Homemade Dumpling (Wonton) Soup
Serves
2–3 people (about 20–24 dumplings)
Ingredients
Dumplings (Wontons)
Filling
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250 g (½ lb) ground pork
(or chicken, shrimp, or a mix of pork & shrimp) -
2 green onions, finely chopped
-
1 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
-
1 tsp sesame oil
-
1 tsp grated ginger
-
1 clove garlic, minced
-
½ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp white or black pepper
-
1 tbsp water or chicken stock (keeps filling juicy)
Wrappers
-
20–24 wonton or dumpling wrappers (round or square)
Soup Broth
-
1 liter (4 cups) chicken stock
(homemade or low-sodium store-bought) -
2 slices fresh ginger
-
1–2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
-
1 tbsp soy sauce
-
½ tsp sesame oil
-
Salt to taste
-
White pepper to taste
Toppings (like in the photo)
-
Fresh green onions, chopped
-
Chili oil or chili crisp (optional but 🔥)
-
A few drops sesame oil
Instructions
1. Make the Dumpling Filling
-
In a bowl, add ground meat, green onions, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Stir in one direction until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined.
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Add 1 tbsp water or stock and mix again—this keeps the dumplings tender and juicy.
2. Wrap the Dumplings
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Place a wrapper on your palm.
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Add about 1 teaspoon of filling to the center.
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Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges.
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Fold into a half-moon or classic wonton shape, pressing out air.
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Lightly pleat if you’re feeling fancy (optional, but satisfying).
👉 Place finished dumplings on a lightly floured plate and cover with a towel.
3. Make the Broth
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In a pot, bring chicken stock to a gentle boil.
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Add ginger slices and garlic.
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Simmer for 5–10 minutes to infuse flavor.
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Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper.
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Remove ginger and garlic before serving (optional but cleaner).
4. Cook the Dumplings
You’ve got two options:
Option A: Cook directly in the soup
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Gently drop dumplings into simmering broth.
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Cook 3–5 minutes until they float and wrappers look translucent.
Option B (restaurant style):
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Boil dumplings in a separate pot of water.
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Transfer cooked dumplings into serving bowls, then ladle hot broth over them.
(Clearer soup, more pro look)
5. Serve
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Ladle dumplings and broth into bowls.
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Top generously with chopped green onions.
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Drizzle with chili oil and a few drops of sesame oil.
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Serve hot and immediately—this is peak comfort food.
Optional Upgrades
-
Add bok choy, napa cabbage, or spinach
-
Toss in a pinch of MSG for authentic depth
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Finish with black vinegar for a subtle tang
-
Use shrimp-only filling for a lighter version
