Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup

Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender wontons, savory slices of char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), and springy egg noodles in a fragrant, clear broth. It’s a comforting meal packed with umami flavors, making it a favorite in Chinese cuisine. This soup is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, with juicy wontons, chewy noodles, and the sweet-savory richness of char siu.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Broth:

• 6 cups chicken or pork broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

For the Wontons:

• 20–24 wonton wrappers
• ½ pound ground pork
• ¼ pound shrimp, minced
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Noodles and Toppings:

• 12 ounces fresh egg noodles
• 8 ounces char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), thinly sliced
• Bok choy or baby bok choy, halved
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Chili oil or soy sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Wontons

1. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine ground pork, minced shrimp, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix until well combined.
2. Assemble the Wontons:
   • Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface.
   • Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of the wrapper.
   • Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, fold into a triangle, and press to seal. Optionally, bring the two corners together and pinch to form a traditional wonton shape.
3. Repeat until all the filling is used.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

1. In a large pot, heat the broth over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce (if using). Simmer for 10–15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Remove the aromatics from the broth before serving.

Step 3: Cook the Wontons

1. Bring a separate pot of water to a boil.
2. Drop the wontons into the boiling water and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
3. Remove the wontons with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles and Bok Choy

1. In the same boiling water, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Blanch the bok choy for 1–2 minutes until tender but still bright green.

Step 5: Assemble the Soup

1. Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls.
2. Top with cooked wontons, sliced char siu, and bok choy.
3. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and toppings.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of chili oil or soy sauce if desired.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!