Tom Yum Wonton Soup

Featured in: Tasty Travels

This vibrant bowl brings together the best of Thai and Chinese cuisines. Handcrafted wontons filled with seasoned pork float in an aromatic broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. The balance comes from bright lime juice, fish sauce, and just enough heat from fresh chilies. Each spoonful delivers tender dumplings, crisp vegetables, and that distinctive tom yum kick—sour, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Ready in about 55 minutes, this bowl transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Updated on Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:01:34 GMT
Steaming bowls of Tom Yum Wonton Soup feature plump dumplings in a spicy, aromatic red broth with fresh lime. Save
Steaming bowls of Tom Yum Wonton Soup feature plump dumplings in a spicy, aromatic red broth with fresh lime. | fryflick.com

Tom Yum Wonton Soup is a vibrant Asian fusion masterpiece that brings together the bold, zesty essence of Thai cuisine and the comforting tradition of Chinese dumplings. This aromatic soup features a clear, spicy, and tangy broth infused with lemongrass and kaffir lime, serving as the perfect bath for delicate, handmade wontons. In just 55 minutes, you can create a dairy-free meal that yields four satisfying servings, each offering a complex balance of flavors.

Steaming bowls of Tom Yum Wonton Soup feature plump dumplings in a spicy, aromatic red broth with fresh lime. Save
Steaming bowls of Tom Yum Wonton Soup feature plump dumplings in a spicy, aromatic red broth with fresh lime. | fryflick.com

The secret to this soup lies in the aromatic infusion of the broth. By simmering lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, you create a deep, fragrant base that perfectly complements the succulent pork or chicken filling of the wontons. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a sophisticated starter, this fusion dish delivers an authentic taste of Southeast Asian culinary harmony.

Ingredients

  • Wontons: 200 g ground pork (or chicken), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 garlic clove (minced), 1 spring onion (finely chopped), 1/4 tsp white pepper, 20 wonton wrappers.
  • Tom Yum Broth: 1.5 liters chicken stock (low-sodium), 3 stalks lemongrass (trimmed and smashed), 4 kaffir lime leaves (torn), 4 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable), 2 red chilies (sliced), 200 g mushrooms (sliced), 2 medium tomatoes (quartered), 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp sugar, 100 g baby bok choy or spinach, 100 g peeled shrimp (optional).
  • Garnishes: Fresh coriander leaves, sliced spring onions, lime wedges, chili oil (optional).
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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped spring onion, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges with a little water, then fold and seal them into triangles or envelopes. Keep the prepared wontons under a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
Step 3: Infuse the Broth
In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a simmer. Add the smashed lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal slices, and sliced chilies. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to extract the aromatic oils.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the sliced mushrooms and quartered tomatoes to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Once the broth is fragrant, use a slotted spoon to remove the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with extra lime or fish sauce if you prefer a tangier or saltier profile.
Step 6: Cook Wontons and Shrimp
Gently drop the prepared wontons and the optional shrimp into the simmering broth. Cook for 4–5 minutes; the wontons are ready when they float to the surface and the shrimp turn pink.
Step 7: Final Touch and Serving
Add the baby bok choy or spinach and simmer for just 1 minute until wilted. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander, spring onions, lime wedges, and a drizzle of chili oil.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure success, use a large pot for the broth and a slotted spoon for removing aromatics. Be mindful of allergens: this dish contains wheat, soy, and fish sauce. If using shrimp, it also contains shellfish. Using low-sodium chicken stock is recommended to better control the final salt levels of the soup.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian-friendly version, replace the ground meat in the wontons with seasoned crumbled tofu. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari to maintain the savory umami flavor without the seafood components.

Serviervorschläge

While this soup is quite filling on its own, it pairs excellently with a side of steamed jasmine rice for a more substantial meal. Serve the soup in deep ceramic bowls to keep the broth hot, and provide extra lime wedges on the side so guests can adjust the acidity to their liking.

