the soup more substantial, you can add noodles or rice to the pot and cook until they are tender.

Heat Control

When cooking the soup, it’s essential to control the heat to prevent the broth from boiling over or the wontons from cooking too quickly. Bring the broth to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer, cooking the vegetables and wontons until they are tender. If using a thermometer, aim for a temperature of 180-190°F (82-88°C) for the perfect simmer.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the chopped vegetables and the crispy wonton wrappers. To achieve the perfect crunch, cook the vegetables until they are tender but still crisp, and then add the wontons to the pot and cook until they are cooked through and float to the surface. You can also customize the dish to your taste by adding other crunchy ingredients like sliced bell peppers or chopped nuts.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the wontons from sticking together, dust them with a small amount of cornstarch or flour before cooking.
• To make the soup more flavorful, add aromatics like garlic, ginger, or onion to the pot and cook until they are fragrant before adding the vegetables and wontons.
• To make the soup more substantial, add protein sources like cooked chicken, pork, or tofu to the pot and cook until they are heated through.

Storage Tips

• To store the soup, let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate or freeze it. When reheating, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
• To store the wontons, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze them. When cooking, simply add them to the pot and cook until they are cooked through and float to the surface.
• To store the vegetables, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze them. When cooking, simply add them to the pot and cook until they are tender.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This recipe makes a great gift for friends and family, especially during the holidays or when someone is feeling under the weather. To package the soup, simply ladle it into a container and add a sprinkle of soy sauce and a few sliced scallions. You can also customize the gift to your taste by adding other ingredients like cooked noodles or pickled ginger. Consider packaging the soup in a thermos or insulated container to keep it warm, and don’t forget to include a few wontons on the side for a fun and interactive gift.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Savory: Add soy sauce or fish sauce to the soup for a savory flavor.
• Sweet: Add a small amount of sugar or honey to the soup for a sweet flavor.
• Umami: Add mushrooms or seaweed to the soup for a rich and savory umami flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the soup is too thick, add a small amount of water or broth to thin it out. If the soup is too thin, add a small amount of cornstarch or flour to thicken it.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a certain ingredient, consider substituting it with something similar. For example, you can substitute pork with chicken or shrimp with tofu.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the wontons are overcooked, they will be tough and chewy. If they are undercooked, they will be soft and fragile. Cook the wontons until they are cooked through and float to the surface for the perfect texture.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the soup and wontons for up to 3 months. Simply ladle the soup into a container and add the wontons, then place it in the freezer until frozen solid.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients of the soy sauce and sesame oil to ensure that they are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of soup. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the soup in a larger pot.

Conclusion

This recipe for weeknight wonton soup is a game-changer for busy home cooks. With its easy and customizable ingredients, simple instructions, and delicious flavor, it’s the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the comforting and delicious taste of homemade wonton soup!