Wonton Noodle Soup

Wonton Noodle Soup Recipe

Introduction

Wonton Noodle Soup is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its light yet flavorful broth, silky noodles, and delicate dumplings filled with savory meat. This comforting dish is popular in both Cantonese and Hong Kong-style cooking, often served as a snack or a satisfying meal. The combination of tender wontons, chewy noodles, and flavorful broth creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed at a bustling street food stall or served at home, Wonton Noodle Soup never fails to deliver comfort and satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Wontons:

• 250g ground pork (or a mix of ground pork and shrimp)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated or finely minced)
• 1/4 cup water chestnuts (chopped finely, optional for crunch)
• 1 package wonton wrappers

For the Soup:

• 1 liter chicken stock (or pork stock for a richer taste)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 slices ginger (optional for more depth of flavor)
• 1 bunch bok choy (or other leafy greens, optional)
• 200g egg noodles (or any noodles of choice)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Chili oil or soy sauce (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Wontons:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, green onions, ginger, and chopped water chestnuts (if using).
• Stir the mixture until fully combined and smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to loosen it up.
• Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper.
• Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water and fold it into a triangle, then pinch the edges to seal it. For a traditional wonton shape, bring the two corners of the triangle together and seal with water.
• Repeat until all wontons are filled and sealed. Set them aside on a tray lined with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Soup Base:

• In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger slices, stirring for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken stock, water, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir and bring the broth to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• If you’re adding bok choy or other leafy greens, blanch them in the broth for 1-2 minutes, then remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Wontons and Noodles:

• In a separate pot of boiling water, gently drop the wontons into the water. Do not overcrowd the pot. Boil the wontons for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
• In the same pot, add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions (typically about 2-3 minutes for fresh noodles). Drain and set aside.

4. Assemble the Soup:

• Place the cooked noodles into serving bowls.
• Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and add a few wontons to each bowl.
• If you’ve cooked bok choy or other greens, add them on top.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of chili oil or soy sauce for extra flavor.

History of Wonton Noodle Soup

Wonton Noodle Soup has deep roots in Chinese culinary tradition. Wontons are believed to have originated in Northern China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), where they were often made for special occasions. The noodle soup version, however, became prominent in the Cantonese region of Southern China, especially during the 19th century.

This dish became popular in Hong Kong in the mid-20th century, with street vendors serving it in busy markets. Wonton Noodle Soup has become a quintessential comfort food in Hong Kong, often enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

In the U.S. and around the world, Wonton Noodle Soup has also gained a loyal following due to its delicious flavor and satisfying nature. It’s commonly found on menus of Chinese restaurants, particularly those serving Cantonese-style dishes.

Benefits of Wonton Noodle Soup

1. Protein-Packed
   Wonton Noodle Soup is an excellent source of protein, especially from the pork (or pork-shrimp combination) in the wontons. Protein is vital for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
2. Low in Fat
   The dish is relatively low in fat, especially if you opt for lean cuts of pork. The broth is light, providing a flavorful base without being greasy.
3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
   The addition of bok choy or other leafy greens adds vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, which supports bone health and overall wellness.
4. Digestive Health
   Ginger and garlic, key ingredients in the soup, have anti-inflammatory properties and can promote better digestion. Ginger, in particular, is known for alleviating nausea and supporting the gastrointestinal system.
5. Hydrating
   The broth is a great way to stay hydrated while also enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal. Broth-based soups like wonton noodle soup offer a healthy balance of electrolytes and fluids to support hydration.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350–450 kcal (depending on portion size and type of meat)
• Protein: 20–25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35–45 grams
• Fat: 12–15 grams
• Fiber: 3–5 grams (if vegetables are added)
• Sodium: 700–900 mg (depending on soy sauce used)
• Cholesterol: 35–45 mg
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Vitamin C: 10-15% of the daily value (from bok choy and garlic)
  • Vitamin A: 10-20% of the daily value (from bok choy)
  • Iron: 6-8% of the daily value (from pork and greens)
  • Calcium: 4-6% of the daily value (from bok choy and broth)

Conclusion

Wonton Noodle Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings together the best of Cantonese culinary traditions. It’s a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vitamins, offering a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and health-conscious. Whether you’re making it at home or enjoying it from a local eatery, Wonton Noodle Soup is a timeless favorite that continues to bring joy to people around the world.

Why Lovers of Wonton Noodle Soup Adore It

Wonton Noodle Soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Lovers of this dish cherish the warmth and comfort it provides, as well as the delicious contrast of textures between the chewy noodles and delicate, flavorful wontons. The aromatic broth, combined with the freshness of vegetables, makes each spoonful a satisfying journey. It’s no wonder this soup has such a dedicated following worldwide—it’s a dish that comforts, nourishes, and brings people together, one bowl at a time.