You still get juicy dumpling-style fillings, tender bok choy, and silky wonton wrappers in a savory broth. This soup is perfect for a cozy meal anytime, especially during the colder months.
I make it when I’m craving soup but don’t want to spend a lot of time. To finish it off, I add a drizzle of chili oil and some fresh cilantro. This makes the soup even better! It’s great for a weeknight dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
Trust me, once you try it, your taste buds won’t miss the traditional version at all.
What is a Deconstructed Wonton Soup?
A deconstructed wonton soup is a simple version of the classic soup. The wontons are not folded. Instead, the filling is made into meatballs. The soup has a savory broth, chicken wonton filling meatballs, and bok choy.
I love making it because it’s easier and still so delicious. The flavors of ginger, soy sauce, and pork broth are all there, but you don’t need to fold the wontons.
I also add a drizzle of sesame oil and some fresh cilantro for extra flavor, just like in Cantonese cuisine. I saw a video from @eat_figs_not_pigs and had to try making it myself!
This recipe is for deconstructed chicken and cilantro wonton soup. It’s simple, fast, and tasty!
100x Easier Than Making Homemade Wontons
Making deconstructed wonton soup is 100x easier than making homemade wontons. You still get all the great flavors—juicy dumplings, silky wonton wrappers, and a rich broth—but without the hassle of folding and sealing the traditional wontons.
I’ve made wontons from scratch before, and while they taste amazing, it takes a lot of time and effort. This simpler version lets you enjoy the same comforting soup with less work. The tender greens really add a fresh, crisp touch.
The aromatic broth makes the soup feel complete. It’s just as satisfying as the original, but quicker and easier to make. If you’re craving something cozy but want a simple meal, this is the way to go.
Why You’ll Love This Wonton Soup Recipe
I really like making deconstructed wonton soup because it’s easy and tasty. Here’s why I love it:
- Quick and easy: It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something cozy and satisfying, but you don’t have a lot of time.
- Packed with flavor: I can make it fast and still get lots of flavor.
- Delicious and simple: At first, I wasn’t sure if it would be as good as the classic version, but it’s just as tasty.
- Customizable: You can eat it by itself or add other Asian-inspired dishes to go with it.
- Family favorite: It’s quick and easy, and my family loves it every time.
I love how simple it is, but it still tastes amazing. It’s the best of both worlds—simple and full of flavor!
Deconstructed Wonton Soup Ingredients
For the Broth
Making deconstructed wonton soup is easy, and you still get all the great flavors! For the broth, I use vegetable broth or Vegan Chicken Broth. Both are rich and savory bases for the soup. Tamari or soy sauce is added for saltiness and extra depth.
Ginger and garlic bring warmth and comfort to the broth. I always add Dried Shiitake Mushrooms for that umami flavor. They’re optional, but I highly recommend them. They add richness and a great depth to the broth. If you don’t have them, you can easily substitute with other mushrooms or skip them.
Ingredients for the Broth:
- Vegetable Broth or Vegan Chicken Broth for a rich base
- Tamari or Soy Sauce for saltiness and depth
- Ginger and Garlic for warmth
- Olive Oil
- Dried Shiitake Mushrooms (optional, but adds umami)
- White Onion
- Vegan Ground Sausage or Beef
For the Wonton “Filling”
For the filling, I use Impossible sausage grounds or Beyond Meat ground to keep it plant-based. If you prefer meat, you can use ground chicken or ground pork. Panko Breadcrumbs help bind the filling together. If you want it vegan, you can use a vegan egg replacement or make a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax with 2.5 tablespoons of water.
Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Grated ginger, garlic powder, soy sauce, and black pepper add flavor to the filling. A little granulated sugar balances the savory flavors and brings out the richness.
