Easy Wonton Soup Recipe

Easy Wonton Soup delivers comforting, restaurant-quality flavor in just 15 minutes using simple pantry staples and frozen dumplings. While it’s delicious on its own for a light meal, it also makes the perfect starter course alongside a bolder main dish like my popular Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack.

Easy Wonton Soup That Tastes Better Than Takeout

When my evenings get hectic and all I crave is comfort in a bowl, this easy wonton soup saves the day. I’m Chef Adriana, and this is one of my go-to weeknight recipes — light, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes. The best part? It tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot, without leaving your kitchen. My husband always says it’s better than the restaurants!

If you’re already a fan of fast Asian-style meals, you’ll also love these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles — they make the perfect pairing if you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a cozy, noodle-filled night in.

This quick and easy wonton soup recipe has become a repeat favorite not just for the taste but for the total lack of stress it brings. No fancy prep, no need to fold your own dumplings, and no reason to skip flavor. You’ll use store-bought broth, jazz it up with pantry staples like soy sauce and sesame oil, and drop in frozen wontons to let them cook straight in the pot.

And let’s talk about that broth. I’ll show you how to make it taste restaurant-worthy using ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re a new cook or a seasoned home chef, you’ll be able to pull this off with ease.

Let’s get into why this soup deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why Easy Wonton Soup Is My Weeknight Lifesaver

You know those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to deal with delivery fees or the mess of a complicated recipe? That’s where easy wonton soup comes in. I originally made this out of desperation — a bag of frozen wontons, some broth, and a craving for something warm. It worked so well, it became a staple.

What I love is how customizable it is. Sometimes I toss in baby spinach, other nights I add shrimp or leftover chicken. It all works in one pot. And the fact that it’s done in 15 minutes? That’s the kind of weeknight win every home cook needs.

What Makes This Wonton Soup So Fast and Flavorful

This isn’t your average watery soup. We start with a shortcut broth that punches way above its weight, thanks to toasted sesame oil, white pepper, garlic, and ginger. Add in a splash of soy sauce and you’re golden.

Then the star: frozen wontons. No folding, no mess — just toss them in and let them simmer gently. The broth infuses them with flavor, and they’re ready by the time you’ve cleaned up your prep area.

If you’ve got 15 minutes, you’ve got a bowl of soul-warming easy wonton soup ready to go.

The 15-Minute Shortcut: Using Frozen Wontons

How to Use Frozen Wontons for a No-Fail Soup

If there’s one shortcut that’s completely changed the game for my weeknight dinners, it’s frozen wontons. You don’t need to spend time wrapping anything or planning ahead. Just grab a bag from the freezer, and you’re already halfway to this cozy one pot wonton soup.

Most grocery stores carry pork, chicken, or veggie wontons in the freezer section. They’re fully prepared and cook directly in the broth — no separate boiling needed. That’s why this recipe works in just 15 minutes from fridge to table.

Here’s the method: once your flavorful broth is simmering, gently add in the frozen wontons. Let them cook uncovered for about 5 to 6 minutes until they float and become tender. That’s it. No draining, no second pot, and no mess.

Pair this easy wonton soup with something crispy for a full meal — I love serving it with Honey Garlic Shrimp. The sweet-savory glaze balances the lightness of the soup perfectly. And if you’re dipping, don’t skip the Bang Bang Sauce on the side. It adds a spicy kick that takes everything to the next level.

With frozen wontons and a few pantry staples, you can serve a meal that looks impressive and tastes like it took hours.

Can’t Find Wontons? Try the Potsticker Soup Hack

Here’s a little chef trick that’s saved me more than once: when the store is out of wontons, grab a pack of potstickers (aka gyoza). Yes, seriously. They work just as well in this recipe and sometimes even better depending on your texture preference.

Potstickers typically have thicker wrappers than wontons, which hold up beautifully in hot broth without falling apart. If you’re using frozen potstickers, cook them just like you would wontons — straight into the simmering soup, no pre-thawing needed.

This variation gives you a heartier, chewier bite while keeping the recipe just as fast and easy. It’s a brilliant hack for anyone who loves dumpling soup but doesn’t want the prep.

I’ve used this shortcut for years, and guests can never tell the difference. They’re too busy sipping the rich broth and scooping up dumplings to care.

Whether you use wontons or potstickers, this soup delivers all the comfort with none of the complication.

