Save This hearty Simplified Wonton Soup has become my reliable 15-minute miracle meal on busy weeknights. Using wonton wrappers as noodles transforms this soup into something special without the fuss of making actual wontons.
I discovered this shortcut when craving Chinese takeout during a particularly exhausting work week. Now my family requests it whenever the weather turns chilly or someone feels under the weather.
Ingredients
- Chicken broth: forms the flavorful base of this soup. Look for low sodium varieties to control saltiness or make your own for even better flavor
- Fresh ginger: adds warmth and complexity. Choose firm pieces with smooth skin for the freshest flavor
- Soy sauce: provides that umami depth. I prefer naturally brewed varieties for their richer taste
- Shredded cooked chicken: makes this a complete meal. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here
- Bok choy: adds color and nutrition. Select bunches with crisp leaves and firm white stems
- Wonton wrappers: cut into strips are the genius shortcut. Find these refrigerated in most grocery stores near the tofu
Instructions
- Create the Flavorful Broth:
- Pour the chicken broth into a medium pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium high heat. Add the sliced ginger directly to the broth. This infuses the broth with a subtle warmth without overwhelming the other flavors. Allow the ginger to steep in the broth for about 3 minutes to extract maximum flavor.
- Add Protein and Vegetables:
- Add the shredded chicken to warm through and the chopped bok choy to soften slightly. The bok choy will turn a vibrant green color when it begins to cook. Simmer these ingredients together for exactly 2 minutes which allows them to warm without overcooking the bok choy. The white parts of the bok choy should remain slightly crisp.
- Incorporate the Wonton Strips:
- Drop in the wonton wrapper strips one at a time to prevent clumping. These will quickly expand and soften in the hot broth, transforming into delicate noodles. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and tender. They cook remarkably fast so watch carefully to avoid them becoming too soft.
- Season and Finish:
- Add the soy sauce and stir gently to combine all flavors. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed. At this point you can remove the ginger slices if you prefer or leave them in for those who enjoy the extra ginger flavor. The broth should be fragrant and clear with a beautiful golden color.
- Serve Immediately:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls making sure each serving gets a good balance of broth, vegetables, chicken and wonton strips. The soup is best enjoyed immediately while the wonton strips maintain their perfect texture.
Save The first time I made this soup, I actually ran out of noodles and grabbed wonton wrappers from the freezer in desperation. What started as a kitchen emergency became our favorite shortcut. My children now prefer these tender wonton noodles to traditional pasta in many soups.
Quick Garnish Ideas
Fresh sliced scallions add color and a mild onion flavor. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil creates incredible aroma. Red pepper flakes provide a customizable heat level. Crispy fried shallots add wonderful texture contrast.
Pantry Substitutions
When I am out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works beautifully for a vegetarian version. Simply swap the chicken for firm tofu cubes or even add some quick cooking shrimp during the last minute of cooking time.
If bok choy is unavailable, spinach, napa cabbage, or even kale make excellent alternatives. With spinach, add it at the very end as it wilts almost instantly. Kale needs a bit more cooking time, so add it with the chicken.
No wonton wrappers? Try egg noodles, rice noodles, or even break up lasagna noodles into small pieces. The cooking time will vary based on which noodle you choose.
Cultural Context
This simplified wonton soup draws inspiration from traditional Chinese wonton soup but offers a quick shortcut by using the wrappers as noodles rather than stuffing them. While not authentic, it captures the comforting essence of the original while making it accessible for busy home cooks.
In many Asian cultures, soup is served throughout the meal rather than as a starter, and this versatile recipe works well in either context. The ginger in this recipe also reflects the traditional Chinese approach to food as medicine, as ginger is believed to have warming properties perfect for chilly days.
Make Ahead Tips
While this soup comes together quickly, you can prepare components ahead of time to make dinner even faster:
- Slice ginger and store in the refrigerator for up to one week
- Chop bok choy and store in a container with a damp paper towel for 2 to 3 days
- Cut wonton wrappers into strips and freeze between layers of parchment paper
Save Focus on the fresh, clean flavors of the individual ingredients. This simple soup is a testament to how few elements are needed for a deeply satisfying meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the chicken with tofu?
Yes, cubed tofu works well as a protein swap and keeps the soup vegetarian if vegetable broth is used.
- → How can I enhance the flavor further?
Try adding sliced scallions, a drizzle of sesame oil, or extra vegetables such as mushrooms or snap peas.
- → Are the wonton wrappers necessary?
The wrappers create a noodle-like texture, but you may use egg noodles or skip them for a lighter bowl.
- → Is it suitable for meal prep?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the broth and toppings in advance and add wrappers when reheating.
- → What dietary restrictions should I consider?
The soup contains gluten and soy. Substitute gluten-free wrappers and tamari if needed, and always check ingredient labels.