Wonton Symphony is an elegant, flavorful, and delightful dish that brings together the delicate artistry of Chinese wontons with a symphony of flavors. This soup offers a combination of perfectly crafted wontons filled with savory fillings like pork, shrimp, or vegetables, served in a fragrant and aromatic broth. With its harmony of textures and rich flavors, Wonton Symphony is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, be it a fancy dinner or a casual family meal. Its versatility makes it suitable for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Ingredients:

For the Wontons:

  • 1/2 lb ground pork (or chicken or shrimp, if preferred)
  • 1/4 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 egg (to help bind the filling)
  • 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 40 wrappers)

For the Soup Broth:

  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-3 slices fresh ginger
  • 2-3 dried shiitake mushrooms (optional, for added depth)
  • 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Sliced green onions
  • A few dashes of chili oil (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Wonton Filling: In a bowl, combine the ground pork (and shrimp if using), chopped green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Add the egg to bind everything together, mixing until evenly combined.
  2. Assemble the Wontons: Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water, fold the wrapper into a triangle, and then fold the sides over to create a little pouch. Pinch the edges tightly to seal. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  3. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger slices, shiitake mushrooms, and hoisin sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the ginger slices and shiitake mushrooms (if used) before adding the wontons.
  4. Cook the Wontons: Once the broth is ready, gently add the wontons into the simmering broth, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook the wontons for about 4-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the filling is cooked through.
  5. Serve: Carefully ladle the wontons and broth into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced green onions, and a few dashes of chili oil for extra flavor if desired.

Nutrition (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

  • Calories: ~300-350 kcal
  • Protein: ~20-25 g
  • Fat: ~15-18 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30-35 g
  • Fiber: ~2-4 g
  • Sugars: ~4-6 g
  • Sodium: ~800-1,000 mg (depending on soy sauce and broth used)
  • Vitamin A: ~15% of the Daily Value (from cilantro)
  • Vitamin C: ~20% of the Daily Value (from cilantro and green onions)

Notes:

  • For a vegetarian version, use finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or just vegetables for the filling.
  • Wonton wrappers can be found at most Asian grocery stores, but you can also make your own for an authentic touch.
  • You can freeze any leftover wontons before cooking by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, just drop them straight into the simmering broth from frozen!

Enjoy your Wonton Symphony—a dish that’s as beautiful in its flavors