Tom Yum Wonton Soup

A vibrant Asian fusion soup combining the zesty, aromatic flavors of Thai tom yum with delicate Chinese-style wontons, resulting in a clear, spicy, and tangy broth filled with tender dumplings. This dish represents a beautiful marriage between two iconic culinary traditions, offering a refreshing and deeply satisfying meal that is both dairy-free and packed with protein.

Pin It

This soup is a sensory delight, featuring a clear broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and galangal. Each spoonful offers a contrast between the silky, tender wonton wrappers and the punchy, aromatic broth, making it a medium-difficulty dish that rewards the effort of assembly with high-impact flavor.

Ingredients

• Wontons: 200 g ground pork (or chicken), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 garlic clove (minced), 1 spring onion (finely chopped), 1/4 tsp white pepper, 20 wonton wrappers.
• Tom Yum Broth: 1.5 liters chicken stock (low-sodium), 3 stalks lemongrass (trimmed and smashed), 4 kaffir lime leaves (torn), 4 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable), 2 red chilies (sliced), 200 g mushrooms (sliced), 2 medium tomatoes (quartered), 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp sugar, 100 g baby bok choy or spinach, 100 g peeled shrimp (optional).
• Garnishes: Fresh coriander leaves, sliced spring onions, lime wedges, chili oil (optional).

Instructions

1. Make the Wontons

In a bowl, combine ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, spring onion, and white pepper. Mix well. Place 1 tsp filling in the center of each wonton wrapper, moisten the edges with water, fold and seal into triangles or envelopes. Set aside under a damp cloth.

2. Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, bring chicken stock to a simmer. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies. Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.

3. Simmer Vegetables

Add mushrooms and tomatoes to the broth. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves with a slotted spoon.

4. Season the Soup

Add fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime or fish sauce if desired.

5. Cook Wontons and Shrimp

Gently add the wontons and shrimp (if using) to the simmering broth. Cook for 4–5 minutes until wontons float and shrimp are pink.

6. Wilt Greens

Add bok choy or spinach and simmer for 1 minute until wilted.

7. Finish and Serve

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with coriander, spring onions, lime wedges, and a drizzle of chili oil if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the perfect balance, adjust the chili and lime to taste at the very end of cooking for your desired level of spiciness and tang. When assembling the wontons, keep them under a damp cloth to prevent the wrappers from drying out before they hit the broth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version: Use tofu in the wonton filling, use vegetable stock for the broth, and omit the fish sauce and shrimp. Substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari to maintain the savory depth of the soup.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup with a side of steamed jasmine rice for a heartier meal. Ensure you provide extra lime wedges at the table so each diner can customize the acidity of their bowl. The soup is best enjoyed immediately while the wontons are at their most tender.

Pin It

This meal provides a balanced nutritional profile with 320 calories and 21 g of protein per serving. Whether you are seeking a light lunch or a vibrant dinner, this Tom Yum Wonton Soup brings the best of Thai-Chinese fusion straight to your table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make the wontons ahead of time?

Yes, prepare wontons up to 24 hours in advance. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover with a damp cloth, and refrigerate. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.

→ What can I substitute for galangal?

Fresh ginger works well as a substitute for galangal, though it has a slightly different flavor profile. Use the same amount as called for in the broth. Galangal has a more citrusy, piney taste while ginger is more pungent and spicy.

→ How spicy is this soup?

The spice level is adjustable. The base version with 2 red chilies offers moderate heat. Reduce to 1 chili for mild heat, or increase to 3-4 for extra spicy. You can also remove the chili seeds to reduce intensity while maintaining flavor.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms for the wonton filling, substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock, and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari. Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like baby corn or snap peas.

→ What type of mushrooms work best?

Shiitake mushrooms provide the most authentic flavor with their meaty texture and umami depth. Button or cremini mushrooms work well too. Oyster mushrooms add a delicate touch, while enoki mushrooms offer visual appeal and tender bite.

→ How do I prevent wontons from sticking together?

Keep uncooked wontons separated on a lightly floured surface and covered with a damp cloth. When cooking, add them one at a time to gently simmering (not rapidly boiling) broth, and stir gently once or twice to prevent sticking to the pot bottom.