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Making the Wontons:
- Prepare the filling:
In a bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, chopped green onions, and water chestnuts (if using). Season with salt and pepper, and mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well-combined. The mixture should hold together but still be moist. - Assemble the wontons:
Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Place a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a bit of water using your finger. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, sealing the edges tightly. Then, bring the two corners of the triangle together to form a little “hat” shape, and press to seal. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.
Making the Broth:
- Prepare the soup base:
In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Let the broth simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Add the vegetables:
Add your bok choy or spinach to the broth and let it cook for a few minutes until wilted and tender.
Cooking the Wontons:
- Boil the wontons:
Bring a separate pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the wontons in, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook the wontons for about 4-6 minutes, or until they float to the top and are cooked through. You can test one by cutting it open to make sure the filling is fully cooked. - Combine the wontons and broth:
Once the wontons are ready, carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer them to the prepared broth. Let the wontons simmer in the broth for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serving Your Wonton Soup:
Ladle the hot broth with wontons into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little spice. Serve immediately with a side of soy sauce or chili oil for dipping if desired.
Why Homemade Wontons Make a Difference:
While store-bought wontons are convenient, there’s something special about making them from scratch. The homemade filling is juicy and flavorful, and the wrappers, once cooked, have a delicate, silky texture that just can’t be replicated with store-bought versions. Plus, you have the flexibility to get creative with the filling – adding shrimp, vegetables, or even a bit of heat with chili paste if you like!
Tips for Perfect Wontons:
- Don’t overfill the wrappers: It can be tempting to add more filling, but overstuffed wontons are harder to seal and may burst open while cooking. A teaspoon is plenty.
- Seal well: Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Storage: If you have leftover wontons, freeze them before cooking! Simply lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for storage. You can cook them directly from frozen – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Making homemade wonton soup is a bit of a labor of love, but once you taste the fresh, savory broth paired with the tender, flavorful wontons, you’ll understand why it’s worth the effort. Enjoy this delicious soup any time you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of goodness! 💯👌🏼
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