Introduction

Weeknight Wonton Soup is the perfect quick and easy dinner for busy nights when you crave something comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. This lighter version of the traditional wonton soup is packed with homemade wontons filled with savory pork and shrimp, all served in a rich, aromatic broth. What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity—while it’s quick to make, it’s bursting with deep, rich flavor that’ll make you feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

I love making this soup after a long day when I’m looking for something comforting but don’t have a ton of time. The beauty of it is how quickly everything comes together, and it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening or when you want something soothing. Plus, the wontons are so satisfying, with that perfect combination of tender wrappers and flavorful fillings, all swimming in the fragrant broth.

What’s great about Weeknight Wonton Soup is that you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients. With a handful of items like ground pork, shrimp, and some simple seasonings, you can whip up a meal that’s both comforting and delicious in no time. Whether you’re making it just for yourself or for the whole family, this soup is sure to be a hit and will quickly become a go-to recipe for busy nights. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself to something special, even on the busiest of days!

Perfect for:

Busy weeknights
Light dinners
Quick comfort food
Family meals
Soup lovers

Why You’ll Love This Weeknight Wonton Soup

Here’s why Weeknight Wonton Soup will become your go-to weeknight meal:

Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic evenings when time is short.
Comfort in a Bowl: With its warm broth, delicate wontons, and flavorful seasonings, this soup is the definition of comfort food.
Healthy and Light: Filled with lean protein from shrimp and pork, and served in a clear broth, it’s a lighter option for dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Customizable Filling: The wonton filling is versatile, so you can swap in different proteins or veggies to suit your preferences.
One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and reducing the number of dishes you need to wash.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For this simple yet delicious Weeknight Wonton Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

12-16 frozen wonton wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
½ lb ground pork
½ lb shrimp, peeled and chopped finely
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for broth)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes: green onions, sesame oil, chili flakes (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Wonton Wrappers: Pre-made wonton wrappers make this recipe fast and easy, saving you time without compromising flavor.
Ground Pork & Shrimp: A classic combo for wontons, the pork adds richness while the shrimp provides a delicate seafood flavor.
Chicken Broth: Use a good-quality chicken broth as the base for the soup to provide depth of flavor.
Ginger & Garlic: These fresh ingredients bring a delightful fragrance and warmth to the broth and filling.
Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: These seasonings add a rich umami flavor to both the wonton filling and the soup broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Weeknight Wonton Soup:

Prepare the Wonton Filling:

Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper and mix well until everything is fully combined.
Fill the Wontons: Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold it into a triangle or purse shape, sealing the edges tightly to prevent the filling from escaping.

Prepare the Broth:

Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Wontons:

Cook the Wontons: Carefully drop the prepared wontons into the simmering broth. Allow them to cook for about 4-6 minutes or until they float to the surface, which indicates they’re done.
Check the Broth: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed.

Serve:

Assemble the Soup: Once the wontons are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include the wontons and broth in each serving.
Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl with chopped green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor and spice. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Weeknight Wonton Soup

Here are 10 ways to serve Weeknight Wonton Soup to enhance your meal:

With a Side of Rice: Serve the soup alongside steamed rice to make it a more filling meal.
As an Appetizer: Serve small portions of wonton soup as a starter for a multi-course meal.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.
Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil for an herbal twist.
Spicy Option: Add a dash of chili oil or fresh sliced chilies to heat things up.
With a Poached Egg: Place a poached egg on top for added richness and protein.
With Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled cucumbers or radishes for a tangy contrast to the broth.
With a Light Salad: Pair with a simple cucumber and avocado salad for freshness.
Add Noodles: Add some cooked noodles (e.g., egg noodles or soba) to the soup for extra texture.
As a Comfort Meal: Serve it with a cozy blanket and a hot mug of tea for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Additional Tips for Weeknight Wonton Soup

Here are some helpful tips for making Weeknight Wonton Soup even better:

Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, use homemade chicken broth for an even richer flavor.
Don’t Overfill the Wontons: Be careful not to overfill the wontons, as this can make them difficult to seal properly.
Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for a more delicate flavor.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The cornstarch in the wonton filling helps hold everything together and keeps the filling moist.
Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less spice, skip the chili flakes and keep the garnish light.

Recipe Variations for Weeknight Wonton Soup

Here are 10 variations to try for your Weeknight Wonton Soup:

Vegetarian Wontons: Replace the pork and shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Wonton Soup: Add more chili flakes or some Sriracha to the broth for an extra spicy kick.
Chicken Wontons: Swap the pork and shrimp for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Beef Wontons: Use ground beef instead of pork for a richer, heartier flavor.
Miso Broth: Add a tablespoon of miso paste to the broth for an extra depth of umami flavor.
Coconut Broth: Replace half of the chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist.
Add Bok Choy: Add some bok choy to the soup for added texture and nutrients.
Herbed Broth: Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to infuse the broth with extra flavor.
Sichuan Wonton Soup: Add a tablespoon of Sichuan peppercorns or chili paste to the broth for a bold, numbing spice.
Rice Noodles: For a different texture, serve the soup with rice noodles instead of wontons.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Wonton soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the wontons separately from the broth. Cook the broth and freeze it in an airtight container, and freeze the uncooked wontons on a baking sheet. When ready to cook, simmer the broth and add the frozen wontons directly to the pot.
Storage: Store leftover wonton soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Special Equipment for Weeknight Wonton Soup

These special tools will help you make your Weeknight Wonton Soup with ease:

Large Pot: A large pot is necessary to simmer the broth and cook the wontons.
Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium-sized bowls are needed for mixing the wonton filling and for assembling the soup.
Wooden Spoon or Chopsticks: Useful for stirring the wontons into the broth without breaking them.
Garlic Press: For quickly mincing garlic without having to chop it finely.
Sifter: A small sifter can help sprinkle the chili flakes evenly on top for garnish.

FAQ Section for Weeknight Wonton Soup

Can I use store-bought broth for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought broth works perfectly fine. Just ensure it’s a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
Can I make the wontons ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the wontons in advance and freeze them. They’ll cook from frozen in the broth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. The wontons will soften as they sit, so it’s best to consume the soup sooner rather than later.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili flakes or add chili oil for a spicier broth.
What other fillings can I use in the wontons?
You can try using ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version of the wontons.

Conclusion

Weeknight Wonton Soup is the ultimate quick, comforting, and flavorful meal. With its light broth, savory wontons, and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect dinner for busy evenings or when you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup. Whether you stick to the classic pork and shrimp filling or add your own twist, this soup will satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds.

With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a hearty, delicious meal ready in no time. The easy-to-follow steps make it a breeze to prepare, and you’ll enjoy every slurp of this warm, nourishing soup.

I’d love to see how your Weeknight Wonton Soup turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation!