Lazy Wonton Soup

For a cozy night in or a quick family dinner, Lazy Wonton Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This recipe skips the hassle of making filled wontons, allowing you to enjoy a delicious soup with tender beef meatballs and soft wonton wrappers in a flavorful ginger broth. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in under an hour.
• Rich Flavors: The combination of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil creates a deep, comforting taste that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize your soup with different vegetables or proteins according to your preference.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this playful take on traditional wonton soup.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish makes for a filling meal that won’t leave you hungry.

Tools and Preparation

To make your lazy wonton soup experience seamless, gather these essential tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the broth and cooking all ingredients evenly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures easy slicing of garlic, ginger, and green onions.

Ingredients

For this lazy wonton soup, you skip making filled wontons, and drop beef meatballs and quartered wonton wrappers right into the gingery, flavorful broth. This recipe is SO delicious!

For the Broth

• 2 quarts chicken stock or broth
• 1 bunch green onions, divided
• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 1 (3-inch) piece ginger, peeled, or 2 teaspoons ground ginger, divided
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce, plus more to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons rice or white vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, divided

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Soup Base

• 3 heads baby bok choy, roughly chopped (about 3 cups)
• 20 wonton wrappers, cut into quarters
• Sriracha Hot Sauce or Chili Crunch (optional)

How to Make Lazy Wonton Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. Place chicken stock in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Cut white parts of green onions into 1-inch pieces and add to broth.
3. Add the sliced garlic clove.
4. Thinly slice 1 inch of ginger (or use 1 teaspoon ground) and add it to the stock.
5. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

1. In a bowl, place the ground beef.
2. Finely slice the remaining green parts of green onions; set aside 3 tablespoons for garnish.
3. Add the remaining onions to the bowl along with grated ginger (remaining 2 inches).
4. Incorporate remaining soy sauce, salt, sesame oil, and cornstarch into the mixture; mix until well combined.

Step 3: Cook Everything Together

1. Form mixture into 1-inch balls and add them to the boiling broth.
2. Alternatively, drop heaping teaspoons full of meat into broth using a small spoon.
3. Reduce heat to a simmer; cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in wonton wrappers and bok choy; add additional soy sauce to taste.
5. Cook for another 8 minutes while gently stirring.

Step 4: Serve Your Soup

Serve hot with reserved green onions sprinkled on top and Sriracha Hot Sauce or Chili Crunch if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Lazy Wonton Soup, perfect for any day!

How to Serve Lazy Wonton Soup

Lazy Wonton Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Green Onions: Add the reserved green parts of green onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.
• Cilantro Leaves: Sprinkle some cilantro on top for an herby flavor that complements the broth.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick when squeezed over the soup.

Add Extra Heat

• Sriracha Hot Sauce: Drizzle Sriracha over each bowl for those who enjoy some spice.
• Chili Crunch: Offer chili crisp as a crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor.

Serve with Noodles

• Rice Noodles: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked rice noodles directly into the soup just before serving.
• Udon Noodles: These thick noodles soak up the flavors beautifully and make the soup even more filling.

How to Perfect Lazy Wonton Soup

Perfecting your Lazy Wonton Soup comes down to technique and ingredient choices. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use High-Quality Broth: A rich chicken stock enhances the flavor of the soup significantly.
• Balance Flavors Carefully: Taste as you go, adjusting soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar for optimal flavor balance.
• Don’t Overcook Bok Choy: Add bok choy toward the end of cooking to keep it crisp and vibrant.
• Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for different flavor profiles.
• Control Meatball Size: Make sure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking throughout the soup.

Best Side Dishes for Lazy Wonton Soup

Pairing side dishes with Lazy Wonton Soup adds variety to your meal and enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options.

1. Steamed Dumplings: These can be filled with vegetables or chicken for a tasty complement to your soup.
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies offer a delightful crunch alongside the warm soup.
3. Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame makes for a nutritious, protein-packed snack before diving into your main dish.
4. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, sesame oil, and rice vinegar balances the richness of the soup.
5. Fried Rice: A simple vegetable fried rice can serve as a hearty side that pairs well with soup flavors.
6. Miso Soup: This light broth adds another layer of depth while keeping things simple and delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lazy Wonton Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.

• Skipping the aromatics: Not adding enough garlic or ginger can lead to a bland broth. Always use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the meatballs: Cooking the beef meatballs too long can make them tough. Aim for a simmer rather than a rolling boil to keep them tender.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your broth before serving; it may need more soy sauce or salt. Adjust according to your preference for the best balance of flavors.
• Using old wonton wrappers: Outdated wrappers can be dry and less palatable. Always check expiration dates and store them properly before use.
• Not chopping vegetables evenly: Unevenly chopped bok choy can result in some pieces being overcooked while others are undercooked. Chop uniformly for consistent cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Lazy Wonton Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Lazy Wonton Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually about 2-4 minutes depending on your microwave’s power.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, approximately 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lazy Wonton Soup.

What is Lazy Wonton Soup?

Lazy Wonton Soup is a simplified version of traditional wonton soup that skips the filling process and uses meatballs instead, making it quicker and easier to prepare.

Can I use different proteins in Lazy Wonton Soup?

Yes! You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef if preferred, allowing you to customize flavors based on your taste.

How do I enhance the flavor of my soup?

Adding more fresh herbs or adjusting the soy sauce can enhance the flavor significantly. Consider adding cilantro or lime juice just before serving.

Is Lazy Wonton Soup healthy?

With lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables, this soup can be a nutritious option. You can also reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and broth.

Final Thoughts

Lazy Wonton Soup is not only quick and easy but also full of flavor that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins and vegetables based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting bowl today!