Ingredients for the Wonton “Filling”:
- Impossible Sausage Grounds or Beyond Meat Ground or Ground Chicken or Ground Pork for the base
- Panko Breadcrumbs for binding
- Vegan Egg Replacement or Flax Egg to help hold it together
- Garlic Powder, Grated Ginger, and Soy Sauce for flavor
- Black Pepper and White Pepper for a little kick
- Granulated Sugar to balance flavors
- Minced Chives
- Rice Vinegar
For the Soup
The secret to a great deconstructed wonton soup is in the seasonings and fresh ingredients. I use black pepper, white pepper, and a little granulated sugar to balance the saltiness and give the soup more depth. For the veggies, I love using napa cabbage, spinach, and Bok Choy.
They add a wonderful crunch and freshness. Green onions, scallions, and cilantro bring a fresh, bright flavor when added just before serving. Lastly, a drizzle of sesame oil gives the soup a nutty, flavorful finish. It ties everything together perfectly.
Ingredients for the Soup:
- Napa Cabbage, Spinach, and Bok Choy for fresh texture
- Green Onions or Scallions and Cilantro for garnish and flavor
- Sesame Oil for a nutty finish
- Soy Sauce (optional, but adds depth)
- Baby Bok Choy
- Wonton Wrappers
How to Make a Deconstructed Wonton Soup
Making deconstructed wonton soup is really simple and super fast! Start by combining chicken broth, water, and chicken bouillon in a Caraway 3 quart sauce pan over medium heat.
Add ginger, garlic, and white pepper to the pot. This will create a warm, comforting base for your soup.
Once the broth starts to boil, it’s time to make the wonton filling.
Step 1: Make the Wonton Filling
I always use ground chicken, cilantro, napa cabbage, and green onions for a fresh and tasty filling. A little garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil add great flavor. Don’t worry about making perfect meatballs; just scoop small spoonfuls of the mixture and drop them into the boiling broth.
They’ll cook up just like meatballs. I’ve found that it’s easiest to get them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Let them simmer for about 5 minutes, and once they float to the top, they’re ready!
Step 2: Make the Broth
While the meatballs cook, you can focus on the broth. Once your broth is boiling, it’s time to add the bok choy.
I always push it down into the broth to make sure it gets nice and tender.
Step 3: Cook Wonton Filling Meatballs
Then, take your wonton wrappers and cut them into smaller pieces. You can cut them diagonally, in quarters, or in slices—whatever shape you prefer! Drop them into the soup in batches so they don’t stick together.
If you add too many at once, they’ll clump together since they cook so quickly.
Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes or so, until the bok choy is soft and the wonton wrappers have taken on a delicate, silky texture.
The wrappers will look like soft noodles.
Step 4: Cook Bok Choy & Wonton Wrappers
After your wonton wrappers are cooked, make sure the soup is still simmering gently.
I personally love adding a little more cilantro and green onions at the end for that fresh pop of flavor.
Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy!
Lastly, a little sesame oil at the end brings a nice, nutty finish to the soup.
Trust me, this is a recipe your whole family will love, and it’s perfect for when you’re craving a comforting meal! Enjoy the deconstructed wonton soup fresh and hot!
Best Tips for Deconstructed Wonton Soup
Making deconstructed wonton soup is easy, and there’s no need to worry about having perfect dumplings. That’s the fun part! I love using a spoon to drop the filling into the broth. Each dumpling is unique and rustic.
To enhance flavor, add a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of white pepper. It will bring an extra depth to the soup. One thing to remember: don’t overcrowd the pot with too many dumplings. If you do, the broth won’t simmer properly. I like to play around with adding more white pepper or a little bit of vegan fish sauce to deepen the flavor.
If the soup broth thickens after refrigeration, just adjust it by adding some water or more broth when reheating. For the wonton filling, feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients like mushrooms, water chestnuts, or spinach.
These will add texture and flavor. I also enjoy adding different garnishes. Besides green onions and chili oil, you can try cilantro, bean sprouts, or even a squeeze of lime. These fresh touches make the soup extra special!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overcrowd the pot with too many dumplings to maintain the broth’s simmer.
