The steam swirling from my bowl transported me straight to a bustling Cantonese diner, alive with delicious aromas and cheerful chatter. Today, I’m excited to share my take on Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup, a beloved classic that combines chewy egg noodles with a savory broth, juicy wontons, and tender char siu pork. This comforting one-bowl meal not only brings warmth on chilly days but also cleverly utilizes any leftover ingredients you might have lingering in your fridge. Plus, the simplicity of this recipe means you can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish without any fuss. Ready to dive into a bowl of sheer delight? Let’s get started!

Why will you adore this soup?

Comforting, heartwarming experience: Each spoonful of this Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup wraps you in warm nostalgia, transporting you to your favorite local diner while you savor its delicious depth.
Versatility at its finest: Tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes; whether it’s leftover BBQ pork or seasonal greens, you can make this dish your own!
Quick and easy to prepare: This one-bowl meal comes together in no time, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen—perfect for busy weeknights!
Rich flavors in every bite: The combination of ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a balanced flavor profile that dances on your palate, making each bite a celebration of comfort.
Ideal for every occasion: Whether you’re seeking solace from the cold or impressing guests with a flavorful meal, this soup is bound to delight everyone at your table.

Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup Ingredients

For the Broth

Chicken Broth – A flavored base that brings warmth; homemade or low-sodium store-bought works great.
Ginger – Adds a lovely warmth and depth to the broth.
Shaoxing Wine – Enhances richness; substitute with cooking sherry if desired.
Soy Sauce – Delivers necessary saltiness and umami; opt for light soy sauce for a milder profile.
White Pepper – Introduces subtle heat; adjust based on your spice preference.
Sugar – Balances out the broth’s flavors perfectly.
Sesame Oil – A finishing touch that imparts a lovely nutty aroma.

For the Noodles and Greens

Thin Egg Noodles – A hearty choice for texture; use Hong Kong style or ramen noodles, or try gluten-free somen for an alternative.
Choy Sum – Provides fresh, vibrant greens; swap for baby bok choy if needed.

For the Wontons

Wontons – Add protein and texture to the soup; you can opt for store-bought or homemade versions for convenience.

For the Toppings

Char Siu Pork – The star ingredient for rich, savory flavor; leftover BBQ pork makes a fantastic substitute!
Fried Shallots (Optional) – Adds a delightful crunch and depth in flavor.
Green Onion – For garnish, providing freshness and vibrant color.

This luscious Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup not only warms the heart but is also a fantastic way to turn leftover ingredients into a deliciously cozy meal!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a medium pot, combine 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 slices of fresh ginger, and 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, watching for bubbles to form. Once bubbling, stir in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, a pinch of white pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Choy Sum
Boil a separate pot of water and add in 1 cup of chopped choy sum. Cook for around 40–50 seconds until the greens turn vibrant and tender, then use a slotted spoon to lift them out. Immediately plunge the choy sum into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process and preserve their color and crunch. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Boil the Egg Noodles
In the same boiling water used for the choy sum, add 8 ounces of thin egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes, until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and transfer them to a large serving bowl, ready to soak up that delicious broth.

Step 4: Cook the Wontons
In the same pot of boiling water, gently drop in your wontons. If using homemade wontons, they should float within a few minutes; let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. If using frozen store-bought wontons, follow package instructions. Once cooked, carefully remove them and place them on a plate while you prep the final assembly.

Step 5: Assemble the Soup
Carefully ladle the hot broth over the noodles in your serving bowl, ensuring they are generously covered. Top the noodles with the cooked wontons, followed by the blanched choy sum. Drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil over the top for added flavor and finish with slices of char siu pork, crispy fried shallots, and a sprinkle of scallions for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.

Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize this delicious recipe to fit your taste buds!

Protein Swap: Substitute char siu with leftover meats like rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, or even shrimp for added flavor.
Switching up proteins allows you to explore diverse tastes while still enjoying a comforting bowl of soup!
Wonton Twist: Replace wontons with homemade options such as pork and shrimp or vegetarian varieties for a different flair.
Experimenting with your wonton filling can add unique flavors, making each bowl a new adventure for your palate.
Greens Galore: Try baby bok choy or kale instead of choy sum for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Different greens can dramatically change your soup’s profile while ramping up the nutritional benefits!
Noodle Options: Utilize gluten-free somen noodles if you wish to cater to gluten sensitivities or use ramen to switch up the texture.
Each noodle brings its own charm, making your bowl of comfort endlessly adaptable!
Spices Galore: For an adventurous taste, add chili oil or Sichuan pepper to spice things up according to your heat tolerance.
A hint of spice can elevate every sip, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary!
Flavor Boosts: Enhance your broth by including a splash of coconut milk for a richer texture or some citrus zest for a fresh pop.
These simple additions can transform your dish, making every bite burst with flavor!
Toppings United: Top with crispy fried shallots or add a soft-boiled egg for extra crunch and velvety texture.
These finishing touches not only add visual appeal but also a delightful contrast to the warm broth.
Liquid Enchantment: If you’re looking for a deeper flavor, swap out chicken broth for a rich mushroom broth to create a savory base.
Substituting the base can give your dish a completely new flavor profile while still maintaining that comforting essence.

