Lazy wonton soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. By skipping the traditional filled wontons, you can enjoy a delicious broth with tender meatballs and crispy wonton wrappers. It’s a versatile meal that suits various occasions, from family dinners to gatherings with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This lazy wonton soup can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute meal.
- Flavorful Broth: The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich broth that enhances every bite.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spiciness according to your preference.
- Hearty and Satisfying: With beef meatballs and bok choy, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this tasty recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
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: Essential for heating the broth evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables efficiently.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients without spilling.
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
- 3 heads baby bok choy, roughly chopped (about 3 cups)
- 20 wonton wrappers, cut into quarters
For Garnish
- Sriracha hot sauce or chili crunch (optional)
How to Make Lazy Wonton Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Place chicken stock in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cut white parts of green onions into 1-inch pieces and add them to the broth. Add the sliced garlic clove. Thinly slice 1 inch of ginger (or use 1 teaspoon ground) and add it to the stock. Mix in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, place the ground beef. Finely slice the remaining green parts of green onions. Set aside 3 tablespoons for garnish later. Add these sliced onions to the bowl along with grated ginger from the remaining piece (about 2 inches). Stir in the remaining soy sauce, remaining salt, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Form the beef mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Carefully add these meatballs to the boiling broth. Alternatively, use a small spoon to drop heaping teaspoons of meat directly into the broth. Reduce heat to bring it down to a simmer; cook for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add quartered wonton wrappers and chopped bok choy into the simmering broth. Taste your soup at this stage; adjust with additional soy sauce if needed. Cook for another 8 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Serve Your Soup
Serve your lazy wonton soup hot! Garnish with reserved green onions on top along with some Sriracha hot sauce or chili crisp if desired. Enjoy this cozy dish with family or friends!
How to Serve Lazy Wonton Soup
Lazy wonton soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it simple or with a twist, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro: Add fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Basil: Thai basil provides a unique aromatic touch.
- Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy heat, sprinkle chili flakes on top.
Accompany with Sauces
- Soy Sauce: A drizzle of soy sauce enhances the umami flavor.
- Chili Oil: Adds spice and richness to the broth.
- Sesame Oil: A few drops give a nutty finish to each bowl.
Serve with Noodles
- Rice Noodles: Cook them separately and add to the soup for extra texture.
- Egg Noodles: These can provide a heartier bite and soak up the broth well.
Pair with Beverages
- Green Tea: A refreshing option that complements the flavors of the soup.
- Asian Lager: A light beer can balance the richness of the broth.
How to Perfect Lazy Wonton Soup
To make your lazy wonton soup even better, here are some tips that will enhance its flavor and texture.
- Bold Flavor Base: Start with high-quality chicken stock for a rich broth.
- Ginger Freshness: Use fresh ginger instead of ground for more vibrant flavors.
- Even Meatballs: Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for consistent cooking.
- Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Add bok choy near the end to keep it crisp and colorful.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: Taste before adding more soy sauce or salt to avoid over-seasoning.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the broth in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Best Side Dishes for Lazy Wonton Soup
Pairing side dishes with your lazy wonton soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Spring Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables, they offer a delightful crunch.
- Steamed Dumplings: Soft and savory, these complement the soup beautifully.
- Asian Slaw: A fresh slaw adds a light, tangy contrast to the warm soup.
- Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice makes for a hearty side that pairs well with broth-based dishes.
- Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame provides protein and is fun to eat.
- Sesame Spinach Salad: A quick salad dressed in sesame oil adds freshness and nutrition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lazy Wonton Soup, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious outcome.
- Skipping the broth prep: Not allowing the broth to boil properly can lead to a bland soup. Always bring your chicken stock to a boil before adding ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the meatballs: Cooking beef meatballs too long can make them tough. Remember to simmer them for only 5 minutes before adding wonton wrappers and bok choy.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup flat. Always taste your broth and add more soy sauce or salt if needed.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using stale or old vegetables can affect both taste and nutrition. Opt for fresh green onions and bok choy for the best results.
- Not using enough ginger: Ginger adds warmth and depth. Be sure to use the recommended amount or even add more if you love its flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Lazy Wonton Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Lazy Wonton Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until it reaches a simmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lazy Wonton Soup?
Lazy Wonton Soup is a quick and easy version of traditional wonton soup that uses store-bought wonton wrappers and flavorful beef meatballs instead of filled wontons.
Can I customize my Lazy Wonton Soup?
Yes! You can add different vegetables like mushrooms or carrots, or swap out ground beef for ground chicken or turkey based on your preference.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of Lazy Wonton Soup, substitute beef with plant-based meat alternatives or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Is Lazy Wonton Soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep. Just follow storage instructions carefully.
Can I use homemade wontons instead?
While this recipe is designed for convenience, you can certainly use homemade wontons if you prefer! Just cook them according to their specific instructions before adding them to the soup.
Final Thoughts
Lazy Wonton Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spice levels, ensuring every bowl suits your taste perfectly! Give it a try today!
Lazy Wonton Soup
Lazy Wonton Soup is a quick, delicious twist on traditional wonton soup that brings warmth to your table in under an hour. This cozy dish features tender beef meatballs and crispy wonton wrappers swimming in a fragrant, gingery broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, this soup is not only satisfying but also highly customizable. Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or sharing with friends, Lazy Wonton Soup is sure to become a beloved favorite.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 1 pound ground beef
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 3 heads baby bok choy
- 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
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Sriracha hot sauce or chili crunch (optional)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring chicken stock to a boil. Add chopped green onions (white parts), sliced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and salt.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with sliced green onions (green parts), ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and form into meatballs.
- Carefully drop meatballs into boiling broth and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add quartered wonton wrappers and bok choy to the soup; cook for another 8 minutes.
- Serve hot garnished with reserved green onions and optional Sriracha.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor depth, use high-quality chicken stock. Adjust the spice by adding more or less ginger or Sriracha based on your preference. Feel free to substitute meat with plant-based options for a vegetarian version.
