If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and irresistibly delicious, look no further than this Cozy Winter Wonton Soup (Better Than Takeout). It combines tender mini wontons, fresh veggies, and a broth bursting with fragrant ginger and garlic, all simmered to perfection for a soul-soothing bowl. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or entertaining friends who adore Asian flavors, this soup delivers an amazing blend of textures and tastes that will have you wondering why you ever settled for anything less.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role in building the heart and soul of your Cozy Winter Wonton Soup (Better Than Takeout). Fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic brighten the broth, while sesame oil adds that signature nutty warmth. The wontons give you that tender bite, and fresh spinach and shredded carrots add vibrant color and nutrition.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Adds a rich, toasty flavor that forms the flavor base of the soup.
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated): Whites are sautéed for depth, greens are used as a fresh garnish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic sharpness that wakes up the broth.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Provides a warm, slightly spicy undertone perfect for winter comfort.
- 1.5 cups shredded carrots: Brightens the soup with sweetness and texture.
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce: Balances the broth with salty umami goodness without overpowering.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The hearty liquid foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
- 24 ounces mini frozen wontons: Little parcels of tender deliciousness that soak up all the flavors.
- 3 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a subtle earthiness to each spoonful.
- Chili crisp, for topping: Optional, but highly recommended for an addictive spicy crunch.
- Sesame seeds, for topping: Adds a subtle nutty finish and a bit of texture on top.
How to Make Cozy Winter Wonton Soup (Better Than Takeout)
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the white parts of the green onions and let them cook for about one minute until they soften and release their fragrance. Then, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Let everything cook together for another minute so those flavors meld and build a warm, inviting base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Soy Sauce
Next, stir in the shredded carrots and pour in the reduced sodium soy sauce. Mixing these together helps the carrots soak up that salty umami kick, deepening their flavor and adding a subtle sweetness to the simmering broth.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Bring to a Boil
Now it’s time for the chicken broth to join the party. Pour all 8 cups into the pan and bring the mixture up to a rolling boil. This step ensures all those wonderful aromatics and seasonings get fully infused into the broth, making it rich and flavorful.
Step 4: Cook the Wontons and Spinach
Once your broth is boiling, add the mini frozen wontons right in. These take about 5 to 6 minutes to cook through — you’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface and look plump and tender. Toss in the fresh spinach during the last couple of minutes so it wilts gently, keeping its bright color and delicate texture.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, ladle your Cozy Winter Wonton Soup (Better Than Takeout) into bowls and sprinkle the green parts of your chopped green onions on top, along with a generous dash of chili crisp and a scattering of sesame seeds. Serve it piping hot and watch everyone’s faces light up with the first spoonful.
How to Serve Cozy Winter Wonton Soup (Better Than Takeout)
Garnishes
Toppings are everything when it comes to enhancing this soup’s textures and flavors. The bright green onions add freshness and crunch, while chili crisp brings a smoky, spicy bite that wakes up your palate. Sesame seeds offer a subtle nuttiness and just the right bit of crunch. Feel free to experiment by adding fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a few drops of toasted sesame oil for an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but if you want to expand your Cozy Winter Wonton Soup (Better Than Takeout) experience, pair it with a light cucumber salad or crispy spring rolls. Steamed jasmine rice or simple garlic noodles create a wonderful balance, too, helping soak up all those delicious broth flavors. These sides turn any regular dinner into a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of garnishes right before the table creates an inviting atmosphere that feels cozy and personal. For a fun touch, serve the chili crisp on the side so guests can customize their heat level. Using colorful bowls or Asian-inspired serving ware also adds a charming aesthetic that invites conversation and compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough!), store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. For best texture, add fresh spinach and garnishes when reheating rather than storing them in the soup to avoid wilting and sogginess.
Freezing
While the broth, vegetables, and wontons freeze well separately, the spinach can become limp after thawing. To preserve the vibrant green and fresh taste, freeze the soup without spinach and add fresh greens when you reheat. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your Cozy Winter Wonton Soup (Better Than Takeout) gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the pot and simmer until just wilted for that perfect fresh touch. Avoid microwaving as uneven heating can affect the delicate wontons.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth makes this recipe fully vegetarian but still delivers a rich, savory base. Just choose a high-quality broth to keep the flavors deep and satisfying.
Are fresh wontons better than frozen?
Fresh wontons are wonderful if you have the time, but frozen mini wontons are a convenient and perfectly tasty shortcut that cooks quickly without compromising flavor.
How spicy is this soup with chili crisp?
The chili crisp adds a mild to moderate heat with a smoky crunch. You can adjust the amount to your preference, or leave it out entirely for a gentle, soothing broth.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, look for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your wontons are made with gluten-free wrappers. Many Asian stores offer these options now.
Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and can be portioned out for quick weeknight meals. Just keep the spinach and garnishes separate until serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Winter Wonton Soup (Better Than Takeout) is exactly the kind of dish you want tucked into your recipe box when cold days call for something warm and satisfying. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that feel like a hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become your go-to comfort meal all winter long. So gather your ingredients and get cooking — your tastebuds are in for a real treat!
PrintCozy Winter Wonton Soup (Better Than Takeout)
Cozy Winter Wonton Soup delivers a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender mini wontons, fresh spinach, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a savory chicken broth infused with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy Asian-inspired soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and topped with crunchy sesame seeds and spicy chili crisp for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1.5 cups shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 8 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 24 ounces mini frozen wontons
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Garnishes
- Chili crisp, for topping
- Sesame seeds, for topping
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, allowing it to warm up for enhanced aroma and flavor.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the white parts of the sliced green onions to the pan and cook for 1 minute until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for another minute to release their fragrant flavors.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in 1.5 cups shredded carrots and 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce, mixing well to combine all the ingredients evenly in the pan.
- Simmer the broth: Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat, allowing all ingredients to meld together.
- Cook wontons and spinach: Once boiling, add 24 ounces of mini frozen wontons and 3 cups of fresh spinach to the pot. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the wontons are fully cooked through and the spinach has wilted.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions, chili crisp to taste, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- This soup is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly, but wonton fillings may need adjustment.
- Add extra chili crisp or fresh chili slices if you prefer a spicier soup.
- Ensure wontons are fully cooked by checking their packaging instructions and adjusting cooking time if necessary.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture, but baby spinach or other leafy greens can be substituted.