Homemade Traditional Chinese Wontons Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 package wonton wrappers (about 60 pieces)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup chopped bok choy
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced carrots

Steps and instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the ground pork, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper.
  2. Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Spoon about one teaspoon of the pork mixture onto each wrapper.
  3. Dip your finger in the beaten egg and coat the edges of the wonton wrapper.
  4. Fold the wrapper over the filling to form a triangle, press the edges to seal, then draw two opposite corners together to form the wonton shape.
  5. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  6. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth and water to a boil.
  7. Add the wontons, reduce heat, and simmer until the wontons are cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  8. Add the bok choy and carrots, and cook for another 2 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  9. Serve the wontons hot with the broth.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl to combine the ground pork and other ingredients.
  • Chopping Board - A sturdy surface for chopping the scallions and garlic.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for mincing the garlic and chopping the scallions.
  • Spoon - A spoon to mix the pork mixture and to spoon the filling onto the wonton wrappers.
  • Pastry Brush - A brush to coat the edges of the wonton wrappers with the beaten egg.
  • Large Pot - A pot to boil the chicken broth and water for cooking the wontons.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the ground pork.
  • Add finely chopped shrimp or crab meat to the filling mixture.
  • Include minced ginger or chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Replace the wonton wrappers with egg roll wrappers for larger wontons.
  • Make a vegetarian version by using tofu or mashed vegetables as a filling.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or soy-ginger sauce.
  • Add chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added texture.
  • Try baking the wontons instead of boiling them for a crispy alternative.
  • Add shredded cabbage or bean sprouts to the filling mixture for added freshness.
  • Make a spicy version by adding some sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the filling.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine with this recipe for delicious homemade Wontons. This comforting dish features delicate wrappers filled with a flavorful mix of ground pork, scallions, garlic, and sauces. Each wonton is then cooked in a rich chicken broth, and served with bok choy and carrots for a complete and nutritious meal. This recipe is perfect for anyone who's eager to dive into the world of Asian cooking. Although the folding of the wontons may seem intricate, it's actually quite straightforward and even fun once you get the hang of it. The end result is a batch of beautiful and tasty wontons that are as good, if not better, than what you might find in a restaurant. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and bring this authentic Chinese favorite to your home kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different meat instead of pork? Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp for a different flavor.
  2. Can I make the wontons ahead of time? Certainly! You can prepare the wontons in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
  3. Can I freeze the wontons? Absolutely! After assembling the wontons, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Cook the frozen wontons directly in simmering broth, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  4. What other vegetables can I add to the broth? Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as mushrooms, baby corn, or snow peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  5. Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers? Yes, you can find wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Using store-bought wrappers saves time and effort.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large bowl - For mixing the pork filling.
  • Clean surface - To lay out the wonton wrappers and assemble the wontons.
  • Finger - To coat the edges of the wonton wrappers with beaten egg.
  • Large pot - For boiling the chicken broth and cooking the wontons.
  • Slotted spoon - To remove the cooked wontons from the pot.
  • Soup bowls - For serving the wontons with the broth.

Origin stories

Wontons have a long and storied history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty in China. They were originally a sealed meat bun, which was treated as a precious food that was only enjoyed during special occasions like the Winter Solstice. The name "wonton" means "swallowing a cloud," and in Chinese soup this dumpling indeed looks like a delicate cloud floating on the surface. Over time, the wonton has evolved and diversified, taking on unique characteristics in different regions of China, and eventually spreading across the globe. It's a testament to how food can tell a story, and preserve culture and tradition across centuries and borders.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.