If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup that’s light, nourishing, and completely gluten-free, the Rice Paper Dumpling “Wonton” Soup (Gluten-Free) Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish transforms tender ground chicken meatballs wrapped in delicate rice paper into fluffy, dumpling-style wontons, swimming in a fragrant ginger-infused broth dotted with vibrant bok choy and green onions. It’s a soul-soothing meal that’s as satisfying as traditional wonton soup but beautifully tailored for those avoiding gluten. Once you try it, this wholesome and flavorful soup will quickly become a beloved recipe to turn to on chilly evenings or any day you want a bowl of warm goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making Rice Paper Dumpling “Wonton” Soup (Gluten-Free) Recipe is how straightforward and fresh the ingredients are. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, ensuring your soup is bright, savory, and perfectly textured.
- Baby bok choy leaves: Adding a tender crunch and mild, slightly sweet bite to the meatballs and broth.
- Green onions: Bringing fresh, oniony brightness both inside the dumplings and as a garnish on top.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Infusing a warm, peppery zest that gives the broth and meatballs an irresistible depth.
- Garlic (minced): A classic aromatic that enhances the savory profile of the meatballs.
- Ground chicken: Providing tender, juicy protein that forms the heart of the dumplings.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every element just right.
- Coconut aminos: A naturally sweet, soy-free alternative that brings umami without gluten.
- Avocado oil: Used to gently bind and flavor the meatball mixture.
- Rice paper sheets: The gluten-free wrappers that turn the meatballs into delicate, translucent dumplings.
- Chicken broth: The comforting base that carries all the flavors together.
- Rice vinegar: Adding a subtle tang that brightens the broth.
How to Make Rice Paper Dumpling “Wonton” Soup (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
Start by carefully separating the bok choy leaves. Chop off the thick white ends and set them aside for the broth since they add extra flavor and texture. Then slice the green, leafy parts into thin strips that’ll melt deliciously into the soup. Don’t forget to finely chop the green onions. These fresh veggies lay the foundation to a broth that tastes like a warm hug.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with the chopped bok choy, green onions, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, pepper, coconut aminos, and avocado oil. Mixing thoroughly not only infuses the flavors but also ensures tender, juicy meatballs. Trust me, getting this mixture just right is the key to the best dumplings you’ll ever taste.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and gently roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should end up with about 15 perfectly shaped spheres. Place them on a plate and pop them in the fridge to chill. This step helps the meatballs hold their shape when cooking and makes rolling them in rice paper much easier.
Step 4: Prepare the Flavorful Broth
Grab a large stockpot and bring together your chicken broth with rice vinegar, coconut aminos, grated ginger, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting all those flavors meld into a fragrant, golden broth full of character and warmth.
Step 5: Cook the Meatballs in the Broth
Carefully lower the meatballs into the boiling broth. Let them cook until they float to the top and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring they’re perfectly cooked through. Once done, remove them gently and set aside—don’t worry, they’ll be back in the soup soon!
Step 6: Add Bok Choy Leaves to the Broth
Turn the heat down to a low simmer and stir in the green bok choy leaves. Just a few minutes of wilting is all it takes to add fresh bites of vivid green color and gentle crunchiness to your soup. This step brings texture and those wonderful leafy flavors to balance the rich broth and meatballs.
Step 7: Wrap Meatballs in Rice Paper
Prepare a rolling station by cutting each rice paper sheet in half with kitchen scissors. Dip one piece into water for about 5 seconds to soften, then place it flat on a clean plate. Center a chilled meatball on the rice paper, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly until the meatball is fully enclosed. Repeat this delicate wrapping for all the meatballs, creating gluten-free dumplings that look as incredible as they taste.
Step 8: Finish and Serve the Soup
Turn off the heat under the broth and gently nestle your rice paper dumplings right into the pot. The residual heat keeps them tender without making the wrappers too soft. Ladle into bowls immediately, and don’t forget to sprinkle with extra chopped green onions for that final fresh pop. This is comfort food with a light, modern twist you won’t be able to resist.
How to Serve Rice Paper Dumpling “Wonton” Soup (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is everything here. Top your soup with extra green onion slices for a crisp bite and bright color. If you like a little heat, a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can also elevate the flavors beautifully, making each spoonful pop with vitality.
