If you crave a soup that bursts with vibrant flavors, balancing spicy, sour, and savory notes, this Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Combining tender wontons filled with seasoned pork or chicken with a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, this dish brings a delightful Thai twist to your kitchen. It’s a comforting, aromatic bowl that feels both exotic and approachable, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring any day you need a flavorful escape.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, contributing unique flavors and textures that build the soul of this soup. From the aromatic spices to the fresh vegetables and delicate proteins, these simple components come together beautifully to create something truly special.
- Ground pork or chicken (7 oz): This is the hearty filling that makes each wonton deliciously savory and tender.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami depth and saltiness to the wonton filling.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle nutty aroma that lifts the meat mixture.
- Grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and a touch of spice into the filling.
- Minced garlic (1 clove): Provides a pungent burst of flavor that complements the ginger perfectly.
- Finely chopped spring onion (1): Adds a mild onion sharpness and texture.
- White pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers gentle heat without overpowering the other spices.
- Wonton wrappers (20): Thin, tender dough that encases the filling and cooks to delicate perfection.
- Low-sodium chicken stock (6.3 cups): The base of the broth, rich but light enough to let the aromatics shine.
- Lemongrass stalks (3, trimmed and smashed): Provides bright citrus notes and fresh fragrance.
- Kaffir lime leaves (4, torn): Imparts a unique citrus herbal essence that defines Tom Yum soup.
- Galangal or ginger slices (4): Adds zingy warmth and earthiness to the broth.
- Red chilies (2, sliced): Lends a spicy kick and vibrant color.
- Mushrooms (7 oz, sliced): Contributes an earthy, umami-rich texture.
- Medium tomatoes (2, quartered): Adds subtle sweetness and acidity to balance flavors.
- Fish sauce (3 tablespoons): The salty, savory elixir that perfectly seasons the broth.
- Fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons): Brings essential brightness and tartness to the soup.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the sour and spicy elements to harmonize the broth.
- Baby bok choy or spinach (3.5 oz): Adds a fresh green bite and vibrant color at the end.
- Peeled shrimp (3.5 oz, optional): For a seafood twist that boosts the protein and flavor.
- Fresh coriander leaves: Finishing herb that adds fragrant freshness.
- Sliced spring onions: Offers a crisp, mild oniony crunch as garnish.
- Lime wedges: Extra zing for serving, so everyone can adjust acidity to taste.
- Chili oil (optional): For those who want to dial up the heat with a colorful drizzle.
How to Make Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Filling
Start by mixing the ground pork or chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped spring onion, and white pepper in a bowl. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined and fragrant. This filling will be the flavorful center of your wontons and sets the tone for the entire soup.
Step 2: Assemble Wontons
Take each wonton wrapper and place about one teaspoon of the filling in the center. Use a little water to moisten the edges, then fold the wrapper into triangles or envelopes, pressing firmly to seal. Keep your assembled wontons covered with a damp cloth so they don’t dry out while you prepare the soup base.
Step 3: Infuse the Broth Base
Bring the chicken stock to a gentle simmer in a large pot. Add the lemongrass stalks, torn kaffir lime leaves, galangal or ginger slices, and sliced red chilies. Let the broth simmer gently for about 10 minutes to extract those bold, aromatic flavors that define this Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Next, stir in the sliced mushrooms and quartered tomatoes. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their natural flavors. Afterward, use a slotted spoon to remove the lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves from the broth to avoid any overpowering bitterness.
Step 5: Season the Broth
Now it’s time to bring it all together by adding fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and sugar. Mix well, then taste and adjust these seasonings as needed. The delicate balance between salty, sour, and sweet is the heartbeat of this Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe, so take your time making it perfect.
Step 6: Cook Wontons and Shrimp
Gently add the prepared wontons to the broth, along with peeled shrimp if you’re including them. Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes—until the wontons float to the surface and the shrimp turn a beautiful pink. This signals that everything is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
Step 7: Finish with Greens
Finally, toss in your baby bok choy or spinach and stir through the soup. Let the greens wilt for about one minute, adding vibrant color and fresh flavor to round out the dish.
Step 8: Serve the Soup
Ladle the steaming hot soup into bowls, making sure everyone gets a good share of wontons, shrimp, and greens. This is your moment to shine as you add fresh coriander leaves, sliced spring onions, lime wedges, and an optional drizzle of chili oil to personalize every bowl.
How to Serve Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is what brings this Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe to life visually and flavor-wise. The fresh coriander leaves add an herbal brightness, while the sliced spring onions contribute a subtle crunch and mild onion flavor. Lime wedges offer the perfect finishing touch, letting everyone add extra zing if desired. And for those who crave a bit more heat, a drizzle of chili oil creates a vibrant, spicy swirl on the surface.
