Wonton Soup

Name: Wonton Soup
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 24 wonton wrappers; 250 g minced pork; 100 g shrimp — chopped; 1 L chicken broth; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 2 scallions; 1 tsp sesame oil; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 meat

Wonton Soup is a comforting staple in Cantonese cuisine, enjoyed both in bustling restaurants and at home. The dish features delicate wontons filled with a savory mixture of minced pork and shrimp, swimming in a clear, flavorful chicken broth. It's a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.

This version captures the essence of a family recipe, where the balance of salt and the richness of fat are adjusted by hand, and the generous use of ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil enhance the broth's depth. Scallions add a fresh note, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, perfect for sharing around the table.

Ingredients

24wonton wrappers
250 gminced pork
100 gshrimp — chopped
1 Lchicken broth
1 tbspsoy sauce
2scallions
1 tspsesame oil
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Begin by preparing the wonton filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 250 g minced pork, 100 g finely chopped shrimp, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture feels slightly sticky to the touch, which helps it bind together inside the wonton wrappers.
To assemble the wontons, place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Add about a teaspoon of the filling to the center of the wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, fold it in half to form a triangle, and press the edges together to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling until all wontons are formed.
Prepare the soup base by finely slicing 2 scallions. In a large pot, heat 1 tsp sesame oil over medium heat. Add the white parts of the scallions and sauté until they become fragrant and slightly translucent, taking care not to let them brown, as this would introduce a bitter flavor.
Pour in 1 L chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the broth to simmer for a few minutes to let the scallion flavors infuse into the liquid. The broth should be clear and aromatic, with a subtle onion scent.
Carefully add the wontons to the simmering broth. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the wontons float to the surface and the wrappers become translucent, indicating that the filling is cooked through.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with fine sea salt if needed. The broth should be savory and balanced, complementing the delicate flavors of the wontons.
Finish the soup by adding the green parts of the scallions for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve the wonton soup hot, ensuring each bowl has an ample amount of broth and wontons, ready to be shared around the table.