What To Serve With Wonton Soup (21 Best Sides!)

If you love Asian food, you really need to try wonton soup! 

Typically consisting of tender wonton dumplings stuffed with pork, shrimp, or veggies, served in a savoury umami broth and adorned with extra veggies like broccoli and spring onion, it’s wholesome, satisfying, it’s one of those comforting dishes that you’ll want to enjoy time and time again.

Interestingly, wontons date right back as far as the Qing Dynasty in 1644, during which wonton soup was enjoyed by the rich families of nobles and merchants.

That was the case until the end of World War II, when it started to surge in popularity. 

As China’s economy improved, the dish became more and more popular and was even brought to Hong Kong where many street stalls opened up to serve the dish to the working classes.

These days, it’s widely enjoyed in restaurants, from takeaways, and homemade in kitchens right across the globe. 

If you need ideas for what to serve with wonton soup, I’ve got you covered! 

Want the quick answer? 

Some of the best side dishes and pairings for wonton soup include steamed rice, spring rolls, fried noodles, garlic spinach, sesame broccoli, scallion pancakes, prawn toast, sesame noodle salad, and smashed garlic cucumbers. 

Keep reading for more ideas… 

Classic Accompaniments

When enjoying wonton soup, traditional side dishes can elevate your meal.

These staples complement the flavours and add texture to your dining experience.

Steamed Rice

Steamed rice is a staple that pairs beautifully with wonton soup.

It’s light and fluffy, creating a perfect balance to the savoury broth.

• Best Rice Variety: Jasmine or basmati for their fragrant aroma
• Proportion Tip: A small bowl per person is typically sufficient

Spring Rolls

Crispy spring rolls add a delightful crunch.

They’re an ideal contrast to the soft wontons.

• Fillings to Consider: Vegetables, pork, or prawns
• Serving Suggestion: Cut spring rolls into bite-sized pieces to dip into soy or sweet chilli sauce

(If you love this side dish, get some more inspiration by checking out what to serve with spring rolls!) 

Fried Noodles

Fried noodles offer a delightful texture and are often seasoned with a combination of sauces for an extra kick.

• Types: Choose between thin egg noodles or thicker varieties like ho fun
• Seasoning: A mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar enhances the flavour

Meats and Proteins

Complementing your wonton soup with an array of meats and proteins can enhance its flavour and provide a more satisfying meal experience.

Here’s a selection of meats that are not only traditional but also offer a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.

Crispy Duck

Crispy duck is a classic Chinese dish that provides a wonderful crunch and rich flavour when paired with the lightness of wonton soup.

The succulent meat, with its crispy skin, often comes sliced and is seasoned with aromatics like star anise and cinnamon.

Serve it on the side or shred some over your bowl for a more integrated meal.

Char Siu

Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is known for its glossy exterior and tender texture.

It has a sweet and savoury glaze made from a mix of honey, five-spice powder, fermented tofu (red), soy sauce, and sometimes hoisin sauce.

Diced char siu can be included in your wonton filling, or you can enjoy thin slices as a hearty side.

Szechuan Chicken

Szechuan chicken offers a spicy kick, thanks to the Szechuan peppercorns and chilli peppers used in its preparation.

The tingling, bold flavours of this dish contrast nicely with the mild broth of the soup.

• Flavour Profile: Look for a balanced mix of hot, numbing, and smoky notes that characterise authentic Szechuan chicken.

(If you enjoy trying soups from different cuisines, you might also enjoy what to serve with borscht). 

Vegetables and Sides

Accompany your wonton soup with vibrant vegetables to enhance both the taste and nutritional value.

These side dishes add freshness and a delightful crunch to your meal.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy

For a quick and nutritious side, stir-fried bok choy is ideal.

You’ll need:

• Bok choy: Washed and sliced.
• Garlic: Finely chopped.
• Oil: A splash for frying.

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a pan, sauté the garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the bok choy and stir-fry until tender-crisp.

Garlic Spinach

Sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top for additional texture and flavour.

Ingredients:

• Spinach: Fresh and trimmed.
• Garlic: Minced.
• Sesame seeds: Optional garnish.

Cooking Steps:

1. Blanch spinach in boiling water, then drain.
2. Sauté garlic in oil, add spinach, and cook briefly.

Sesame Broccoli

Break away from the usual with sesame broccoli that’s both flavourful and satisfying.