Side Dishes
Since this soup is filling but light, pairing it with something simple is best. Steamed jasmine rice or a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale complements the bowl perfectly. For a bit of crunch, try toasted sesame snap peas or crispy seaweed snacks. These sides keep the meal balanced and keep the focus on the delicate dumplings and broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the dumplings in individual small bowls with broth poured tableside. You can also float edible flowers or thin slices of shiitake mushrooms on top for an elegant effect. If you’re entertaining, consider offering extra dipping sauces—like a tamari and ginger mix—so everyone can customize their experience. Presentation turns this wholesome soup into a dining event full of warmth and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store the broth and dumplings together in an airtight container. The dumplings soak up broth flavor over time and become even more flavorful, though they soften a bit. Just be sure to reheat gently to maintain the rice paper wrapper’s pleasant texture.
Freezing
Freezing rice paper dumplings is a bit tricky because the wrappers can become brittle or mushy after thawing. If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the cooked meatballs separately without the wrappers and assemble fresh dumplings when ready. Store cooked meatballs in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat to prevent breaking the dumplings. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the rice paper soggy or tough. Adding a splash of fresh broth or water can help if your soup has thickened overnight.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork will work well and bring a slightly different flavor profile, but keep the seasoning and moisture levels similar to maintain juicy meatballs.
Where can I find rice paper sheets?
You can find rice paper sheets at most Asian grocery stores, well-stocked supermarkets, or online. Look for round sheets labeled for spring rolls or summer rolls—they’re perfect for this recipe.
Is coconut aminos necessary, or can I substitute soy sauce?
Coconut aminos provide a naturally sweet and soy-free option that keeps this dish gluten-free. You can use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce if you prefer, but avoid regular soy sauce if you’re sensitive to gluten.
Can I prepare the dumplings ahead of time?
You can assemble the dumplings up to a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just be sure to add them to the broth right before serving to prevent them from getting too soft or sticking together.
How to tell when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs float to the surface when cooked, and using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F ensures safety and tenderness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Rice Paper Dumpling “Wonton” Soup (Gluten-Free) Recipe soon. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the classic comfort of wonton soup without gluten, bringing fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and simple ingredients into one lovingly crafted bowl. Once you experience the tender dumplings wrapped in rice paper and the fragrant broth, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in any cozy kitchen.
PrintRice Paper Dumpling “Wonton” Soup (Gluten-Free) Recipe
This Gluten-free Rice Paper Dumpling “Wonton” Soup is a light and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken meatballs wrapped in delicate rice paper, served in a savory ginger-infused chicken broth with baby bok choy and green onions. Perfect for a comforting, low-carb meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 3/4 lb ground chicken
- 2 baby bok choy leaves (thin green parts only, chopped)
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- 1 thumb ginger (grated)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Broth and Soup
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 head baby bok choy (chopped)
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 large thumb ginger (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Wrapping
- 8 sheets rice paper
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Chop the thick white ends off the baby bok choy leaves, reserving the white ends for the broth. Thinly slice the green leaves and chop the green onions.
- Make Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped bok choy leaves, green onion, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, pepper, coconut aminos, and avocado oil. Mix thoroughly.
- Form Meatballs: Wet your hands and shape the mixture into approximately 15 small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate and chill in the refrigerator.
- Prepare Broth: In a large stockpot, combine chicken broth, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a low boil.
- Cook Meatballs: Carefully add the chilled meatballs to the boiling broth. Cook until the meatballs float to the surface and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- Simmer Vegetables: Reduce the heat to a very low simmer. Add the reserved bok choy leaves and stir gently to allow them to wilt.
- Prepare Rice Paper Wrappers: Cut rice paper sheets in half using kitchen scissors. Soak one piece at a time in water for about 5 seconds until softened, then place on a clean plate.
- Wrap Meatballs: Center a cooked meatball on the softened rice paper. Fold in the sides and roll tightly until fully wrapped. Repeat for all meatballs.
- Serve Soup: Turn off the heat to the broth. Gently add the rice paper-wrapped dumplings to the soup. Serve immediately, garnished with additional chopped green onions as desired.
Notes
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Use coconut aminos as a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
- Rice paper wrappers soften quickly; avoid soaking too long to prevent tearing.
- Can be customized with different ground meats or added spices as preferred.
- Serve immediately after adding dumplings to maintain wrapper texture.