Tender wontons float in a vibrant Tom Yum Wonton Soup garnished with cilantro and chili slices. Save
Tender wontons float in a vibrant Tom Yum Wonton Soup garnished with cilantro and chili slices. | fryflick.com

Enjoy the invigorating heat and citrusy brightness of this Tom Yum Wonton Soup. It is a wonderful way to bring the complex flavors of Asian fusion cooking into your home kitchen, providing a healthy and delicious meal that is as beautiful as it is flavorful.

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Recipe Guide

What makes tom yum broth different from other soups?

The distinctively sour and spicy profile comes from the holy trinity of Thai aromatics: lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, balanced with fresh lime juice and fish sauce.

Can I make the wontons ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble uncooked wontons and freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They cook directly from frozen in the simmering broth.

How spicy is this soup?

Mild to medium heat from two red chilies. Adjust the spice level by reducing chilies for a gentler bowl or adding more for extra kick.

What's the best way to fold wontons?

Place filling in the center, moisten edges with water, fold into a triangle, then bring the two corners together and pinch to seal. Keep unused wrappers covered to prevent drying.

Can I use store-bought wontons instead?

Frozen store-bought wontons work perfectly in a pinch. Just drop them into the broth during the last few minutes of cooking until they float to the surface.

What vegetables can I add to the broth?

Baby corn, snow peas, or sliced carrots complement the flavors beautifully. Add hearty vegetables earlier in simmering, delicate greens like spinach in the last minute.

Tom Yum Wonton Soup

Delicate dumplings in a spicy, citrus-infused clear broth with authentic Thai aromatics.

Prep duration
35 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Olivia Parker


Complexity Medium

Heritage Asian Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines No dairy

Components

Wontons

01 7 oz ground pork or chicken
02 1 tablespoon soy sauce
03 1 teaspoon sesame oil
04 1 teaspoon grated ginger
05 1 garlic clove, minced
06 1 spring onion, finely chopped
07 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
08 20 wonton wrappers

Tom Yum Broth

01 6.3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
02 3 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
03 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
04 4 slices galangal or ginger
05 2 red chilies, sliced
06 7 oz mushrooms, sliced
07 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
08 3 tablespoons fish sauce
09 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
10 1 teaspoon sugar
11 3.5 oz baby bok choy or spinach
12 3.5 oz peeled shrimp, optional

Garnishes

01 Fresh coriander leaves
02 Sliced spring onions
03 Lime wedges
04 Chili oil, optional

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Wonton Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped spring onion, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.

Phase 02

Fill and Fold Wontons: Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges with water using your fingertip, then fold and seal into triangles or envelope shapes. Set aside on a damp cloth to prevent drying.

Phase 03

Infuse Broth Base: In a large pot, bring chicken stock to a simmer over medium heat. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and sliced chilies. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow aromatics to fully infuse the broth.

Phase 04

Incorporate Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms and quartered tomatoes to the simmering broth. Continue cooking for 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the lemongrass stalks, galangal pieces, and kaffir lime leaves.

Phase 05

Season Broth: Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional lime juice or fish sauce to achieve desired balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors.

Phase 06

Cook Wontons and Shrimp: Gently add prepared wontons and shrimp, if using, to the simmering broth. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until wontons float to the surface and shrimp turn pink, indicating doneness.

Phase 07

Finish with Greens: Add bok choy or spinach to the pot and simmer for 1 minute until just wilted, maintaining the vegetable's tender texture and color.

Phase 08

Serve: Ladle soup into individual bowls, distributing wontons and broth evenly. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, sliced spring onions, lime wedges, and a drizzle of chili oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

  • Large pot for broth preparation
  • Mixing bowl for wonton filling
  • Slotted spoon for removing aromatics
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat from wonton wrappers
  • Contains soy
  • Contains fish from fish sauce
  • Contains shellfish if shrimp is used
  • Check stock and sauce labels for cross-contamination risks

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 21 g