Required:

• Broccoli: Cut into florets.
• Sesame oil: For a nutty taste.
• Soy sauce: Just a drizzle.

Method:

1. Steam broccoli until just tender.
2. Toss with sesame oil and soy sauce before serving.

Breads

When choosing bread to accompany your wonton soup, it’s all about complementing textures and flavours.

Scallion Pancakes

Scallion pancakes deliver a satisfying crunch and a burst of onion flavour, making them a popular choice.

They’re crispy on the outside, yet chewy in the middle, perfect for dipping into the soup.

You might also want to check out sides for scallion pancakes for more ideas! 

Prawn Toast

Prawn toast offers a delectable combination of minced prawn on toast, often sprinkled with sesame seeds.

It’s simultaneously crunchy and succulent, adding a seafood twist that pairs well with the lightness of wonton soup.

Chinese Flatbread

Chinese flatbread, known as ‘bing’, is a versatile option.

It can be soft or flaky, depending on the variety you choose.

This bread is excellent for soaking up the rich flavours of the soup broth.

Salads and Cold Dishes

Complementing your wonton soup with a refreshing salad or cold dish can balance out your meal.

These choices will add a crisp texture and vibrant flavour.

Cucumber Salad

A classic cucumber salad is a light, hydrating side.

To create this, thinly slice cucumbers and toss them in a dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of soy sauce.

Garnish with sesame seeds for an added crunch.

Sesame Noodle Salad

For a more substantial option, prepare a sesame noodle salad.

Use cold, cooked noodles, ideally soba or rice noodles, and coat them in a sesame dressing.

Mix in thinly sliced carrots and red peppers for colour and crunch.

Top with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions and a drizzle of sesame seeds.

Smashed Garlic Cucumbers

Smashed garlic cucumbers offer a bold taste with a garlic punch, and they’re a fantastic choice for what to serve with wonton soup.

Crush cucumbers with the side of a knife to allow them to absorb more flavour.

Dress with a mixture of garlic, rice vinegar, and chilli oil for a refreshing side dish that brings a zesty contrast to your soup.

Desserts

After enjoying your wonton soup, you might fancy a sweet treat to complete your meal.

Here are some classic Chinese desserts that pair perfectly with the delicate flavours of wonton soup…

Egg Tarts

You’ll find egg tarts are a delightful way to round off your dining experience.

They feature a flaky pastry crust with a creamy, custard-like filling.

You can enjoy them either hot or at room temperature.

Mango Pudding

Mango pudding is a refreshing choice with its light texture and fruity taste.

It’s typically made with ripe mangoes, gelatine, and cream, creating a luscious and smooth dessert.

• Ingredients:
  • Ripe mangoes
  • Gelatine or agar-agar
  • Cream or coconut milk
• Presentation: Garnish with mint leaves and a drizzle of mango puree.

Fortune Cookies

For a fun twist at the end of your meal, fortune cookies are a playful option for what to serve with wonton soup.

These crisp, folded cookies contain a piece of paper with a quaint prediction or aphorism.

• Fun Fact: While associated with Chinese cuisine in many Western countries, fortune cookies actually originated in California.
• Custom: Don’t forget to share your fortune with the table!

Drinks

Selecting the right drink to accompany your wonton soup can enhance your dining experience.

Here are a few options that pair well with the flavours of the soup.

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine tea, with its delicate floral aroma, complements the light and savoury taste of wonton soup.

A gentle brew of jasmine tea can cleanse your palate and add a subtly sweet note to your meal.

Lychee Cocktail

For a refreshing twist, a lychee cocktail blends sweet lychee fruit flavours with a touch of alcohol, offering a fruity contrast to the rich flavours of the soup.

Serve chilled for a delightful sipping experience.

• Ingredients: Lychee juice, vodka, lime, and ice
• Garnish: Lychee fruit or mint leaves

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea strikes a balance between green and black teas, offering a more robust flavour that can stand up to the spices of wonton soup.

Enjoy a cup of oolong tea with its earthy undertones and a slight hint of sweetness.

What’s your favourite choice for what to serve with wonton soup? 

Leave a comment and share your ideas!