Name: Deconstructed Wonton Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chopped green onions (white and green parts separated); 1 pound (450g) ground pork; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 6 cups chicken broth (or low-sodium chicken stock); 4 to 5 baby bok choy, halved or quartered; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; Optional: chili oil for serving

Why You’ll Love Deconstructed Wonton Soup Recipe

It delivers classic wonton soup flavor — savory broth, tender wrappers, juicy meat, and fresh greens — in a fraction of the time.
The deconstructed approach saves time and effort without sacrificing flavor.
It’s flexible: swap in different proteins, vegetables, or add chili oil for heat.
It’s a one-pot meal with minimal cleanup.
The contrast in textures — silky wrappers, flavorful meatballs, and crisp greens — makes every bite satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Filling:
ground pork
grated ginger
minced green onion
Shaoxing wine
light soy sauce
cornstarch
salt
toasted sesame oil

Soup:
chicken stock
light soy sauce
large slices of fresh ginger
baby bok choy
wonton wrappers
sliced scallions
white pepper
toasted sesame oil

Directions

In a bowl, mix all filling ingredients until the meat becomes slightly sticky.
In a medium pot, bring chicken stock and ginger slices to a gentle simmer; add soy sauce.
Drop 1-tablespoon portions of the pork mixture into the simmering broth. Cook until they float, then continue for 1 more minute. Skim off any foam.
Add baby bok choy and cook for 1–2 minutes until tender.
Add wonton wrappers one at a time (or in small batches) to avoid sticking. Cook for 1 minute.
Turn off the heat, stir in scallions, white pepper, and sesame oil.
Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Swap the meat: Use ground chicken, turkey, or beef for different flavors.
Vegetable variations: Try spinach, choy sum, Chinese broccoli, zucchini, or broccoli.
Spicy version: Add chili oil, chili crisp, or more white pepper for extra heat.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free wrappers or rice paper and substitute tamari for soy sauce.
No wrappers: Skip them and enjoy the meatballs with greens and rice or noodles.

Storage/Reheating

Best enjoyed fresh, as wonton wrappers continue to soften and may disintegrate.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock or water if needed.
Freezing is not recommended once wrappers are added. For freezing, store the broth and meatballs only, and add fresh wrappers when reheating.

FAQs

What type of stock should I use?

A good-quality chicken stock, either homemade or store-bought, works best for full flavor.

Can I prepare the meatball filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to cook.

Can I use frozen wonton wrappers?

Yes, just thaw and separate them before adding to prevent clumping.

How do I stop the wrappers from sticking together?

Add wrappers one at a time or in small batches, and stir gently to separate.

What if my meatballs fall apart in the soup?

Let them cook undisturbed until they float. Cornstarch helps bind the mixture.

Can I use noodles instead of wrappers?

Yes, but cook noodles separately to avoid clouding the broth.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

You can use tofu or finely chopped mushrooms in place of pork and use vegetable stock.

How do I make sure the greens stay crisp?

Add them at the end of cooking and cook only briefly, 1–2 minutes.

Can I make this soup ahead for meal prep?

You can prep the broth and meatballs in advance. Store components separately and assemble just before serving.

Why is the cooking time so short?

The small meatballs and thin wrappers cook quickly, making this a fast and easy meal.

Conclusion

Deconstructed wonton soup is everything you love about traditional wonton soup — the rich broth, tender meat, and satisfying textures — but without the time-consuming prep. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving comfort in a bowl, this quick one-pot meal brings simplicity and flavor together beautifully.