If you love soups that warm your soul and excite your taste buds, then you are going to fall head over heels for this 25 Minute Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil Recipe. With its beautifully tender chicken wontons, vibrant bok choy, and that uniquely spicy, nutty sesame chili oil finishing touch, this soup delivers a perfect balance of comforting warmth and flavorful kick in under half an hour. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl and offers a quick, satisfying meal no matter the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This 25 Minute Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that combine effortlessly to create depth, texture, and vibrant flavor. Each component plays a key role—from the delicate wontons and earthy mushrooms to the fragrant ginger and the punchy chili oil that brings it all home.
- Sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds a rich, nutty base and enhances the aroma of the soup.
- Baby bok choy or kale (4 halved bok choy or 1 bunch kale): Provides a fresh, crunchy green element that brightens the dish.
- Shallots, chopped (2 medium): Gives a mild, sweet onion flavor that gently flavors the broth.
- Sliced shiitake mushrooms (1 cup): Adds an earthy, savory note and meaty texture.
- Garlic cloves, minced or grated (2 cloves): Offers a punch of aromatic zest that complements the other ingredients.
- Fresh ginger, peeled and grated (1 inch): Adds warmth and a subtle spicy kick to the broth.
- Low sodium chicken or vegetable broth (6 cups): Acts as the flavorful soup base, keeping it light but savory.
- Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon): Brings umami depth and saltiness to the soup and chili oil.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a gentle tang that balances richness and brightens flavors.
- Fresh or frozen chicken wontons/dumplings or potstickers (20–30): The star ingredient providing hearty protein wrapped in tender dough.
- Green onions and toasted sesame seeds (for serving): Used as fresh, crunchy garnishes to lift the soup visually and tastefully.
- Toasted sesame oil (1/4 cup): The base for the chili oil, providing deep, toasty flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1–2 teaspoons): Adds spicy heat, adjustable according to your heat preference.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the chili oil.
How to Make 25 Minute Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil Recipe
Step 1: Char the Greens
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the halved baby bok choy or kale and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the edges develop a lovely char. This step enhances the greens’ flavor and adds a smokey note that makes the soup extra special. Once charred, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base with Aromatics
Using the same Dutch oven, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms, chopped shallots, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté everything together for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant and the shallots begin to soften, releasing their sweet aromas. This combination creates a fragrant foundation that will make your broth irresistible.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Cook Wontons
Pour in 6 cups of low sodium chicken or vegetable broth and bring it up to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, gently add your fresh or frozen chicken wontons or potstickers. They will cook quickly – about 2 to 3 minutes until they start floating, a classic sign they’re perfectly cooked through. Stir in the charred greens, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari), and 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar to round out the broth’s flavor. Remove the pot from heat to preserve freshness.
Step 4: Whip Up the Sesame Chili Oil
While the soup simmers, mix together the toasted sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. This vibrant chili oil is going to elevate your soup with a nutty, spicy zing that will have everyone coming back for more.
How to Serve 25 Minute Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil Recipe
Garnishes
To finish your bowls, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top of each serving. These simple touches add a crunch and layer of fresh brightness that contrast wonderfully with the soft wontons and silky broth. Don’t forget to serve the sesame chili oil on the side so everyone can add as much heat as they desire.
Side Dishes
This soup stands out on its own, but pairing it with light steamed rice or crunchy garlic bread can help round out your meal where a bit more substance is desired. A simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables also complements the flavors perfectly by cutting through the richness of the broth and noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the soup in individual wide, shallow bowls that show off the colorful ingredients. Drizzle a little extra sesame chili oil on top just before serving for a beautiful glossy finish. You could also add a soft-boiled egg or a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to switch up the presentation and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the wontons in the broth, as they continue to soak up flavor overnight, making the soup even tastier the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is best done without adding the wontons, as their texture may suffer upon thawing. You can store the broth with vegetables separately for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge, reheat gently, and cook fresh wontons directly in the hot soup.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add fresh or frozen wontons during reheating to keep their texture tender and just right.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought frozen wontons?
Absolutely! Frozen chicken wontons or potstickers work wonderfully in this recipe and make the cooking process quicker without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What can I substitute for baby bok choy?
Kale, spinach, or napa cabbage are great alternatives. Just keep in mind that different greens have varying cooking times and flavors, so adjust accordingly.
Is the sesame chili oil very spicy?
The spice level is flexible! You can reduce or increase the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance. The toasted sesame oil adds more nutty richness than heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and vegetable-based wontons or dumplings to keep it vegetarian-friendly while maintaining the delicious depth of flavor.
How do I know when the wontons are cooked?
Wontons are usually cooked when they float to the surface of the boiling broth, typically about 2 to 3 minutes, and the dough becomes tender and slightly translucent.
Final Thoughts
This 25 Minute Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil Recipe is a fantastic weeknight supper that hits all the right notes—quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a soup lover or new to Asian-inspired dishes, I promise this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients, cozy up with a bowl, and enjoy every spoonful of this heartwarming delight!
Print25 Minute Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil Recipe
A quick and flavorful 25-minute wonton soup featuring tender chicken wontons, fresh bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and a fragrant broth enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a zesty homemade sesame chili oil. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that combines vibrant Asian flavors with simple, fresh ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Soup
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 4 baby bok choy, halved, or 1 bunch kale
- 2 medium shallots, chopped
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 6 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 20–30 fresh or frozen chicken wontons/dumplings, or potstickers
- Green onions, for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds, for serving
Sesame Chili Oil
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
- 1–2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Char the greens: Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the halved baby bok choy (or kale) and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the edges are nicely charred. Transfer the greens to a plate to set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Using the same Dutch oven, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, the sliced shiitake mushrooms, chopped shallots, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is fragrant and the vegetables soften.
- Simmer the broth and cook wontons: Pour in the low sodium chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken wontons or potstickers and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface indicating they are cooked through.
- Finish the soup: Stir the charred bok choy back into the pot along with the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Remove from heat to keep the greens fresh and vibrant.
- Make the sesame chili oil: In a small bowl, combine toasted sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, low-sodium soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Mix well to create a spicy, tangy condiment.
- Serve: Divide the bok choy and wonton soup evenly into bowls. Ladle the hot broth and wontons over the greens, then top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve the sesame chili oil on the side to add heat and depth according to taste.
Notes
- To save time, use frozen pre-made wontons or potstickers from the store.
- Substitute baby bok choy with kale or spinach if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the chili oil to control the spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and vegetable-based wontons.
- Enjoy the chili oil as a dipping sauce or drizzle directly into your soup for extra flavor.
