20 Minute Wonton Soup

A warm bowl of 20 Minute Wonton Soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. This quick and flavorful soup combines tender wontons with aromatic spices and a delightful kick from homemade chili oil. With its comforting ingredients and ease of preparation, this dish stands out as a hearty meal that will surely satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delicious soup, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of fresh ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and homemade chili oil creates a rich and savory broth.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the soup by using different proteins or broth options to suit your taste.
• Comfort Food Appeal: This wonton soup is not only filling but also offers that warm, comforting feeling we all love during colder months.
• Healthy Option: Loaded with nutrients from vegetables and lean protein, this soup is a wholesome choice for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to prepare this yummy wonton soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Heat-safe bowl
• Small pan
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for simmering the broth and cooking the wontons evenly.
• Heat-safe bowl: Ideal for mixing the chili oil ingredients without risk of melting.
• Small pan: Perfect for heating the oil to create flavorful chili oil without burning it.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots and ensuring even mixing.

Ingredients

For this comforting 20 Minute Wonton Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 3 green onions (chopped, separate the white and light green parts from the dark green tops)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (minced/grated)
• 4 cups chicken/beef/vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 12 oz wontons (I’m using frozen Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1-2 dashes fish sauce
• 1 dash rice apple vinegar (optional)

For Homemade Chili Oil

• ½ cup neutral oil (peanut, avocado, vegetable, or canola)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• ¼ cup red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (minced)
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: cinnamon stick

How to Make 20 Minute Wonton Soup

Step 1: Make the Chili Oil

In a heat-safe bowl, combine red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, minced garlic, minced ginger, sugar, salt, and an optional cinnamon stick. In a small pan, heat your chosen neutral oil until hot. You can test readiness by adding a small piece of garlic; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready. Carefully pour the hot oil over the mixture in the bowl. Stir well and set aside to infuse flavors. If you already have chili oil on hand, feel free to skip this step!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, melt coconut oil over medium heat. Add in the white and light green parts of your chopped green onions along with minced garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant—this should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in your broth of choice into the pot. Bring it to a gentle bubble. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so that all those lovely flavors meld together.

Step 4: Cook Wontons

Gently add the frozen wontons into your simmering broth along with soy sauce and fish sauce. If you’re using rice vinegar, add that now too. Allow everything to cook together for a few more minutes until the wontons are heated through.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle your delicious soup into bowls. Top each serving with sliced dark green parts of green onions and a generous drizzle of your homemade chili oil. Enjoy every warm spoonful!

How to Serve 20 Minute Wonton Soup

Serving your 20 Minute Wonton Soup can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro or Basil: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the flavors of the soup.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds a zesty touch that complements the broth wonderfully.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Fried Shallots: These crispy toppings add a delightful crunch and rich flavor.
• Chili Oil Drizzle: A little extra chili oil on top brings additional heat and enhances the soup’s aroma.

Pair with Steamed Vegetables

• Bok Choy or Spinach: Lightly steamed greens complement the soup and add nutrition.
• Broccoli Florets: Steamed broccoli provides a nice texture contrast to the wontons.

How to Perfect 20 Minute Wonton Soup

To achieve the best results with your 20 Minute Wonton Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance flavor significantly compared to dried forms.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of chili oil to suit your heat preference; start small and add more if needed.
• Choose Quality Broth: A good-quality chicken or vegetable broth makes all the difference in depth of flavor.
• Avoid Overcooking Wontons: Ensure wontons are heated through but not overcooked to maintain their texture.

Best Side Dishes for 20 Minute Wonton Soup

Pairing side dishes with your 20 Minute Wonton Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables offer a nice contrast in texture.
2. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame makes for a healthy, protein-packed snack alongside soup.
3. Vegetable Fried Rice: A bowl of fried rice complements the soup while providing extra protein and carbs.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, sesame oil, and vinegar balances the warm soup perfectly.
5. Chili Garlic Noodles: Spicy noodles tossed in garlic provide an exciting pairing with your cozy soup.
6. Miso Soup: This light miso soup serves as a perfect starter before enjoying your main bowl of wonton soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls when making your 20 Minute Wonton Soup to ensure the best flavor and texture.

• Using stale broth – Fresh broth enhances flavor. Always use a recently opened broth or homemade options for the best results.
• Overcooking wontons – Wontons only need a few minutes in the soup. Overcooking can make them mushy, so add them just before serving.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Each broth varies in saltiness. Taste your soup before adding soy sauce or fish sauce to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Skipping the chili oil infusion – This step adds depth and heat. Don’t rush it; allow the oil to infuse properly for maximum flavor.
• Not preparing toppings – Garnishes like green onions enhance presentation and taste. Prepare these while cooking for the best experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the wontons and broth separate if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing 20 Minute Wonton Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Consider freezing wontons and broth separately to ensure better quality when reheating.

Reheating 20 Minute Wonton Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave – Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop – Place soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making 20 Minute Wonton Soup that may help you during preparation.

Can I use fresh wontons instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh wontons can be used. Just adjust the cooking time as they may require less time to cook through.

How can I customize my 20 Minute Wonton Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms for extra nutrition. You can also adjust spice levels based on your preference.

What type of broth works best?

Chicken or vegetable broth provides great flavor. Beef broth can also be used if you prefer a richer taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken wontons with vegetable ones and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version of 20 Minute Wonton Soup.

Final Thoughts

The 20 Minute Wonton Soup is not only quick but also packed with flavors that cozy up any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand. Give this delightful soup a try, and enjoy its warmth any day of the week!