House Special Wonton Soup Recipe

When you think of comfort food, there’s something incredibly satisfying about a steaming bowl of wonton soup. Whether you’re craving something light yet filling or you’re simply looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug, house special wonton soup hits the spot. Originating from Chinese culinary traditions, this soup brings together tender wontons, savory broth, and an array of vegetables and meat. What makes the ’house special’ version stand out is its unique blend of ingredients that elevate this dish beyond the traditional recipe.

Wonton soup has become a favorite in many Asian restaurants, but making it at home can be just as rewarding, and with the right tips, you can have a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. This detailed guide will walk you through the steps to prepare the perfect house special wonton soup, with plenty of insight into the ingredients and techniques that will make your soup stand out.

Let’s dive in!

House Special Wonton Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

• For The Wontons

  • 1/2 lb ground pork (or a mixture of pork and shrimp for more complexity)
  • 1/4 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined, and finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
  • 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper (for a mild kick)
  • 20-25 wonton wrappers (store-bought or homemade)

• For The Broth

  • 4 cups chicken broth (or pork broth for a richer flavor)
  • 2 cups water (adjust depending on desired thickness)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (for umami)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2-3 slices of ginger (about 1-inch thick)
  • 2-3 stalks of green onions (cut into large pieces)
  • Optional: 1-2 dried shiitake mushrooms for extra depth of flavor

• For The Soup Garnish

  • A handful of baby bok choy or spinach (lightly blanched)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
  • Additional green onions (finely chopped)
  • A drizzle of chili oil (if you prefer some heat)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Wonton Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, shrimp, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and white pepper.
• Mix everything together thoroughly. You want a smooth, sticky consistency so the filling binds together well in the wrappers.

Step 2: Shape The Wontons

• Take a wonton wrapper and place about a teaspoon of the filling in the center.
• Wet the edges of the wrapper with a bit of water and fold it over to form a triangle. Pinch the edges to seal tightly.
• For a traditional shape, bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and pinch them to form a tight little bundle.
• Repeat until all wontons are filled.

Step 3: Prepare The Broth

• In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and green onions.
• Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. If you’re using dried shiitake mushrooms, add them now for an earthy depth of flavor.
• Let the broth simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste.

Step 4: Cook The Wontons

• Bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the wontons into the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Once they float to the surface, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons and set them aside.

Step 5: Assemble The Soup

• Once the broth is ready, strain out the ginger slices and green onion stalks (you can discard them, or use them as garnish).
• Add the cooked wontons to the broth.
• For extra flavor, you can add a handful of baby bok choy or spinach to the broth and cook it until just wilted.

Step 6: Serve

• Ladle the broth and wontons into bowls.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra chopped green onions, and a drizzle of chili oil for a bit of spice.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Wonton Wrappers: These delicate thin sheets of dough hold the filling together and become silky when boiled. They’re typically made from wheat flour and egg, making them soft and chewy once cooked. Store-bought wrappers save time, but homemade wrappers can add an extra layer of authenticity to your soup.
• Ground Pork: This is the traditional filling for wontons, known for its richness and juicy texture when cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, chicken or turkey can work, but they won’t provide the same flavor depth.
• Shrimp: Shrimp brings a subtle sweetness and bounce to the filling. Combining pork and shrimp in the same wonton provides a harmonious balance of flavors, with the shrimp offering a nice contrast to the pork’s savory richness.
• Oyster Sauce: A staple in Chinese cooking, oyster sauce is made from oyster extract and gives the broth a deep umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Expert Tips

1. Don’t Overstuff the Wontons: When filling your wrappers, don’t overstuff them. Too much filling can cause the wontons to break apart while cooking. A teaspoon of filling per wrapper is usually the right amount.
2. Broth is Key: For the most flavorful broth, use a combination of both chicken stock and water to get the perfect balance of richness and lightness. Simmer the broth for at least 30 minutes to extract maximum flavor from your ingredients.
3. Control the Heat: If you like a bit of heat, add chili oil or a few slices of fresh red chili into the broth. For those who want a milder experience, skip the chili oil and garnish with fresh herbs instead.
4. Freezing Wontons: If you make too many wontons, freeze them! Simply lay the uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. When ready to eat, cook the frozen wontons straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to their cook time.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the pork and shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and cabbage for a vegetarian-friendly alternative. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger to ensure the filling is packed with flavor.
• Spicy Wonton Soup: For a spicier kick, try adding a tablespoon of chili paste or a handful of dried red chilies to the broth. You can also use a dash of sriracha for an extra punch.
• Clear Broth: If you prefer a lighter, clearer broth, skip the oyster sauce and use low-sodium chicken stock. Instead of the rich, dark broth, you’ll get a more delicate soup that highlights the wonton’s flavor.
• Shrimp-Only Wonton Soup: Some people prefer a shrimp-only filling for the wontons. For a more seafood-forward taste, you can make the wontons with all shrimp and avoid the pork. Adding a little fish sauce to the broth can further enhance the seafood flavors.

Final Words

House special wonton soup is a dish that brings comfort and joy to anyone who eats it. The balance of textures, from the tender wontons to the flavorful broth, creates an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this dish is sure to satisfy.