Potsticker Soup Recipe
Imagine cozying up to a big steaming bowl of Potsticker Soup, brimming with tender dumplings, vibrant spinach, savory broth, and just the right touch of zingy ginger and garlic. This recipe is a weeknight miracle—ultra-comforting, packed with color and flavor, but ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re aiming for a quick dinner or hoping to impress a dumpling-loving friend, Potsticker Soup brings all the joy of your favorite takeout, but in a lighter, brothier package you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Potsticker Soup is delightfully straightforward, yet each item serves a purpose, layering flavor and texture for an unforgettable bowl. From fragrant fresh aromatics to ready-to-drop-in frozen dumplings, here’s what you’ll need:
- Sesame oil: Lends a deep, nutty undertone that instantly gives the soup that irresistible, classic Asian aroma.
- Green onions (3, sliced, white and green parts separated): The white parts sauté to a sweet base flavor, while the green tops add fresh pop at the end.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for a savory, slightly spicy undertone in the broth.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds warmth and brightness—never skip the ginger if you want the zing.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (6 cups): The backbone of the soup—mild yet rich, providing depth while letting the dumplings shine.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Salty umami goodness that ties all broth flavors together.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash of gentle acidity that perks up every bite.
- Chili garlic sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): Brings a little heat and bold flavor—adjust or omit based on your spice preference.
- Baby spinach (3 cups): Wilts beautifully into the hot broth, adding color, nutrients, and a soft texture.
- Frozen potstickers or dumplings (16–20, any variety): The heart of Potsticker Soup—choose your favorites, veggie or meaty, and let them plump up in the broth.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Add subtle sweetness and a burst of orange for both flavor and visual appeal.
- Sliced mushrooms (1/2 cup): Their earthiness rounds out the flavor profile and makes the soup more hearty.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For the final balanced seasoning—don’t forget to taste before serving.
- Fresh cilantro or green onion tops (for garnish): A sprinkle at the end makes every bowl look and taste completely irresistible.
How to Make Potsticker Soup
Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base
Begin by heating your sesame oil in a large, sturdy pot set over medium heat. Once the oil starts to shimmer, add the sliced white parts of your green onions, the minced garlic, and that lovely grated ginger. Sauté these for one to two minutes, stirring constantly—your kitchen should fill with the most exquisite fragrance! This simple step creates a base layer of flavor that sets your Potsticker Soup up for success.
Step 2: Create the Brothy Backbone
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce if you’re craving a touch of spice. Give the mixture a good stir. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, letting the flavors meld and deepen. This broth will soak into every dumpling and veggie, making sure each spoonful is wonderfully savory and a little tangy.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Simmer
Next, toss in your sliced mushrooms and shredded carrots. Let the soup simmer for three to four minutes, until the mushrooms start to soften and the carrots bring a subtle sweetness to the pot. This is the perfect moment for your kitchen to look as inviting as it smells!
Step 4: Drop in the Potstickers
Gently add your frozen potstickers straight into the bubbling broth. They’ll cook up beautifully—just follow the directions on the packaging, but typically they’ll need about six to eight minutes. They should be tender, juicy, and ready to eat. Be gentle when stirring to avoid breaking the wrappers.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
In the final two minutes of cooking, stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt into the broth. Taste your Potsticker Soup and season with salt and pepper as needed—you want everything to be just right. Ladle the soup into big bowls and shower with fresh green onion tops and a flurry of cilantro for maximum flavor and color.
How to Serve Potsticker Soup
Garnishes
Garnishing your Potsticker Soup takes it from homey to truly special. Top each steaming bowl with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for brightness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a light drizzle of chili oil adds flavor and a touch of visual flair. For an extra treat, pop in a soft-boiled egg or add a handful of crispy wonton strips on top.
Side Dishes
While this soup is hearty enough to stand alone, it pairs beautifully with sides. Serve it alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice, crisp Asian slaw, or a tray of quick-pickled vegetables for crunch and tang. For a fun feast, add some edamame or a few extra dumplings on the side for dipping into soy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Potsticker Soup in deep, wide bowls to show off all the goodies inside, or go for small, individual soup pots for cozy, single servings. For parties, ladle the soup into mugs for an easy-to-eat, sippable starter. Or, set up a toppings bar with extra garnishes and let everyone customize their own bowl—kids and adults both love the personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover Potsticker Soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days—the flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even better! If the potstickers absorb too much broth, just add a splash of extra broth before reheating to restore the soup’s texture.
Freezing
Potsticker Soup freezes best if you leave out the spinach and garnishes until after reheating. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure to fully cool before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and add fresh spinach and garnishes for that just-cooked flavor.
Reheating
Warm leftover Potsticker Soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently to keep the potstickers intact. You can also microwave individual servings in short, one-minute bursts, stirring in between. Add fresh greens or garnishes after heating—you’ll enjoy a bowl that’s as vibrant as the first day!
FAQs
Can I make Potsticker Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth and use vegetarian or vegan dumplings. You can load up the soup with extra veggies or toss in firm tofu for more protein and texture.
Which brands of frozen potstickers work best?
The beauty of Potsticker Soup is its flexibility—any brand you enjoy will work, whether you love pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetable. Look for dumplings that hold up well in boiling water; many Asian groceries and mainstream supermarkets carry excellent options.
Can I add extra vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Bok choy, napa cabbage, snap peas, or baby corn are delicious additions. Just add heartier veggies earlier in the simmering process and leafy ones in the last couple of minutes to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is this soup?
The base recipe has only a gentle warmth from ginger, but you control the spice level by adding more or less chili garlic sauce. For those who like it mild, skip it entirely, or for a spicy kick, add extra or offer chili oil at the table!
Can I use homemade dumplings?
Absolutely, Potsticker Soup is a fantastic way to show off homemade dumplings! Be sure they’re sealed well to prevent any fillings from escaping, and add them gently to the broth so they keep their beautiful shape.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s as cozy as it is satisfying, you’ll adore making (and devouring!) Potsticker Soup. Every bowl is bursting with flavor, color, and the kind of comfort only dumplings in warm broth can deliver. Give this recipe a try and bring a little extra joy to your dinner table—your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Potsticker Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful soup that combines the delicious flavors of potstickers with a savory broth and nutritious vegetables, making it a perfect one-bowl meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 green onions, white and green parts separated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 16–20 frozen potstickers or dumplings
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onion tops
Soup:
Potstickers:
Vegetables:
Seasoning:
Garnish:
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil: In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add white parts of green onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Bring to a boil.
- Cook vegetables: Add mushrooms and carrots. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Cook potstickers: Add frozen potstickers and cook until tender.
- Add spinach: Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions and cilantro.
Notes
- You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Swap in vegetarian dumplings for a meat-free option.
- Enhance richness with a soft-boiled egg or sesame chili oil.
- If using homemade potstickers, ensure they are sealed well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
