the best
Wonton Soup (The Best)
1. Different textures
To keep the filling from being very compact and dense, opt for different textures of meat. Cut some of the shrimp into pieces and chop the rest with a knife rather than processing them in a food processor. With the addition of ground pork, the result is even better.
2. Magic powder
Among the ingredients that help create textural contrast is baking soda, which is used to coat the shrimp pieces and left to sit for 15 minutes. This makes them more plump and distinct from the rest of the filling.
3. Easy folding
To make the wontons, choose frozen store-bought wrappers, which are an efficient option with the right thickness. Neither too thin nor too thick, they allow for folding that’s similar to tortellini. This ensures more even cooking, a compact filling and an elegant result.
4. Light broth
Given that the wontons are packed with flavour, they require a light broth to go along with them. This broth is made using chicken drumsticks and shrimp shells, which have a delicate flavour. Begin the cooking with cold water that gradually warms up, avoiding caramelization and an overly intense result. The addition of ginger and brown sugar contributes to its delicate aroma.
5. Traditional flavours
When it comes to essential seasonings of Chinese cuisine, there’s white pepper, which adds a floral taste and a touch of heat. In this recipe, a small amount will do the trick. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that’s common in Asian dishes; the use of fish sauce helps achieve that umami taste you’re looking for.
6. Clear soup
In any wonton soup, you want your broth to be as clear as possible and not milky. This is why you need to boil your wontons separately. After they’ve released their starches in the cooking water, they’ll be more transparent when transferred to the broth; the latter won’t have been altered and it’ll therefore look all the more appetizing.
Looking for more Asian-inspired recipes? Try these dishes: