If you’ve ever walked past a street stall in China and caught the rich, mouthwatering aroma of freshly boiled dumplings, chances are you’ve smelled wonton soup in the making. In this article, you’ll learn how to cook wonton recipe at home — a version so fragrant that, as the Chinese name Qianlixiang Huntun suggests, its aroma could “travel a thousand miles.”
This comforting dish combines a flavorful filling, a delicate wrapper, and a soothing broth. Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or already a kitchen explorer, this how to cook wonton recipe guide will make you fall in love with the art of wonton-making.
What Is Qianlixiang Wonton?
“Qianlixiang” literally means a thousand-mile fragrance, and “huntun” means wonton. This poetic name reflects how aromatic and delicious the dish is. The secret lies in deep-fried onion and garlic oil — a golden elixir that transforms ordinary broth into something extraordinary.
Before you start, remember this: learning how to cook wonton recipe isn’t just about wrapping dumplings. It’s about layering flavors — from the aromatic oil to the savory filling — to create a dish that delights every sense.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Aromatic Oil:
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 star anise
- 2 cloves
- 3 dried red chilies (keep them whole)
- 1 ⅓ large purple onion, diced
- 18 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 inches of ginger, thinly sliced
- 1.5 cups vegetable oil
For the Filling:
- 200g shrimp (peeled and deveined, roughly chopped)
- 300g ground chicken thighs
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- White pepper to taste
- 100g garlic chives, diced
For the Soup:
- 8 cups chicken stock
- Salt (about 1 tbsp, or to taste)
- ½ cup cold water
- Baby bok choy or other greens
For Wrapping:
- Store-bought wonton wrappers (defrosted)
Visit also:-How to Cook Kung Pao Chicken – Easy Homemade Recipe with Authentic Flavors
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Wonton Recipe
Step 1: Make the Aromatic Oil
This is the heart of our how to cook wonton recipe.
- Soak the dried chilies, cinnamon, and other spices in hot water for 20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wide wok over medium-low heat. Add diced onion first since it contains more moisture.
- After 5 minutes, add garlic, scallions, ginger, and soaked spices. Stir constantly for about 20–30 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Strain the oil and remove all solids. Save the oil in a jar — it keeps well for two months in the fridge.
💡 Tip: This aromatic oil isn’t just for wonton. Use it for noodles, stir-fries, or soups to instantly boost flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp and chicken. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, and white pepper. Stir the mixture in one direction for five minutes to create a sticky texture. This process helps the proteins bind, giving your wontons that signature bouncy bite.
Next, add the fried onion and garlic from your aromatic oil, plus diced garlic chives. Mix everything well. This mixture will make your wonton filling irresistibly juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Wrap the Wontons
Here’s the fun part in how to cook wonton recipe — wrapping!
- Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper.
- Gather the edges and pinch to seal tightly.
- Repeat until all the filling is used up — you’ll get around 50–60 wontons.
If you’re not cooking all of them at once, store extras in a sealed container and freeze. Frozen wontons can go straight into boiling water later — no need to thaw!
Step 4: Cook the Wontons
- Pour chicken stock into a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Season with salt.
- Swirl the broth with a spoon to create a small vortex, then drop in your wontons. This keeps them from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the wontons float to the top, add ½ cup cold water to lower the temperature slightly.
- Let it simmer again, then add baby bok choy and blanch for 30–60 seconds.
Your how to cook wonton recipe soup base is now rich and aromatic — ready to serve!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Ladle the wontons and broth into a bowl. Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of your aromatic oil on top. Garnish with chopped scallions and, if desired, some pickled long beans for a tangy touch.
With one bite, you’ll taste the harmony of caramelized garlic, tender shrimp, and soft wonton skin. It’s truly a bowl of happiness.
Tips for Perfect Wontons
- Use purple onions for stronger fragrance.
- Keep oil temperature low while frying aromatics to prevent burning.
- Freeze in layers with plastic wrap to avoid sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when boiling wontons.
- Add pickles for a fermented zing that balances the rich broth.
Variations You Can Try
- Vegetable Wontons: Replace meat with mushrooms, cabbage, or tofu.
- Spicy Wontons: Open up the dried chilies for more heat.
- Wonton Noodle Soup: Serve with noodles for a heartier meal.
Each variation is a creative way to enjoy your how to cook wonton recipe masterpiece.
Nutritional Value (per serving)
| Nutrient | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbs | 20 g |
Final Thoughts
Learning how to cook wonton recipe isn’t difficult — it just requires patience and a love for flavor. From the golden aromatic oil to the juicy shrimp-chicken filling, each step builds depth and texture. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why this dish’s aroma is said to travel “a thousand miles.”
So go ahead — grab your wonton wrappers and create this authentic Chinese delicacy at home. It’s comfort, tradition, and love in every bite.