- Enhance flavor with a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of white pepper.
- If the soup broth thickens, adjust by adding water or more broth when reheating.
- Customize your wonton filling with mushrooms, water chestnuts, or spinach.
- Try different garnishes like cilantro, bean sprouts, or squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Leftover Storage & Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry—they taste just as delicious the next day! In fact, my husband often says it actually tasted better the second day, which is a pretty good sign, right? To store, simply place any leftover soup in a sealed container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can easily reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat.
I personally love this method because it keeps the soup nice and smooth. But if you’re in a hurry, don’t fret—just throw it in the microwave.
A tip I always follow when using the microwave is to heat it slightly covered. This way, it avoids evaporation but still allows it to vent, so the soup doesn’t bubble over. It should only take a few minutes to reheat, but of course, time will vary depending on your method and equipment. I find that these little tricks help me enjoy my deconstructed wonton soup just as much the second time around!
What to Eat with Deconstructed Wonton Soup
make deconstructed wonton soup, it’s usually filling enough to enjoy on its own, but I often pair it with a big bowl of rice to really soak up all the delicious broth. It’s such a comforting combo, and the rice really complements the flavors. If I’m feeling a little more texture, I love serving it with my favorite noodles.
A lot of times, I also like to spice things up with Seafood sauce , Chili oil or sriracha if I want it a bit spicy—the kick really brings the soup to life!
But the beauty of deconstructed wonton soup is its versatility. It’s just as amazing by itself, but you can easily turn it into a more substantial meal by serving it as a side soup to other dishes. When hosting, I’ve served it as part of a larger spread for a family-style meal, and it always gets rave reviews. No matter how you enjoy it, this soup is sure to impress!
If You Enjoyed Deconstructed Wonton Soup, I Think You’ll Love
Deconstructed Wonton Soup: A Fun Twist on the Classic Favorite
Description
This Deconstructed Wonton Soup is a fun spin on the classic Chinese comfort food. You still get the rich pork broth, tasty ground pork, and soft wonton flavors, but without wrapping each dumpling. Instead, this easy recipe puts tender meat, bright bok choy, crisp carrots, and bouncy egg noodles right into a warm bowl of ginger and garlic broth. A splash of soy sauce and sesame oil adds deep umami, and a sprinkle of green onions and fresh cilantro makes it pop.
It takes only 30 minutes, so you can have this cozy meal even on a busy night. I grew up loving bowls of wonton soup at loud dim sum places and at home with my family. This simpler way still gives you all the warm, filling, and true taste you want from a real recipe.
If you want to save time, make it gluten-free with rice noodles and tamari, or build a bowl full of vitamin C, potassium, and protein, this dish does it all.
It’s like a hug in a bowl — all the best parts of traditional wontons, made easy for today.
Ingredients
Wonton Filling
Soup
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 small plate
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 55mg19%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 450mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 16g32%
- Vitamin A 1500 IU
- Vitamin C 12 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin K 50 mcg
- Folate 40 mcg
- Phosphorus 130 mg
- Magnesium 25 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 10 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- This Deconstructed Wonton Soup brings all the flavors of a classic wonton soup without the work of folding dumplings.
- Use ground meat or ground chicken for the savory filling, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to build authentic umami depth.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth if you’re watching your sodium intake — keeping it under the 2,300 mg daily limit helps with heart health and blood pressure.
- Add sliced green onions, bok choy, or napa cabbage for extra fiber, vitamin C, and a fresh bite.
- Top with crunchy fried wonton strips for texture. A sprinkle of chili oil or red pepper flakes adds the perfect spicy kick.
- This easy dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice or a cold cucumber salad for a balanced meal rich in protein, minerals, and satisfying flavor.
- As a chef who’s prepared this countless times, I promise it’s a fun, fuss-free way to enjoy the traditional taste of wontons without spending hours folding them.
