Craving a comforting, flavorful soup but short on time? This Trader Joe's Wonton Soup recipe is your answer! Using readily available ingredients from Trader Joe's (or your favorite grocery store!), we'll create a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy homemade wonton soup that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Forget takeout – this recipe is so simple, even beginner cooks will feel like pros!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (16 ounces) Trader Joe's Chicken Wontons (or your preferred brand)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups water
- 1 package (8 ounces) Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken (optional, for added protein and flavor)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or shiitake work well)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Begin by washing and chopping your carrots, mushrooms, and green onions. This simple step will make the cooking process smoother.
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Simmer the Broth: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
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Add Vegetables: Add the shredded carrots and sliced mushrooms to the simmering broth. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are tender-crisp.
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Incorporate Wontons: Gently add the frozen wontons to the pot. Avoid overcrowding; add them in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the wontons are heated through and float to the surface.
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Add Protein (Optional): If using the Mandarin Orange Chicken, add it during the last minute of cooking to heat it through. The sweet and savory flavors complement the soup beautifully.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the wontons are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Wonton Soup:
- Don't Overcook the Wontons: Overcooked wontons can become mushy. Follow the package instructions for cooking times, and remove them from the broth as soon as they are heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, rice vinegar, or ginger to your preference.
- Add Other Vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables like baby spinach, bok choy, or snow peas. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking to retain their crispness.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
Variations:
- Shrimp Wonton Soup: Substitute shrimp for chicken wontons and add a squeeze of lime juice for a lighter flavor.
- Vegetarian Wonton Soup: Use vegetable broth and omit the Mandarin Orange Chicken for a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe’s nutritional information will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator website and input your ingredient details. Generally, this soup is a relatively healthy and balanced meal, providing protein, carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals.
This quick and easy Trader Joe's Wonton Soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the homemade goodness!