Feel free to explore these variations and bring your unique twist to this Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup! And, if you’re itching for more ideas, check out how to make homemade wontons or discover the world of flavor with our guide on the best Asian herbs. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

How to Store and Freeze Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup

Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. However, noodles may lose their texture, so it’s best to keep them separate and cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

Freezer: You can freeze the broth and wontons separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating: Reheat the broth gently on the stove until hot. If you’ve stored noodles, add fresh ones during reheating for the best texture.

Leftover Ingredients: This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover ingredients, making it easy to enjoy a delicious Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup even days later!

Expert Tips for Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup

Noodle Selection: Use fresh Hong Kong style noodles for the best texture. If unavailable, opt for ramen or somen; they also work well in this wonton char siu noodle soup.
Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add chili oil or Sichuan pepper to the broth. This subtle addition enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Greens Variety: While choy sum is traditional, feel free to swap it with baby bok choy or spinach. Each green brings its own unique flavor and nutritional benefits.
Don’t Overcook: Be mindful not to overcook the wontons; they should float in the water after a few minutes. Cooking them too long may cause them to burst!
Serving Fresh: Noodles are best served fresh, so cook them just before serving to ensure they retain that chewy goodness.

Make Ahead Options

These Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup components are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the broth and chop the ginger up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their flavors. Additionally, cook the wontons and choy sum ahead of time, refrigerating them separately until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to enjoy your soup, simply reheat the broth, add the cooked noodles (best made fresh just before serving), and heat up the wontons and greens briefly in the hot broth. This way, you can savor a comforting, restaurant-quality soup with minimal effort, ideal for busy weeknights!

What to Serve with Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup

When you’re craving comfort in a bowl, let these delightful pairings elevate your dining experience!

Fried Rice: A lovely companion, stir-fried rice with veggies adds an extra layer of heartiness that pairs beautifully.
Asian Cabbage Salad: Bright and crunchy, this salad with sesame dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Egg Rolls: Crispy on the outside and filled with tender vegetables or meat, egg rolls make for a perfectly satisfying bite alongside your soup.
Steamed Dumplings: Soft and savory, dumplings provide a delightful blend of flavors and textures, enhancing the overall experience of your meal.
Chrysanthemum Tea: Its floral notes provide a soothing balance and cleanse the palate, making it an ideal drink alongside this hearty dish.
Mango Sticky Rice: This sweet dessert offers a luscious finish to your meal, with the creaminess of coconut complementing the savory flavors of the soup.

Creating a complete meal becomes effortless when you blend these vibrant flavors with your Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup, ensuring every bite is a delight!

Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup Recipe FAQs

What type of char siu pork should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using traditional Chinese barbecued char siu pork. If you don’t have any, leftover rotisserie chicken or even pulled pork can work beautifully as substitutes, maintaining that desired richness without missing a beat.

How should I store leftover soup?
It’s best to store leftover Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, I suggest keeping the noodles separate from the soup to prevent them from becoming mushy. Cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to enjoy the soup again for that perfect bite!

Can I freeze the soup?
Yes! To freeze, I recommend separating the broth and wontons into airtight containers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw the broth in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove. If you have stored noodles, cook fresh ones to enjoy that delightful texture!

What if my wontons burst while cooking?
I’ve experienced this before, and it usually happens when they’re overcooked! To prevent any mishaps, make sure your water is boiling before adding the wontons, and be sure they float for a few minutes before letting them cook for 1-2 minutes more. If they do burst, don’t fret! You can still salvage the soup and enjoy those tasty filling bits.

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Very much so! Make sure to keep this soup away from pets, as some of the ingredients like onions and sesame oil can be harmful to them. For anyone with allergies, be aware that soy sauce contains gluten, but you can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option. Always check ingredient labels, especially for pre-made wontons or store-bought sauces, to cater to specific dietary needs.