There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade wonton soup. This easy recipe comes together in minutes, using store-bought dumplings for a quick yet flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a soothing meal on a chilly day, this wonton soup is a deliciously simple way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen.
After you preview the recipe, be sure to look below the recipe card for tips, ingredient substitutions and answers to frequently asked questions.
Easy Wonton Soup with Frozen Wontons
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 green onions thinly sliced
- 20 frozen wontons
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, combine the 6 cups chicken broth, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 clove garlic, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger. Bring to a boil.
- Add 1 cup shredded carrots, 4 green onions and 20 frozen wontons to the pot. Simmer until dumplings are tender, 8-10 minutes (or according to package directions).
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil. Season with Salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with Chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Nutrition
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Frozen Wontons are Nowhere to be Found!
I can’t always find frozen wontons at my grocery store, but frozen dumplings or potstickers are almost always available, and they work just as well. If you’re feeling industrious, you can always make homemade dumplings or wontons. If you’re close to an Asian market, they often have fresh dumplings available–just be sure to reduce the cooking time a bit when using fresh.
Change up the Chicken Broth
I like to use low-sodium chicken broth in this recipe. If you prefer an even lighter broth, use vegetable broth instead. Beef broth also works well. For a more rich, authentic flavor, try using homemade bone broth.
Switch up the Veggies
I love that this soup is so versatile and easily customizable. It’s a great way to get rid of extra veggies you might have in the fridge or freezer. If you want to try something a little different, I suggest thinly sliced bok choy, napa cabbage, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts or baby spinach. Sliced mushrooms are another great addition! And chives or even leeks work well in place of green onions.
Seasoning Substitutions
- Ground ginger instead of fresh: Use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger if you don’t have fresh
- Garlic powder instead of garlic cloves: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available
- Soy sauce substitutes: For a gluten-free option try tamari, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Sesame oil alternatives: If you don’t use sesame oil often, you may not have it in your kitchen. A drop of toasted peanut oil or even a drizzle of chili oil can work if those are available. If not, it’s okay to leave it out altogether.
Common Problems and How To Fix Them
My Wontons are Mushy and Fall Apart
It’s very easy to overcook frozen dumplings and wontons. Here are a few tips to keep your wontons from falling apart during cooking:
- Avoid rapid boiling–cook the wontons at a gentle simmer to prevent bursting.
- Follow the package directions for cooking time. Most frozen dumplings cook in 8–10 minutes or less! I always test one dumpling (okay, maybe two) before turning off the heat—once they float and are tender, they’re ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot—give the dumplings space to cook evenly.
Cooking Questions Answered
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and opt for vegetable or tofu-filled wontons. You can also add bok choy or napa cabbage for extra flavor.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, but I recommend storing the broth and dumplings/wontons separately–they can become soggy if left in the broth too long. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and add the wontons just before eating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
You can definitely freeze the broth and vegetables, but cooked dumplings can become too soft and fall apart when thawed. Freeze the broth in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and add the dumplings when reheating.
Variations and Fun Twists
- Spicy Szechuan-Style: Add 1-2 teaspoons chili oil or chili crisp, a dash of Szechuan peppercorns and a spoonful of gochujang.
- Japanese Miso Ginger-Style: Add 1 tablespoon white miso paste, 1 teaspoon mirin and a sprinkle of dried seaweed.
- Thai-Inspired Coconut-Style: Swap out some of the broth for coconut milk and add 1 teaspoon red curry paste and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Pairings for Wonton Soup
These are some of our favorite dishes to enjoy with this soup:
28 comments
Jane
Great flavor and easy
Alison
First time making this and my families eyes lit up and said this is a do over. I doubled the frozen wontons and it was quite filling.
Alison
we loved this recipe!! so simply and the whole family loved it. They amazed with the flavour and all want the recipe. I may have doubled the number of wontons.