Potsticker Soup

The soothing flavors of garlic, ginger, and soy make this Potsticker Soup a nourishing favorite, especially when the weather cools down. It’s light yet hearty, with a perfectly balanced umami-rich broth that complements the tender dumplings beautifully.

You’ll love how easy and quick this recipe is to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu family meals. Customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand from bok choy to napa cabbage and choose your favorite potstickers, whether pork, chicken, or veggie. This soup brings the cozy flavors of your favorite Asian restaurant right to your home kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)

• 3 cups baby spinach

• 12–16 frozen or fresh potstickers (any variety)

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

• Extra green onions for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large soup pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat.

2. Add garlic, ginger, and green onions. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Pour in the broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Add mushrooms and carrots. Simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Carefully drop in the potstickers. Simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes or until potstickers are cooked through (follow package directions if using frozen).

6. Stir in baby spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted.

7. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Warm Up with a Bowl of Potsticker Soup

Potsticker Soup is a modern comfort food recipe that effortlessly fuses traditional Asian flavors with the simplicity of a weeknight meal. Whether you’ve grown up slurping on dumpling-laden broths or you’re just discovering the magic of umami-rich soups, this dish offers a satisfying combination of texture, taste, and temperature. It’s one of those recipes that seems gourmet but is wonderfully accessible to both new cooks and seasoned home chefs.

What Is Potsticker Soup?

At its core, Potsticker Soup is a light yet filling broth-based dish that features potstickers (also known as dumplings or gyoza), fresh vegetables, and a savory broth flavored with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It’s inspired by East Asian culinary traditions, particularly Chinese and Japanese where dumplings are a staple and broths play a key role in nearly every meal.

This dish has gained popularity for several reasons: it’s quick to prepare, highly customizable, and full of depth. Each bite of potsticker delivers a flavorful punch of meat or vegetables wrapped in a delicate dough, while the broth soothes and comforts.

Cultural Origins and Modern Appeal

Dumplings have a long and rich history, especially in Chinese cuisine, where they’re considered a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. In the North of China, dumplings (called jiaozi) are commonly eaten during Lunar New Year and other celebrations. When these dumplings are pan-fried and get crispy bottoms, they’re referred to as “potstickers.”

While traditionally served dry or with dipping sauces, the idea of dropping dumplings into soup has become increasingly common in both home kitchens and restaurants. It’s a smart way to stretch a batch of dumplings into a meal, using broth and vegetables to round out the dish.

In Western kitchens, the appeal of potsticker soup is rooted in its fusion-style convenience. With frozen potstickers available in most grocery stores and prep time kept under 30 minutes, it’s no wonder this soup has become a weeknight favorite.

Ingredient Spotlight

Every ingredient in potsticker soup has a role to play, adding flavor, texture, or nutrition.

• Potstickers: These are the star of the dish. You can use chicken, pork, shrimp, or vegetarian varieties. Fresh or frozen, they provide protein and a burst of flavor with every bite.

• Broth: A high-quality broth is essential. Low-sodium chicken broth is a great base, though vegetable broth can be used for a plant-based version. For even deeper flavor, consider adding a dash of miso paste or fish sauce.

• Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics build the flavor foundation. They add warmth and a slight kick to the broth, essential in Asian-style soups.

• Soy Sauce and Rice Vinegar: Soy sauce brings salty, umami depth, while rice vinegar adds a gentle acidity that balances the richness of the dumplings.

• Chili Garlic Sauce (Optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, this adds complexity and a gentle burn without overpowering the soup.

• Spinach and Vegetables: Baby spinach wilts perfectly into the hot broth, adding color, vitamins, and a touch of earthiness. Shredded carrots and mushrooms bring crunch and texture variety.

• Sesame Oil and Toasted Seeds: A final drizzle of sesame oil and sprinkle of sesame seeds elevate the dish with nutty richness and visual appeal.

Customization Tips

One of the biggest strengths of potsticker soup is its flexibility. Here’s how you can adapt the recipe based on dietary needs, ingredient availability, or personal taste:

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce (such as tamari) and check that your potstickers are made with gluten-free wrappers.

• Make it Vegan: Choose vegetable broth and plant-based dumplings. Skip the fish sauce if you’re adding it.

• Add Noodles: If you want a heartier meal, throw in some rice noodles or ramen.

• Add More Veggies: Bok choy, napa cabbage, bean sprouts, or even zucchini ribbons make excellent additions.

• Add Protein: Craving more protein? Crack an egg into the broth while it simmers to make egg drop-style soup. Or add shredded rotisserie chicken or tofu cubes.

• Spice It Up: A dash of Sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of chili oil can enhance the heat level to your liking.

Nutritional Benefits

Potsticker Soup may taste indulgent, but it can also be a healthful choice depending on how you prepare it.

• Low in Calories: With a broth base and no added creams or thickeners, this soup can be low in calories while still satisfying.

• Rich in Vitamins: Fresh vegetables like spinach and carrots provide vitamins A, C, and K along with fiber.

• Hydrating and Easy to Digest: This soup is especially great when you’re feeling under the weather. The clear broth is hydrating, and ginger/garlic are known for their digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Balanced Meal: When you add potstickers, leafy greens, and even noodles, you’re creating a complete, one-bowl meal with protein, carbs, and nutrients.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Potsticker Soup is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a light lunch or pair it with other Asian-inspired dishes for a full dinner spread. Here are a few ideas:

• Side Dishes: Steamed edamame, seaweed salad, or Asian cucumber salad pair beautifully with this soup.

• Drinks: A cup of green tea or jasmine tea can enhance the lightness of the meal. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of chilled sake or crisp white wine works wonderfully.

• Garnishes: Top the soup with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. A soft-boiled egg, sliced in half, adds both visual flair and extra richness.

• Meal Prep Friendly: The broth can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat it up and add potstickers straight from the freezer.

Conclusion

Potsticker Soup is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen pro without requiring hours in front of the stove. It combines the savory comfort of dumplings with the nourishing simplicity of soup, all while giving you room to be creative with ingredients and flavors.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or just need a quick fix after a long day, this soup has everything you need: warmth, flavor, and a dash of elegance. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular dinner rotation.

Give it your own spin and enjoy every slurp. This is one recipe that’s as rewarding to cook as it is to eat.