The BEST Wonton Noodle Soup Recipe!
Cantonese Wonton Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending delicate wontons, chewy egg noodles, and a rich, aromatic broth. This classic dish is a staple in Hong Kong cuisine, delivering a perfect balance of savory, umami-packed flavors in every bite.
The homemade pork and shrimp wontons are the heart of this dish, wrapped in silky wonton skins and simmered to perfection. Paired with springy noodles and a deeply flavorful chicken broth, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.
Whether you’re craving a nostalgic taste of Cantonese cuisine or looking for a new soup to warm your soul, this recipe is simple yet authentic. With just a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality bowl in no time.
Cantonese Wonton Noodle Soup Ingredients
Ground Pork – The heart of the wonton filling, offering a rich, savory depth that blends seamlessly with seasonings for a tender bite.
Shrimp – Adds a delicate sweetness and succulent texture, enhancing the wontons with a signature Cantonese flair.
Wonton Wrappers – Thin, silky sheets that envelop the filling, creating delicate, pillowy dumplings when cooked.
Egg Noodles – Springy and chewy, these Hong Kong-style noodles provide the perfect base, soaking up the flavorful broth.
Chicken Broth – A rich, aromatic foundation that ties the dish together with comforting warmth and umami depth.
Shaoxing Wine – A touch of this aged rice wine enhances the filling with subtle complexity and authentic Cantonese character.
Sesame Oil & White Pepper – A fragrant duo that elevates the broth and filling with nutty warmth and gentle heat.
Cantonese Wonton Noodle Soup
Cantonese Wonton Noodle Soup is a timeless classic, offering a delicate balance of flavors and textures. With juicy pork and shrimp wontons, springy egg noodles, and a deeply comforting broth, this dish is a staple in Cantonese cuisine and a favorite among soup lovers. Whether you’re making it from scratch or recreating a nostalgic favorite, these tips, serving suggestions, and FAQs will help you perfect this recipe.
Recipe Tips
1. Perfecting the Wonton Filling
For the best texture, mix the pork filling thoroughly until it forms a smooth, paste-like consistency. This ensures the wontons are tender rather than crumbly. A food processor can speed up the process, but if mixing by hand, stir in one direction for about 15 minutes to create a cohesive mixture.
2. Preventing Sticky Wontons
Wontons can stick together if left sitting too long before cooking. To avoid this, dust a tray with a little cornstarch and place the assembled wontons in a single layer. If making them ahead of time, freeze them on a tray first before transferring to a storage bag.
3. Achieving the Perfect Broth
The broth is the soul of this dish, so using high-quality chicken broth is essential. For extra depth, simmer the broth with ginger and scallions before serving. A few drops of sesame oil or a splash of soy sauce can further enhance its flavor without overpowering the delicate wontons.
What to Serve with Cantonese Wonton Noodle Soup
1. Simple Stir-Fried Greens
Pairing the soup with a side of stir-fried bok choy, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), or baby spinach adds freshness and a slight crunch. Lightly sauté them with garlic and a drizzle of oyster sauce for a flavorful yet simple complement.
2. Crispy Spring Rolls
The crispiness of spring rolls contrasts beautifully with the silky wontons and rich broth. Opt for vegetable or shrimp spring rolls with a side of sweet chili sauce to add a touch of sweetness and heat.
3. Chili Oil and Pickled Vegetables
A small dish of homemade or store-bought chili oil adds a fiery kick for those who love spice. Pickled mustard greens or radish bring a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the soup, making each bite more balanced.
FAQ
1. Can I make the wontons in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the wontons ahead of time and freeze them in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to three months. Cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
2. What’s the best substitute for Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry or mirin. For a non-alcoholic alternative, try chicken broth with a splash of rice vinegar for depth.
3. How do I prevent my wontons from breaking apart?
Be careful not to overfill the wonton wrappers, and ensure the edges are properly sealed. When boiling, avoid rapid stirring, as this can break the delicate wrappers.
4. Can I use store-bought wontons instead?
Absolutely! While homemade wontons provide the best flavor and texture, store-bought wontons can save time. Just ensure they’re high quality and adjust cooking times as needed.
This Cantonese Wonton Noodle Soup is a heartwarming dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. With these tips and pairings, you’ll have a restaurant-quality bowl at home in no time!
Cantonese Wonton Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- Ground pork – finely mixed to create a tender and flavorful wonton filling
- Shrimp – coarsely chopped for a delicate sweetness and added texture
- Wonton wrappers – thin square-shaped egg-based sheets for encasing the filling
- Chicken broth – a high-quality low-sodium base to create a deeply flavorful soup
- Egg noodles – Hong Kong-style wonton noodles known for their firm yet chewy bite
- Shaoxing wine – an aromatic rice wine that enhances the filling’s depth of flavor
- Sesame oil – for a subtle nutty aroma that enriches the broth and filling
- White pepper – a mild heat that complements the overall seasoning
- Salt and sugar – balancing elements that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients
- Cornstarch – ensures the filling binds together for a smooth cohesive texture
- Oil – incorporated into the filling for moisture and tenderness
- Water – used in the filling mixture to maintain a light consistency
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, salt, sugar, sesame oil, white pepper, Shaoxing wine, oil, water, and cornstarch. Using either a food processor or manual mixing, blend the ingredients thoroughly for several minutes until the texture becomes paste-like. Incorporate the chopped shrimp, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the Wontons
- Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a teaspoon of filling at the center. Lightly moisten the edges with water to aid in sealing. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly. Bring the two opposite corners together and seal them securely. Repeat the process until all the filling is used, yielding approximately three dozen wontons.
- Prepare the Broth
- In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth over moderate heat. Adjust seasoning by adding salt to taste, ensuring a well-balanced and flavorful broth.
- Cook the Noodles and Wontons
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the wonton noodles until just al dente, then divide them among six serving bowls. In the same pot, gently boil the wontons for four to five minutes, or until they float to the surface, indicating they are fully cooked. Evenly distribute the wontons into the prepared bowls and ladle the hot broth over them.
- Enhance and Serve
- For added depth of flavor, garnish with a few drops of sesame oil, chopped scallions, and a light sprinkle of white pepper. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring the best taste and texture.