How to Make a Restaurant-Quality Broth in Minutes

Flavor Boosters You Already Have in Your Kitchen

The real secret to elevating this easy wonton soup isn’t in the wontons — it’s all in the broth. Frozen dumplings need a flavor-packed base to shine, and luckily, it’s incredibly simple to build a crave-worthy broth from scratch with just a few kitchen staples.

Start with low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable, if you’re keeping it meat-free). Then, add sliced fresh ginger, a couple of smashed garlic cloves, and a splash of soy sauce. These simple ingredients create depth fast. Toasted sesame oil is your final flavor bomb — just a teaspoon adds that iconic nutty aroma you love in restaurant-style soups.

White pepper is another must-have. It gives a subtle, earthy heat that’s gentler than black pepper but makes a huge difference in flavor. A few shakes go a long way.

This shortcut broth comes together in 5 minutes, but it tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon. And the best part? It’s flexible. Add scallions, bok choy, or a dash of rice vinegar if you want to mix things up. No rules — just flavor.

Looking for another broth-forward dinner idea? Try my Detox Cabbage Turkey Soup next. It’s light but full of savory depth — perfect if you’re craving a change of pace.

The Secret Combo: Ginger, Garlic & Sesame

This is the flavor trio that turns plain broth into something magical. Ginger gives you warmth, garlic delivers punch, and sesame oil rounds it all out with richness. I never skip them — even if I’m short on time.

Here’s how I do it: I heat a little sesame oil in the pot before adding the broth. Then I toss in minced garlic and sliced ginger and let them sizzle for just 30 seconds. That step alone transforms the base and fills the kitchen with the most irresistible smell.

Sometimes, I add a pinch of sugar to balance everything, especially if I’m using low-sodium broth. A small touch makes the flavors pop without making the soup sweet.

This broth is mild and comforting, which makes it the perfect starter for a bolder main dish. Serve a small bowl alongside my crispy Bang Bang Chicken for a dinner that hits every flavor note—soft and brothy meets crispy and spicy.

Once you learn this broth method, you’ll want to use it for everything from ramen to rice bowls.

Easy Add-Ins to Make It a Complete Meal

Add Veggies, Shrimp, or Chicken Without Extra Time

One of the best things about this easy wonton soup recipe with chicken or shrimp is how effortlessly you can bulk it up. Whether you want more protein or some greens for balance, you’ve got options — and none of them require extra prep time.

Frozen spinach, chopped bok choy, napa cabbage, or shredded carrots can be tossed right into the simmering broth with the wontons. They cook in minutes and make the soup feel more substantial without complicating it.

For protein, I like to add shredded rotisserie chicken — it’s already cooked, so it just needs to be warmed in the broth. If you’re using raw shrimp, drop them in while the wontons cook. They’ll turn pink and tender in about 3 minutes.

This is also the perfect solution for those “clean out the fridge” nights. A handful of mushrooms, leftover roasted veggies, or even a cracked egg (for a silky egg-drop finish) can take the flavor to new heights.

Need another comforting recipe that uses cooked chicken? My Leftover Turkey Orzo Soup works beautifully with rotisserie leftovers too.

Make It a Takeout-Style Dinner Menu at Home

When I’m feeding guests or just want to feel a little fancy on a Tuesday, I serve this soup as the opener to a full “better-than-takeout” dinner. Think of it like your own Asian bistro night — but faster and healthier.

Pair this soup with Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack and a light cucumber salad or jasmine rice. Suddenly, dinner feels special, even if it was all made in 30 minutes.

Quick, filling, flexible — this is why this soup never leaves my dinner rotation.

Smart Leftover Hacks & Wonton Wrapper Ideas

Don’t Waste the Rest of the Pack!

One of the quirks of buying frozen wontons or wrappers is that you’re often left with extras. And if you’ve ever stared at half a pack of wonton wrappers wondering what to do with them — I’ve got you covered.

Don’t let them dry out or get tossed. Wonton wrappers are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into sweet treats or savory snacks in just minutes. They’re basically blank canvases for creativity.

When I make easy wonton soup, I usually reserve a few wrappers to whip up a quick appetizer or dessert while the soup simmers. A go-to in our house? My crispy, golden Deep Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons. They’re creamy, crunchy, and only take a few ingredients — the perfect sweet finish after a light bowl of soup.

Wonton wrappers also freeze well, so if you’re not using them immediately, wrap them tightly and store them for up to 2 months. Just defrost them in the fridge overnight before your next recipe.