Side Dishes
Although this soup is beautifully filling on its own, pairing it with simple jasmine rice or lightly steamed greens can create a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Crispy Thai spring rolls or a fresh papaya salad make wonderful side options that complement the tangy soup with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual steaming bowls or rustic ceramic mugs to keep the warmth intact while showcasing the colorful ingredients. You can also add edible flowers or finely sliced red chili ribbons on top for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation that will impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe—and it’s hard not to—you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors may intensify overnight, making the next day’s serving even more delicious.
Freezing
While it’s ideal to enjoy this soup fresh, you can freeze the cooked broth separately without the wontons or greens for up to 2 months. Freeze in portioned containers and add fresh wontons and greens when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the broth gently on the stove until simmering, then add fresh or refrigerated wontons and greens, cooking until tender once again. Avoid microwaving as the wontons may become rubbery or overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought wontons instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Pre-made wontons are a convenient shortcut, but making your own lets you control the flavors and freshness, which really elevates the Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe.
What can I substitute for kaffir lime leaves if I can’t find them?
If kaffir lime leaves aren’t available, you can use a combination of lime zest and bay leaves as a mild substitute, but it won’t have quite the same distinctive aroma.
Is it necessary to use shrimp in this soup?
No, shrimp is optional—feel free to leave it out or swap for tofu or additional mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version without losing flavor.
How spicy is this Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe?
The soup has a gentle heat from the sliced red chilies, but you control the spice level by adjusting the amount or adding chili oil at the end. It’s flavorful without overwhelming heat.
Can I prepare the wontons ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble wontons a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just let them come to room temperature briefly before cooking to ensure they don’t stick together.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the harmony of flavors in this Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe that keeps me coming back to it over and over. It’s a fabulous way to bring a little Thai magic into your home kitchen without requiring exotic skills or complicated steps. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this vibrant, comforting soup as much as I do—it’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a soul-warming yet refreshingly bright meal.
Print
Tom Yum Wonton Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Tom Yum Wonton Soup is a fragrant and flavorful Thai-inspired soup combining aromatic herbs, tender wontons filled with seasoned pork or chicken, and fresh vegetables in a spicy, tangy broth. This comforting soup is perfect for a warming meal and features the classic bold flavors of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal enhanced with fresh chili and lime juice.
Ingredients
Wonton Filling
- 7 oz ground pork or chicken
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 spring onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 20 wonton wrappers
Broth and Soup
- 6.3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 3 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 4 slices galangal or ginger
- 2 red chilies, sliced
- 7 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3.5 oz baby bok choy or spinach
- 3.5 oz peeled shrimp, optional
Garnish
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Sliced spring onions
- Lime wedges
- Chili oil, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Wonton Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork or chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, finely chopped spring onion, and white pepper. Stir thoroughly until well combined and set aside.
- Assemble Wontons: Place about 1 teaspoon of the prepared filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges with water and fold the wrapper into a triangle or envelope shape, pressing firmly to seal tightly. Keep the assembled wontons covered under a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- Infuse Broth Base: In a large pot, bring the low-sodium chicken stock to a gentle simmer. Add smashed lemongrass stalks, torn kaffir lime leaves, slices of galangal or ginger, and sliced red chilies. Maintain a gentle simmer for 10 minutes to allow the aromatic herbs to infuse the broth deeply.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms and quartered tomatoes to the simmering broth. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to soften the vegetables. Then remove the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves using a slotted spoon.
- Season Broth: Stir in the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and sugar. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional fish sauce or lime juice to achieve the ideal balance of spicy, salty, and tangy flavors.
- Cook Wontons: Gently add the assembled wontons and peeled shrimp, if using, into the simmering broth. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the wontons float to the surface, indicating they are cooked, and the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Finish with Greens: Add the baby bok choy or spinach to the pot and simmer for about 1 minute until the greens are wilted and tender but still vibrant in color.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander leaves, sliced spring onions, lime wedges, and a drizzle of chili oil if desired to enhance spice and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to keep wontons covered with a damp cloth before cooking to prevent them from drying out.
- Adjust the chili amount to your preferred spice level by adding fewer or more red chilies.
- The shrimp is optional, but it adds extra protein and flavor. You can also use only pork or chicken filling if preferred.
- If galangal is unavailable, fresh ginger is a suitable substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor rather than bottled lime juice.
- This soup is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking wontons and shrimp.
