If you’re looking for a comforting and soul-satisfying weeknight meal, Potsticker Soup is about to become your new obsession. Imagine plump, tender potstickers bobbing in a golden, gingery broth, surrounded by crisp Napa cabbage and earthy mushrooms, all brought to life with a handful of fresh herbs and a dash of soy. This recipe delivers the heartiness of a dumpling dish without fuss, and it’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl for yourself or trying to impress a table full of friends, Potsticker Soup is the fast and fabulously flavorful answer you’ve been looking for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This glorious Potsticker Soup comes together with a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each of which plays a starring role in taste and texture. There’s no need for fancy techniques—just good, solid flavor.
- Frozen potstickers: These little dumplings make the soup hearty and satisfying—use pork or veggie depending on your mood.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The base of any great soup, full of depth and umami; opt for low-sodium if you want to control salt.
- Napa cabbage: Adds a soft crunch and lovely sweetness as it gently wilts in the hot broth.
- Sliced shiitake mushrooms: Bring earthiness and a meaty texture that pairs beautifully with the dumplings.
- Green onions: Add a pop of color and sharpness right at the end for brightness.
- Garlic: Nothing kicks up the aroma quite like fresh, minced garlic sautéed in oil.
- Fresh ginger: That irresistible zing and warmth are essential for authentic Asian goodness.
- Soy sauce: The salty, savory backbone for a perfectly balanced broth.
- Sesame oil: Just a small splash infuses the whole pot with deep, toasty flavor.
- Rice vinegar: A bright, tangy note that lifts and balances the rich soup.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple but so important for rounding out the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Sprinkle for a burst of color and herbal freshness.
- Chili flakes (optional): A pinch adds a whisper of heat for those who crave a little spice.
How to Make Potsticker Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start your Potsticker Soup by heating sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger; within seconds, your kitchen will fill with that irresistible, savory aroma. This quick sauté (just about 1 minute) wakes up the ginger and garlic, infusing the oil—and eventually your broth—with a heady, complex flavor that is truly the heart of the soup.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. This is where all those delicious flavors begin to mingle! The broth becomes the canvas for your soup, and it’s important to let it heat up fully to unlock maximum flavor before you add your potstickers.
Step 3: Cook the Potstickers
Slide the frozen potstickers right into the simmering bath. There’s no need to thaw them; straight from the freezer works perfectly. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6 to 8 minutes, until they float to the top and look plump and irresistible. The potstickers will soak up a bit of the seasoned broth and, in return, lend the soup their special dumpling magic.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Seasonings
Stir in the soy sauce and rice vinegar to deepen the broth with savoriness and a subtle tang. Toss in your vibrant Napa cabbage, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and a handful of green onions. Simmer everything together for just another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the veggies to get tender but still maintain a fresh color and crunch. Taste and season with salt and pepper—always trust your spoon!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Now comes the fun part: ladle the finished Potsticker Soup into deep bowls, making sure each serving gets its fair share of potstickers and vegetables. If you’d like, scatter over some fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chili flakes. The beauty is in the details—each bowl looks like a vibrant little masterpiece.
How to Serve Potsticker Soup
Garnishes
The right garnish isn’t just a pretty touch—it wakes up your bowl! Add fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green, a flourish of sliced green onions, and (if you love heat) a whisper of chili flakes scattered right before serving. Each adds a layer of brightness and makes a bowl of Potsticker Soup feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Potsticker Soup is filling enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed jasmine or brown rice, a simple green salad dressed in sesame vinaigrette, or a crisp, quick cucumber pickle. These light, fresh sides echo the flavors in the soup and turn it into a feast that feels both comforting and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have some fun, try serving Potsticker Soup in mini bowls at a party, topped with different garnishes (like toasted sesame seeds, sliced red chili, or nori strips) for a “build-your-own” feel. Or stack the potstickers high for stunning visual appeal, and drizzle a little extra soy or chili oil for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cool the Potsticker Soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so your future self will thank you!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup—but with a little twist: it’s best to freeze the broth and veggies separately from the potstickers so the dumplings don’t get soggy. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just reheat the broth and add fresh or thawed potstickers.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. If the potstickers have thickened the broth overnight, you may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. Avoid boiling it too vigorously, so the dumplings stay plump and intact!
FAQs
Can I use homemade potstickers instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! If you have homemade potstickers on hand, Potsticker Soup gets an instant upgrade. Just adjust the cooking time if your dumplings are bigger or have thicker wrappers.
What’s the best way to make this soup vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth and use vegetable potstickers. You’ll still get all those savory, cozy vibes—no compromise on flavor!
How can I add extra veggies to the soup?
Toss in handfuls of spinach, bok choy, or even snow peas during the last few minutes of cooking. These greens wilt beautifully and make your Potsticker Soup even more satisfying and colorful.
Do potstickers need to be thawed before cooking in soup?
No need! Frozen potstickers go straight from freezer to pot. Just check the package instructions for timing, as some brands might need a minute or two longer to fully cook through.
Can I make Potsticker Soup spicy?
Definitely! Add chili flakes, a squeeze of sriracha, or a spoonful of chili crisp oil at the end, either to the whole pot or just in your own bowl for a customizable heat level.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, fast, and flavor-packed dinner, Potsticker Soup is truly hard to beat. Whether you’re keeping it simple or piling on your favorite garnishes, this recipe offers endless comfort and plenty of ways to make it your own. Give it a try the next time you want something satisfying with minimal effort, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a steady favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Potsticker Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful soup featuring savory potstickers in a rich broth with vegetables and Asian seasonings, topped with fresh cilantro and chili flakes.
Ingredients
Frozen Potstickers:
20 potstickers
Broth:
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Napa Cabbage:
2 cups, thinly sliced
Shiitake Mushrooms:
1 cup, sliced
Green Onions:
3, sliced
Garlic:
2 cloves, minced
Ginger:
1 tablespoon, grated
Soy Sauce:
2 tablespoons
Sesame Oil:
1 tablespoon
Rice Vinegar:
1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Cilantro:
for garnish (optional)
Chili Flakes:
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a pot, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Potstickers: Pour in broth, bring to a boil, add potstickers, cook until done.
- Season and Add Vegetables: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, cabbage, mushrooms, and green onions. Simmer until tender.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, ladle into bowls, garnish with cilantro and chili flakes.
Notes
- Use homemade potstickers for a fresher taste.
- Add bok choy or spinach for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
