After a long day, there’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup—and for me, few dishes hit the spot quite like a steaming bowl of wonton soup. This Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonton Soup has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I need something cozy, delicious, and satisfying in under 30 minutes. Whether I’m battling a chilly evening or just craving something that tastes like a hug in a bowl, this soup always delivers.

What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. With frozen wontons and a few pantry staples, I can whip this up in a flash. It doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience, either—the broth is rich and aromatic, the wontons are tender and juicy, and the colorful veggies bring a fresh crunch. It’s the perfect balance of quick, comforting, and downright crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonton Soup

This recipe shines when you need a nourishing meal in a hurry. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, when takeout feels too slow and you need something wholesome. The soup is deeply satisfying but not heavy, thanks to a broth that’s both savory and soothing. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—use whatever vegetables you have on hand, choose your favorite type of wontons, and spice it up or down as you please.

Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding the family, or impressing guests with minimal effort, this wonton soup is guaranteed to become a staple. The flavors are bold, the method is simple, and the payoff is pure comfort.

What Kind of Wontons Should I Use?

You have a lot of freedom when it comes to the type of wontons for this soup, which makes it even more convenient. Personally, I tend to grab frozen wontons from the grocery store—pork and shrimp or chicken and vegetable are my favorites for this recipe. They’re pre-made, flavorful, and cook perfectly in broth.

If you have a bit more time, you can make your own wontons from scratch using store-bought wrappers and a homemade filling. This adds a personal touch, and you can experiment with flavors like ground turkey with ginger or tofu and mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Whatever you choose, make sure your wontons are small enough to fit comfortably on a spoon for that perfect bite.

Options for Substitutions

This soup is wonderfully flexible, and you can substitute based on what’s in your kitchen:

Wontons: Substitute with dumplings, gyoza, or even tortellini for a creative twist.
Broth: While chicken broth is a classic choice, vegetable broth or mushroom broth also work beautifully for a vegetarian spin.
Vegetables: I love tossing in julienned carrots, napa cabbage, baby spinach, or bok choy. No fresh veggies? Frozen peas, corn, or edamame are excellent too.
Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos or tamari make great alternatives for gluten-free needs.
Chili Oil or Paste: Swap with sriracha, sambal oelek, or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.

This recipe’s forgiving nature makes it ideal for using up odds and ends in the fridge without compromising flavor.

Ingredients for This Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonton Soup

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building flavor, texture, and that signature comforting feel. Here’s what makes this soup come to life:

Wontons
The star of the dish. These little flavor-packed parcels bring protein, texture, and heartiness. Use frozen for convenience or homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
Chicken Broth
Acts as the foundation of the soup. Opt for low-sodium so you can control the salt level, but make sure it’s rich and savory—this is where the depth comes from.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic adds bold, aromatic flavor to the broth and balances out the richness of the wontons.
Ginger
Sliced or grated, ginger brings a bright, slightly spicy warmth that makes this soup incredibly comforting and refreshing.
Soy Sauce
Adds umami and saltiness to elevate the broth. It ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
Sesame Oil
Just a splash at the end adds a toasty, nutty aroma that takes the soup to the next level.
Scallions (Green Onions)
These bring color, crunch, and a sharp bite that contrasts well with the soft wontons.
Carrots
Thinly sliced or julienned, carrots add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of vibrant color.
Baby Spinach or Bok Choy
For freshness and nutrients. These leafy greens wilt down perfectly in the hot broth and lighten the overall dish.
Chili Oil (optional)
For a little kick. Just a drizzle adds a spicy edge that complements the savory broth.

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Start by peeling and slicing your carrots into thin rounds or matchsticks. Wash and chop the bok choy (or spinach) and finely slice the scallions. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smooth and fast.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Don’t let them brown—this step is just to release their aroma and flavor into the oil.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is your chance to balance the salty and savory notes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the broth with the aromatics.

Step 4: Add the Wontons

Carefully drop the frozen or fresh wontons into the simmering broth. Stir gently so they don’t stick together or to the bottom. Let them cook according to package directions—usually 5–7 minutes for frozen, or until they float and the wrappers look translucent.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Toss in your carrots first and cook for 2 minutes to soften slightly. Then add the leafy greens and let them wilt into the soup—this takes less than a minute. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and remove the pot from heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each one gets a generous helping of broth, wontons, and veggies. Top with sliced scallions and a few drops of chili oil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful.

How Long to Cook the Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonton Soup

The beauty of this soup is how quickly it comes together. From prep to serving, you’re looking at around 25 to 30 minutes total:

Prep time: 10 minutes for chopping and gathering ingredients.
Cooking the aromatics and broth: 5 minutes.
Cooking wontons: 5–7 minutes (depending on whether they’re fresh or frozen).
Vegetables: Another 2–3 minutes, just to tenderize.

It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner, but flavorful enough to make you feel like you ordered from your favorite takeout spot.

