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If you love wonton soups but not store-bought wontons, the Internet has your back! Recently, the recipe for a quick and easy deconstructed wonton soup went viral for its creative ingredients. By breaking down the components of the soup and presenting them in a deconstructed manner, its recipe becomes more flexible and also more customisable. This recipe isn’t just a great weekday dinner but also ideal for anyone who prefers homemade wontons and dumplings but doesn’t have the time.
This soup essentially uses the ingredients of a wonton but doesn’t feature assembled wontons; so when you make it you can simply throw in the meat and veggies with the stock aromatics and the necessary seasonings! If you’re not sure how it works, here are some of the essentials you’ll need for a deconstructed wonton soup.
Wonton Wrappers
At the heart of any wonton soup, whether traditional or deconstructed, are the wonton wrappers. In a typical wonton soup, thin sheets of dough encase the savoury filling, adding texture and substance to the dish. In a deconstructed one, you can simply throw in plain wrappers into the stock.
While traditionally made with wheat flour, wonton wrappers are also available in gluten-free varieties, to cater to all dietary preferences and restrictions. When preparing deconstructed wonton soup, the wonton wrappers can be crisped up to create crunchy wonton strips or served alongside the soup for dipping, adding a diversity in texture.
Vegetable Broth or Stock
A flavorful and aromatic broth forms the foundation of any soup, and deconstructed wonton soup is no exception. Vegetable broth or stock serves as the base of the soup, imparting depth and richness to the dish. Made from a combination of vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs and spices, vegetable broth infuses the soup with a comforting and savoury flavour profile.
For added complexity, the broth can be simmered with additional ingredients like dried shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, or lemongrass, to enhance its umami essence and aroma.
Tofu or Mushrooms
In traditional wonton soup, the wonton dumplings are typically filled with a mixture of ground meat and seasonings. However, for a vegan or vegetarian twist on the dish, tofu or mushrooms can be used as a flavorful substitute.
Firm tofu, diced into small cubes or crumbled, provides a protein-rich base for the filling, while mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, or cremini impart a meaty texture and umami flavour. Seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, the tofu or mushroom filling adds depth and complexity to the soup.
Green Vegetables
To balance the richness of the broth and filling, green vegetables are a welcome addition to deconstructed wonton soup. Bok choy, spinach, broccoli, and peas are all excellent choices, offering vibrant colour, freshness, and nutritional value to the dish.
These vegetables can be blanched or sautéed briefly before being added to the soup, preserving their crisp texture and vibrant green hue. With their delicate flavour and tender texture, green vegetables complement the savoury broth and add a pop of colour.
Soy Sauce or Tamari
A key component of any Asian-inspired dish, soy sauce or tamari adds depth of flavour and a hint of saltiness to deconstructed wonton soup. Made from fermented soybeans and wheat (soy sauce) or just soybeans (tamari), these savoury condiments contribute umami richness and complexity to the broth, enhancing its overall taste profile. When incorporating soy sauce or tamari into the soup, it's essential to adjust the seasoning to taste, as their saltiness can vary depending on the brand and type. Additionally, for a gluten-free option, tamari can be used as a substitute for soy sauce.
Scallions and Sesame Oil
To garnish and elevate the flavour of deconstructed wonton soup, scallions and sesame oil are indispensable additions. Scallions, also known as green onions, impart a mild onion flavour and vibrant green colour to the dish, adding freshness and visual appeal. Thinly sliced scallions can be sprinkled over the soup just before serving, providing a burst of flavour and texture.
Likewise, sesame oil, with its nutty aroma and rich flavour, adds depth and complexity to the soup, enhancing its savoury profile. A drizzle of sesame oil over the finished dish lends it a luscious sheen and a wonderful aroma.
