Potsticker Soup is a deliciously comforting dish that brings together the hearty satisfaction of tender dumplings with a fragrant, savory broth. Whether you’re rushing home after a busy day or craving a bowl of something warm and soothing, this Potsticker Soup is an absolute game-changer. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to whip up, offering that perfect blend of textures and flavors that never fails to hit the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Potsticker Soup is how its simple yet essential ingredients come together to create an unforgettable bowl of goodness. Each item plays a crucial part, whether adding depth to the broth, bringing in freshness, or enhancing the overall texture and color.
- Frozen potstickers (12–15): Choose store-bought or homemade for the dumpling star of the show, packed with tasty filling.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups): This forms the warm, savory base—vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian twist.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a punch of umami to deepen flavors beautifully.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle nutty aroma that instantly elevates the soup.
- Grated ginger (2 teaspoons): Offers a fresh, zesty zing to brighten the broth.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Infuses a fragrant warmth essential for that inviting aroma.
- Green onions (2–3, chopped): Fresh garnish that adds a crisp bite and vibrant color.
- Sliced mushrooms (½ cup, optional): Adds earthiness and tender texture for extra heartiness.
- Spinach or bok choy (½ cup, optional): Brings a pop of green and a mild, leafy crunch.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon, optional): Lends a gentle tanginess that brightens the broth’s flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, these basics enhance every ingredient perfectly.
- Chili oil or red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, this adds just the right kick.
How to Make Potsticker Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by warming the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about a minute until the fragrant scents start to fill your kitchen. Then, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and if you’re using it, rice vinegar. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes so all those flavors mingle and deepen into a rich, inviting soup base.
Step 2: Cook the Potstickers and Vegetables
Next, add your frozen potstickers directly into the simmering broth. They’ll cook quickly, usually in 5 to 7 minutes, becoming tender yet holding their delightful chewy edges. During the last few moments, stir in any optional veggies like mushrooms or spinach to soften them just right without losing their vibrant texture. This step really makes your Potsticker Soup feel like a complete, nourishing meal.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Give your soup a taste test and adjust with salt, pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of chili oil for some heat. This final seasoning round allows you to personalize the soup exactly how you like it. Once everything is perfectly balanced, remove the pot from heat to keep the potstickers tender and the broth silky smooth.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the steaming hot Potsticker Soup into individual bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of broth, potstickers, and veggies. Top it with a handful of chopped green onions for freshness and a little extra drizzle of sesame oil if you want to elevate the aroma and taste even further. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Potsticker Soup
Garnishes
Garnishing is where your Potsticker Soup gets an extra pop of color and flavor. Bright green onions are a classic choice, adding a crisp bite, but don’t stop there—try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few fresh cilantro leaves for a fresh twist. A dash of chili oil on top can add inviting warmth that’s perfect for chilly days.
Side Dishes
Potsticker Soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete with its richness. A light Asian cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice are ideal companions. You could also enjoy it alongside a plate of crunchy spring rolls or lightly seasoned edamame for a well-rounded feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turning Potsticker Soup into a showstopper is easy with a few creative tweaks. Serve it in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, or add some cooked noodles to transform it into a heartier noodle soup. For a fun twist, offer an array of dipping sauces on the side so everyone can customize their dumplings as they eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Potsticker Soup keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain the flavors and moisture. When you’re ready, just warm it gently on the stovetop to keep the potstickers tender and the broth flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to keep Potsticker Soup on hand even longer, freezing is a good option. However, because dumplings can change texture when frozen, it’s best to freeze the broth and potstickers separately. Freeze the broth in airtight containers and the dumplings on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, you can reheat each component perfectly when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat Potsticker Soup, gently warm the broth in a pot on medium heat until hot but not boiling. Add the potstickers and vegetables, cooking just long enough to heat them through without overcooking. Avoid the microwave for potstickers if possible, as it can make them rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use homemade potstickers in this soup?
Absolutely! Homemade potstickers add amazing freshness and flavor. Just be sure they’re slightly frozen or chilled before adding them to the simmering broth to help them keep their shape.
Is Potsticker Soup vegetarian?
You can easily make Potsticker Soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth and selecting vegetarian dumplings. Adding extra vegetables boosts both nutrition and texture.
Can I add noodles to Potsticker Soup?
Yes, adding cooked noodles like ramen or rice noodles is a great way to make the soup more filling. Add them near the end of cooking so they don’t get mushy.
How spicy is the Potsticker Soup?
The spice level depends on your addition of chili oil or red pepper flakes. You can keep it mild by omitting these or bring on the heat with extra chili oil to suit your taste buds.
What other vegetables work well in Potsticker Soup?
Besides mushrooms and bok choy, try adding shredded carrots, snap peas, or baby corn to change things up. Just add them towards the end so they stay crisp-tender.
Final Thoughts
Potsticker Soup is one of those magical dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with rich, comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—it’s a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy to your dinner table any day of the week.
PrintPotsticker Soup
Potsticker Soup is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired recipe combining tender dumplings with a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cozy evenings, this comforting soup is easy to prepare using store-bought or homemade potstickers and can be customized with vegetables, spices, or noodles to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12–15 frozen potstickers (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 2–3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup spinach or bok choy (optional)
Optional Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili oil or red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and optional rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook the Potstickers and Vegetables: Add the frozen potstickers to the simmering broth. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes until they are heated through and tender. During the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the sliced mushrooms or spinach/bok choy if using to soften the vegetables.
- Season the Soup: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, and optionally add chili oil or red pepper flakes for some heat. Remove the pot from the heat once fully seasoned.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a good mix of broth, potstickers, and vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and a small drizzle of sesame oil to enhance the aroma and flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding tamari or fish sauce to the broth.
- Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or cooked noodles to make it heartier.
- Use vegetable broth and vegan potstickers to make this recipe vegan-friendly.