Easy Appetizers and Sweet Bites with Wonton Wrappers

Beyond dessert, these little squares can become everything from crispy chips to party appetizers. One of my favorite savory options is a spooky seasonal bite: Jalapeño Popper Mummies. They’re wrapped in wonton dough, filled with creamy, spicy cheese, and baked until golden. Kids love them, adults devour them — and you’ll feel smart for not letting anything go to waste.

This is the kind of cooking that feels good: no stress, no waste, and full of flavor. Wonton soup doesn’t have to be a single-use meal — let it inspire the rest of your night.

Serving Ideas: What Goes with Easy Wonton Soup?

Crunchy, Sweet, and Spicy Sides for Balance

Easy wonton soup is light, savory, and full of comforting broth — which makes it ideal for pairing with contrasting sides. You want something crisp, sweet, or spicy to balance the softness of the soup and create a more satisfying meal.

One of my top recommendations is Hawaiian Coleslaw. It’s bright, slightly tangy, and adds just the right amount of crunch to contrast the delicate wontons. This combo is a staple in my house when we’re craving takeout but don’t want the extra sodium or grease.

Looking for more protein or something cozy to stretch the meal? Try adding a second bowl — Butternut Squash and Sausage Tortellini Soup makes a fantastic duo dish when you’re serving guests or hungry teens. The rich, creamy tortellini soup complements the clean, gingery flavor of the wonton broth beautifully.

This pairing strategy also works great for meal prep. Double the soup batch, prep a salad or slaw on the side, and you’ve got multiple meals sorted with barely any cleanup.

Best Pairings from the “Better Than Takeout” Menu

If you want to take your easy wonton soup to the next level, build out a full takeout-style menu right at home. It’s faster, cheaper, and honestly more delicious.

Start with the soup, then bring in a bold main dish like Bang Bang Chicken — its crispy, spicy crunch is a perfect foil to the silky broth. Add in steamed rice or sautéed veggies, and your dinner will rival anything you’d order in.

Short on time? No problem. The soup pairs perfectly with Honey Garlic Shrimp and a simple salad. You’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar with barely any effort.

Create your own mix-and-match menu, and suddenly, this 15-minute soup becomes the foundation of a vibrant, satisfying dinner your family will ask for again and again.

Chef Adriana’s Final Tips

Make It Yours: Customizing Heat, Texture & Add-ins

Here’s what I love most about this easy wonton soup: it bends to your taste, your schedule, and whatever you have in the fridge. Once you’ve mastered the quick broth base and the frozen dumpling trick, the rest is up to you.

Like it spicy? A spoonful of chili crisp or a drizzle of sriracha can take the flavor to a whole new level. Prefer tangy? A splash of rice vinegar or a dash of lime juice does the trick. Want to thicken it up? Crack an egg into the simmering broth and stir gently for a homemade egg drop swirl.

The broth and wontons give you a base. What you build from there is entirely up to your taste and your night. You can even play with textures — toss in crunchy water chestnuts or bean sprouts for contrast, or go with silky napa cabbage for extra depth.

If you enjoy experimenting with Asian-style soups, my Green Detox Broth Recipe is a must-try. It’s a lighter, herb-infused option that works beautifully for resets and feel-good dinners.

When to Make a Big Batch and Freeze the Rest

While this one pot wonton soup is fast enough to make fresh every time, it’s smart to prep the broth in advance. I like to double or triple the broth and freeze it in quart-size containers. Then, all I have to do is bring it to a simmer and add fresh or frozen wontons straight from the freezer.

You can even freeze individual portions of the full soup (broth + wontons) in meal-prep containers. Just know that the dumplings may soften slightly when reheated, so keep them slightly undercooked if you plan to freeze.

This method is also great for those “what’s for lunch?” moments — heat, pour, enjoy.

And if you’re already thinking about what else to do with leftover broth, try my Leftover Turkey Orzo Soup. It’s another cozy classic that transforms leftovers into gold.

Once you get into the habit of keeping homemade broth on hand, you’ll never reach for store-bought again.

FAQ: Easy Wonton Soup

Print

Conclusion

This easy wonton soup recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just 15 minutes, a handful of pantry staples, and a bag of frozen wontons, you can serve a flavorful, soul-soothing bowl that tastes better than takeout — and costs less, too.

It’s endlessly customizable, one-pot, and perfect for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or dinner guests. You can make it spicy, bulk it up with veggies, or pair it with crispy shrimp or saucy noodles for a full meal.

Once you try it, you’ll never want to order out again.

For more inspiration, check out this classic Wonton Soup recipe on Skinnytaste
— and then come back to try all the variations we’ve shared here.

Happy cooking!

— Chef Adriana