Wonton Soup with Spicy Broth

Wontons in Spicy Gochujang Broth is a warm, flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day. Plump, freshly made wontons are served in a spicy, aromatic broth made with Korean gochujang (chili paste), which gives the soup a savory and bold flavor. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy spicy, comforting Asian-inspired soups. It’s like a hug in a bowl, with the combination of rich broth and the satisfying texture of the wontons.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • Homemade or store-bought wontons

  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 1-2 tablespoons chili oil (optional, for extra heat)

  • Fresh herbs or scallions for garnish

Directions

  1. Prepare the Broth:
    In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Add the gochujang, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional chili oil if needed.

  2. Cook the Wontons:
    Gently add the wontons to the broth, cooking until they float to the surface and are cooked through (around 5-6 minutes, depending on size).

  3. Serve:
    Ladle the wontons and broth into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or sliced scallions, and serve hot.

Nutrients

  • Calories: Approximately 300-350 per serving (depending on ingredients)

  • Protein: 18g

  • Fat: 12g

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Sugar: 5g

This dish is a flavorful, spicy delight that is ideal for anyone craving something comforting and satisfying. You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less gochujang or chili oil!

What is Gochujang? The Heart of the Broth

Gochujang, a Korean chili paste, is the star ingredient that brings the broth to life. Known for its deep umami flavor, gochujang is made from fermented soybeans, chili peppers, rice, and salt, creating a paste that is both sweet and spicy with a hint of tanginess. It’s a staple in Korean cuisine, used to add a savory heat to everything from stews and soups to sauces and marinades.

In this recipe, gochujang creates a complex base for the broth, giving it depth and richness while also imparting a spicy kick. The balance of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in the broth further enhances the flavor profile, adding saltiness, acidity, and a nutty, toasty element. The resulting broth is savory, spicy, and aromatic—perfectly complementing the delicate wontons.

The Wontons: Pillowy Delights

The wontons themselves bring a comforting texture to the dish. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought wontons, they add a hearty element to the soup, making each spoonful satisfying. Wontons are typically filled with a combination of ground meat (often pork or shrimp) and seasonings, then wrapped in thin dough. As they cook in the spicy broth, the wontons absorb the flavors of the soup, making each bite even more flavorful.

For a homemade touch, you can fill wonton wrappers with your choice of filling—ground pork, chicken, or even vegetables—and then fold them into the classic wonton shape. The delicate wrapper softens in the broth, and the filling adds a rich contrast to the spicy soup. However, store-bought wontons can also be used for convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Building the Broth: Layers of Flavor

The broth in Wontons in Spicy Gochujang Broth is a deliciously layered combination of savory, spicy, and tangy elements. It starts with sesame oil, which provides a nutty base, followed by minced garlic and ginger that add aromatic depth and warmth. The addition of gochujang, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates the soup’s bold flavor profile, while the chili oil (optional) can be added for an extra kick if you love spice.

  • Gochujang: Adds deep umami and a rich heat.

  • Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and savory depth.

  • Rice vinegar: Balances the richness with acidity.

  • Chili oil: For those who enjoy more heat and intensity.

This combination of ingredients results in a broth that is both comforting and packed with bold flavors. The soup is perfectly balanced, with the heat from the gochujang and chili oil tempered by the earthy richness of sesame oil and the acidity from the rice vinegar.

Cooking the Wontons: Quick and Easy

Once the broth is simmering and the flavors have melded together, the wontons are gently added to the pot. The cooking process is quick—within 5-6 minutes, the wontons will float to the surface, signaling that they are cooked through and ready to be served. It’s important to ensure that the broth is simmering gently, not boiling too hard, to prevent the delicate wonton wrappers from tearing.

As the wontons cook in the broth, they absorb the flavors of the soup, enriching the filling and adding a soft, satisfying texture. When the wontons are done, the soup is ready to be served.

Serving and Garnishing

Once the wontons are cooked, ladle them into bowls and pour the spicy broth over them. To enhance the flavor and presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or scallions. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add a pop of freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the broth. Sliced scallions provide a mild, oniony crunch that balances the smoothness of the soup and adds color to the dish.

For a complete meal, serve Wontons in Spicy Gochujang Broth with a side of steamed rice or some crispy vegetables. The rice will soak up the flavorful broth, and the combination of the crispy and soft textures will create a satisfying meal.

Customizing the Spice Level

One of the great things about this dish is that you can easily adjust the level of spice to suit your preferences. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of gochujang or skip the chili oil entirely. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to add more chili oil or even extra gochujang to really turn up the spice. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your taste, making it as spicy or as mild as you like.

Conclusion

Wontons in Spicy Gochujang Broth is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the richness of Korean chili paste with the delicate texture of wontons. The spicy, savory broth is the perfect complement to the tender wontons, and the optional avocado dip provides a refreshing contrast to the heat. This dish is ideal for anyone who loves spicy, comforting soups with a bit of a kick. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to warm you up on a cold day or bring bold flavors to any meal. Whether you’re craving a hearty soup or a flavorful appetizer, Wontons in Spicy Gochujang Broth is a must-try!

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