Potsticker Soup Recipe
Potsticker Soup is the ultimate answer to chilly evenings, packed schedules, and cravings for comfort that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Imagine pillowy dumplings floating in a bright, gingery broth accented with tender greens, sweet carrots, and a kick of chili if you like. This recipe transforms frozen potstickers into a cozy, nourishing meal in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or for wowing friends with just how easy impressive homemade soup can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Potsticker Soup lies in its simple ingredients—each one essential for building layers of flavor, color, and texture. Nothing here is complicated or hard to find, yet everything plays a starring role in making the soup taste like more than the sum of its parts.
- Sesame Oil: Adds irresistible nutty depth right from the start—no Asian-inspired soup is complete without it.
- Green Onions: The white parts infuse the broth with flavor, while the green tops add fresh crunch as a garnish.
- Garlic: Brings punchy aroma and warmth to the base, elevating every slurp of the soup.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger gives brightness and a signature zing that wakes up the tastebuds.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The backbone of the soup, so use a flavorful, high-quality broth for best results.
- Soy Sauce: A splash of umami and saltiness—a little goes a long way in rounding out the flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity, bringing balance and highlighting the fresh veggies.
- Chili Garlic Sauce (optional): For those who want some heat and complexity, this is your friend.
- Baby Spinach or Bok Choy: A handful of greens wilt beautifully into the soup, lending color and nutrition.
- Shredded Carrots: Sweet, vibrant, and a quick way to sneak in some veggies—and pretty color!
- Frozen Potstickers or Dumplings (any variety): The stars of Potsticker Soup—go with your favorites and let the soup do the rest.
- Fresh Cilantro and Sesame Seeds: To finish—these add a pop of freshness and a delicate crunch that takes the soup to the next level.
How to Make Potsticker Soup
Step 1: Start with a Fragrant Foundation
Heat up the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Toss in the white parts of the sliced green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir them around for a minute or two; you’ll know things are ready when the kitchen fills with an irresistible, cozy aroma. This quick sauté releases all those essential oils that give Potsticker Soup its instantly warming flavor.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth, letting it deglaze the fragrant base. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce if you’re using it. Give everything a gentle stir and bring the mixture up to a soft boil—just enough to merge those flavors and prep the broth for the veggies and potstickers to come.
Step 3: Add Veggies for Color and Texture
Toss in the shredded carrots next. Let them simmer for two to three minutes so they soften slightly but retain some bite and sweetness. If you love extra vegetables, now’s a great time to add sliced mushrooms or shelled edamame as well.
Step 4: Drop in the Potstickers
Now the fun part! Gently add the frozen potstickers to the broth, making sure they have room to cook without sticking together. Let them simmer according to the package instructions—usually six to eight minutes. You’ll see them plump up and become perfectly tender, ready to soak up all the flavorful goodness of the soup.
Step 5: Wilt the Greens and Finish with Garnishes
Just before serving, stir in the chopped baby spinach or bok choy. They’ll wilt into the hot soup in a minute or two, adding both nutrition and a gorgeous pop of green. Ladle the Potsticker Soup into bowls and pile on the garnishes—fresh green onion tops, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds—to finish things off with style.
How to Serve Potsticker Soup
Garnishes
Some soups are fine bare-bones, but Potsticker Soup comes alive with a handful of fresh toppings. Green onion tops, torn cilantro leaves, and sesame seeds all add flavor, color, and texture to every bite. If you want an extra-special touch, drizzle a few drops of toasted sesame oil or a swirl of chili oil right at the end.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a meal on its own, but you can absolutely round out your table. Try pairing with crispy spring rolls, a tangy Asian-inspired slaw, or simple steamed rice. Even a quick cucumber salad can add a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the potsticker broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or cozy dinner gatherings, ladle the soup into small bowls or mugs so everyone gets their own generous portion of dumplings and broth. For a fun twist, consider setting up a “soup assembly bar,” letting guests choose their greens, dumplings, and toppings for a personalized take on Potsticker Soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Potsticker Soup should be cooled to room temperature before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to three days, keeping the garnishes separate for best results. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Potsticker Soup, it’s best to do so before adding the greens and garnishes. The potstickers hold up well when frozen with the broth, but leafy vegetables can lose their texture. Simply thaw and reheat, then stir in fresh greens before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over gentle heat until steaming hot. If you’ve separated the greens, add them just before serving so they stay vibrant. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch too, just be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade potstickers in this soup?
Absolutely! If you have extra homemade potstickers, they’ll taste even better. Just make sure they’re fully cooked in the simmering broth. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since fresh dumplings may cook a bit faster than frozen.
Is Potsticker Soup spicy?
By default, the soup has just a gentle heat from any chili garlic sauce you choose to add. If you love spicy food, feel free to bump up the chili sauce or add a splash of sriracha before serving. Otherwise, keep it mild for a family-friendly bowl.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Many brands now offer gluten-free dumplings, and you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Just be sure to check all your labels to make sure each ingredient fits your dietary needs.
What’s the best way to add protein?
Besides potstickers filled with meat or tofu, try whisking a beaten egg into the simmering broth for an egg-drop effect, or toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even cubes of tofu for extra protein and heartiness.
Can I add noodles to make it more filling?
Definitely! Potsticker Soup is wonderfully flexible—add a handful of cooked ramen, udon, or even leftover rice noodles just before serving to create a more substantial, satisfying bowl.
Final Thoughts
Potsticker Soup is proof that magic can happen with just a few well-chosen ingredients and a little bit of time. It’s endlessly customizable, quick to whip up, and always guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. I hope you give it a try soon—there’s simply nothing more comforting or crave-worthy when you want a meal that’s both easy and extraordinary!
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Potsticker Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of potstickers in a warming soup form with this easy and delicious Potsticker Soup recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 green onions (sliced, white parts)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
Soup Additions:
- 3 cups baby spinach or bok choy (chopped)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 12–16 frozen potstickers or dumplings (any variety)
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat sesame oil and sauté white parts of green onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Prepare Broth: Pour in broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Bring to a boil.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in shredded carrots and simmer. Cook potstickers according to package instructions.
- Finish Soup: Add spinach or bok choy, cook until wilted. Serve hot, garnished with green onion tops, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Consider using different potsticker varieties for a unique flavor twist.
- Additional veggies like mushrooms or edamame can be included for more texture and nutrition.
- For a heartier meal, mix in cooked ramen or rice noodles before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