Tips for Perfect Wonton Soup

Here’s how to make sure your soup comes out perfectly every single time:

Don’t Overcook the Wontons
Wontons cook quickly, especially if they’re fresh. Once they float and look slightly translucent, they’re ready. Overcooking can cause them to fall apart.
Use Low-Sodium Broth
It gives you more control over the salt level, especially with soy sauce already in the mix.
Add Greens at the End
Leafy greens only need a minute or two to cook. Add them last so they stay bright and tender, not mushy.
Layer Flavors Early
Sautéing garlic and ginger at the start builds a deep base of flavor that’s far more satisfying than just adding them raw to the broth.
Customize the Heat
Not everyone loves spicy food, so keep the chili oil optional. Add it to individual bowls rather than the whole pot if serving a group.
Use Tongs for Wontons
To gently transfer and serve wontons without tearing them, use tongs or a slotted spoon.
Taste As You Go
The broth is everything—taste it before adding the wontons, and again before serving, to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a recipe as easy as this one, a few small missteps can affect the final dish. Here’s what to watch for:

Boiling Instead of Simmering the Broth
A rolling boil can break apart your wontons and make your broth cloudy. Keep it at a gentle simmer for best results.
Adding Vegetables Too Early
Overcooked veggies lose their color and texture. Add them near the end to keep them vibrant and slightly crisp.
Crowding the Pot
Cooking too many wontons at once can cause them to stick together. If needed, cook them in batches.
Skipping the Taste Test
Every broth brand is different. Taste before you add soy sauce, and adjust seasoning as needed to avoid an overly salty soup.
Overcooking Wontons
They only need to cook until they float. Leaving them too long can make them gummy or fall apart.
Not Prepping Ingredients First
This soup moves quickly. Having your ingredients ready to go makes the process stress-free and smooth.
Neglecting the Garnish
A sprinkle of scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil or chili oil really finishes the dish with flavor and color. Don’t skip it!
Using Bland Broth
The broth is the soul of this soup. If your broth tastes flat, a splash of soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, or a few drops of fish sauce can wake it up.

What to Serve With Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonton Soup

This soup can definitely stand on its own, but if you want to turn it into a fuller meal, here are some tasty ideas:

1. Steamed Dumplings

Pair with extra dumplings filled with veggies or pork for a cozy, hearty dinner.

2. Fried Rice

A scoop of classic fried rice (chicken, shrimp, or veggie) makes an excellent, satisfying side.

3. Cucumber Salad

A refreshing, crunchy cucumber salad with sesame dressing balances out the warm, rich broth.

4. Spring Rolls

Light, crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables add texture and flavor contrast.

5. Stir-Fried Greens

Bok choy, Chinese broccoli, or snow peas stir-fried in garlic complement the soup beautifully.

6. Edamame

Simple steamed edamame tossed with sea salt is an easy, protein-rich snack to enjoy alongside.

7. Pickled Vegetables

Pickled radishes or kimchi add a zesty, bright counterpoint to the savory soup.

8. Sweet Sesame Balls

End on a sweet note with sesame balls or a light mango sorbet for a complete meal experience.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonton Soup is how well it keeps for later! If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigerator:
Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Pro tip: If possible, store the wontons separately from the broth. This keeps them from becoming too soft or soggy.
Freezer:
You can freeze the broth and veggies for up to 2 months, but avoid freezing cooked wontons—they tend to fall apart upon reheating. If you want freezer-friendly prep, store uncooked wontons separately and cook them fresh when reheating the broth.
Reheating:
Warm the broth gently over medium heat on the stove. If reheating already-cooked wontons, do so carefully—just enough to heat them through without overcooking.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values for one hearty serving of this wonton soup (approximately 1½ cups):

Calories: 280–350 (depending on wonton filling and vegetable amounts)
Protein: 15–18g
Fat: 8–10g
Carbohydrates: 30–35g
Fiber: 3–5g
Sugar: 3–4g
Sodium: 900–1200mg (use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to reduce)

Please note: These numbers are estimates and can vary depending on the brands you use and any substitutions or additions you make.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh wontons instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh wontons cook even faster—usually in just 3–4 minutes. Just make sure to gently stir them to prevent sticking.

2. What vegetables work best in wonton soup?

Tender greens like spinach, bok choy, or napa cabbage are fantastic. You can also add sliced carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas for extra texture and color.

3. How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth and choose veggie-filled wontons. You can even add tofu cubes for extra protein.

4. Can I add noodles to this soup?

Yes! Thin egg noodles or rice noodles can be added to make it even heartier. Just cook them separately and add them to the bowl before ladling in the soup.

5. What’s the best way to make the broth more flavorful?

Sautéing fresh garlic and ginger first makes a big difference. You can also add a splash of fish sauce, a pinch of sugar, or a few slices of shiitake mushrooms to deepen the flavor.

6. Is it okay to make this soup ahead of time?

You can prepare the broth and vegetables in advance. Just cook the wontons fresh when you’re ready to serve to keep their texture perfect.

7. Can I spice up the broth?

Definitely! Add a bit of chili oil, a few slices of fresh chili, or a spoonful of sambal oelek if you like a spicier kick.

8. How do I prevent my wontons from falling apart?

Handle them gently when stirring, and avoid overcooking. Once they float and turn slightly translucent, they’re done.

Conclusion

Quick, comforting, and unbelievably satisfying—this Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonton Soup truly checks all the boxes for a perfect meal. I love how simple it is to pull together even on the busiest of nights, and how customizable it becomes depending on what’s lurking in the fridge. Whether you need a fast dinner idea, a cozy lunch option, or just a big bowl of pure comfort, this soup delivers every time.

Now that you have everything you need to make it, I can’t wait for you to ladle up a warm, flavorful bowl and experience just how wonderful a “weeknight” meal can really be.