The Potsticker Soup is your new go-to for an easy yet deeply satisfying meal. It combines the heartiness of dumplings with the warmth of a garlicky-ginger broth, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving takeout-level flavor at home. Using frozen potstickers makes this dish incredibly convenient without sacrificing taste or comfort. What makes this soup extra special is how adaptable it is. Vegetarian? Use veggie broth and meatless dumplings. Want more heat? Add extra chili garlic sauce. From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, this soup brings everything you need: convenience, warmth, and rich, savory satisfaction in every spoonful.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
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6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
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12 frozen potstickers (pork, chicken, or veggie)
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2 cups baby spinach
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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2 green onions, sliced
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish
Directions:
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In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce if using.
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Carefully add frozen potstickers to the simmering broth. Cook for 6–8 minutes or until the potstickers are cooked through and tender.
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Stir in spinach and carrots. Simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl: Potsticker Soup
Potsticker Soup is one of those rare dishes that beautifully balances comfort, convenience, and culinary elegance. Originating from the fusion of East Asian flavors and Western-style comfort soups, this recipe has quickly gained popularity among home cooks looking for something quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re dealing with a busy weeknight, seeking warmth on a rainy day, or simply craving dumplings in a different form, Potsticker Soup delivers. It’s the type of dish that looks like it took hours to prepare but comes together in 20 minutes or less.
What Is Potsticker Soup?
Potsticker Soup is essentially a marriage of savory dumplings and a well-seasoned broth, often featuring aromatics like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add a handful of vegetables like baby spinach or shredded carrots, and you’ve created a soul-warming bowl of goodness.
Instead of steaming or pan-frying potstickers (also known as gyoza or dumplings), this recipe simmers them in a broth, infusing the soup with all their rich flavors. It’s hearty without being heavy and feels indulgent while still being wholesome.
Why Potsticker Soup Works
What makes Potsticker Soup so brilliant is its blend of flavors and textures. The broth is deeply savory and aromatic, carrying the warming essence of garlic and ginger. Soy sauce adds umami depth, and a splash of rice vinegar brightens the dish with acidity. Sesame oil lends that signature nutty aroma, instantly transporting you to your favorite Asian bistro.
Then come the dumplings. Tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of chewy, they act as little pockets of joy that absorb the broth’s essence while also standing strong on their own.
Toss in some fresh vegetables typically spinach, carrots, or bok choy and the soup takes on additional freshness, color, and nutrients. Garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds not only enhances the flavor but also adds visual appeal.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Profile
Though incredibly tasty, Potsticker Soup can also be a healthy option, depending on how you prepare it. Here are a few reasons why it’s a well-rounded choice:
1. Lean Protein and Low Fat (Depending on Dumplings)
Many store-bought or homemade potstickers contain lean meats like chicken, turkey, or tofu, making them a great protein source without excessive fat. Using vegetable-based dumplings turns the soup vegetarian-friendly.
2. Broth-Based Means Lighter Calories
Unlike cream-based soups, Potsticker Soup relies on a light, broth-forward base, making it significantly lower in calories while still being filling and flavorful.
3. Packed with Vegetables
Add-ins like spinach, carrots, mushrooms, or napa cabbage not only boost the color and texture but also introduce a wealth of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, C, K, and iron.
4. Immune-Boosting Ingredients
Garlic and ginger, two of the main ingredients in the broth, have well-documented immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Variations to Suit Every Taste
One of the best things about Potsticker Soup is its adaptability. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, you can tweak it in several ways to make it your own.
Vegetarian or Vegan Version
Use vegetable broth and plant-based potstickers. Add tofu cubes, edamame, or mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
Spicy Kick
Love heat? Add a spoonful of chili garlic paste or a splash of sriracha. Garnish with sliced red chili or a drizzle of chili oil.
Hearty Upgrade
Want to make it more substantial? Add ramen noodles or rice noodles for a dumpling-and-noodle hybrid soup. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
More Veggies
Throw in napa cabbage, bok choy, zucchini, or bean sprouts. This will make the soup even more nutrient-dense and colorful.
Herbs and Aromatics
Fresh cilantro, Thai basil, or a squeeze of lime juice can add a Southeast Asian twist.
Potstickers: A Cultural Note
Potstickers have deep roots in Chinese cuisine. Known as “jiaozi” in Mandarin, these dumplings are often pan-fried on one side and steamed on the other, hence the term “potsticker.” They are traditionally served during Lunar New Year celebrations as symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
By incorporating potstickers into a soup, this recipe becomes a modern, fusion-style twist on a beloved cultural staple making it approachable for cooks around the world while still respecting its origins.
Best Time to Enjoy Potsticker Soup
While Potsticker Soup is an ideal cold-weather dish, it’s honestly versatile enough for year-round enjoyment. Here’s when it really shines:
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After a long workday when you want something fast but fulfilling.
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On chilly evenings, when the cozy warmth of ginger broth hits just right.
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During sick days, because the garlic and ginger broth is soothing and healing.
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As a dinner party starter, especially for Asian-themed menus or fusion meals.
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For meal prepping, since it stores and reheats well, making it a smart make-ahead lunch.
Storage and Leftovers
Potsticker Soup stores well for 2–3 days in the fridge, though the dumplings may absorb more broth over time and become softer. If you’re planning for leftovers, consider storing the dumplings separately and adding them to the reheated broth just before serving. This helps retain their texture.
Freezing is not recommended for the fully assembled soup, as thawed dumplings can turn mushy. However, you can freeze the broth and veggies, then add freshly cooked dumplings later.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a few sides or enhancements:
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A crisp Asian slaw for texture contrast
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Steamed edamame with sea salt as an appetizer
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A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame
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Jasmine or sticky rice if you’re especially hungry
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A side of tea or sake to elevate the dining experience
Conclusion:
Potsticker Soup is more than just a quick meal it’s a culinary experience that satisfies on every level. It brings together the deep, comforting essence of a well-made broth with the rich, satisfying texture of dumplings, all while leaving room for personal creativity.
This is the kind of recipe you’ll return to over and over, adapting it based on your pantry, cravings, or seasonal produce. Whether you’re cooking for your family, treating yourself after a long day, or impressing dinner guests, Potsticker Soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.