Easy Potsticker Soup Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Introduction

When you’re craving something warm, quick, and comforting, Potsticker Soup is a deliciously satisfying choice that comes together in under 30 minutes. This recipe combines the cozy heartiness of a classic Asian-inspired broth with the convenience of frozen potstickers—making it perfect for weeknight dinners, lazy weekends, or when you want comfort food without the effort.

Think of it as a cozy dumpling noodle soup—but instead of noodles, you get juicy potstickers bobbing in a fragrant broth alongside tender veggies and savory aromatics. It’s warming, nourishing, and endlessly customizable based on your favorite dumplings and add-ins.

Whether you’re under the weather or just in need of a soul-hugging meal, this easy potsticker soup checks all the boxes.

Ingredients Overview

Potsticker soup comes together with just a few key ingredients, many of which you may already have on hand. Here’s what makes it flavorful, filling, and flexible.

Main Ingredients

Frozen potstickers or dumplings
Choose your favorite variety—chicken, pork, vegetable, shrimp, or even gyoza. Both pan-fried and steamed potstickers work in this soup.
Garlic and ginger
Essential aromatics for a warm, savory base. Use fresh for the best flavor.
Vegetable or chicken broth
A high-quality broth brings depth to the soup. Choose low-sodium so you can season to taste.
Soy sauce
Adds umami and saltiness. Go for low-sodium or swap with tamari for gluten-free.
Sesame oil
Just a dash brings nutty aroma and authenticity.
Green onions
Stirred in at the end for a crisp, fresh bite.
Vegetables
Bok choy, spinach, shredded carrots, mushrooms, or napa cabbage are perfect choices.

Optional Add-ins

Chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat
A cracked egg (stirred in like egg drop soup)
Rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness
Cilantro, basil, or mint for herbal finish

Ingredient Swaps

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free dumplings and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Vegan: Choose veggie potstickers and use vegetable broth.
Low-carb: Opt for mini potstickers and load up on greens instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or neutral oil) over medium heat.

Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger.
Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

2. Build the Broth

Pour in 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. Stir in:

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)

Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Add Potstickers

Carefully add 12–15 frozen potstickers directly to the simmering broth. Stir gently to prevent sticking.

Simmer according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes) until the dumplings are tender and cooked through.

Note: If using delicate dumplings, avoid boiling too vigorously as they may break apart.

4. Add Vegetables

During the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, stir in your chosen vegetables:

2 cups chopped bok choy, spinach, or napa cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots or thinly sliced mushrooms

Let them wilt and soften, but keep a bit of texture for contrast.

5. Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning—add more soy sauce, a splash of lime juice, or a pinch of chili flakes if desired.

Ladle into bowls, top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or herbs.
Serve hot with extra chili oil or sriracha on the side.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Cooking Tips

Use a gentle simmer to keep potstickers intact.
Stir in one direction when adding aromatics to help release oils and fragrance.
Add a few ice cubes after sautéing if you want to slow the heat before adding broth and preserve more of the aromatics.

Flavor Variations

Spicy potsticker soup: Add chili garlic paste, sriracha, or gochujang to the broth.
Creamy version: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a Thai-inspired twist.
Lemony twist: Add fresh lemon or lime juice at the end for a citrusy lift.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use wontons instead of potstickers for a lighter soup.
Add vermicelli noodles or rice if you want a heartier base.
Stir in miso paste for deeper umami flavor.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This soup is perfect for:

Weeknight dinners that feel indulgent but are fast and wholesome
Cold days when you need warmth from the inside out
Meal prep—just cook the broth and veggies in advance and add potstickers fresh
Light lunches served with a side salad or cold noodles

Pair with:

Cucumber salad or Asian slaw
Steamed edamame
Hot green tea or sparkling water with lime

It’s a comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down but still feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Nutritional & Health Notes

Potsticker soup offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and micronutrients, depending on the dumplings and veggies you use.

Dumplings bring protein and satisfying bite
Leafy greens and carrots offer fiber, vitamin A, and immune-supporting nutrients
Ginger and garlic have known anti-inflammatory properties
Broth-based soups help with hydration and digestion

Estimated nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings with veggie potstickers):

Calories: ~300–350
Protein: ~10–15g
Carbs: ~30–35g
Fat: ~10–12g

Lower the sodium by using reduced-salt broth and light soy sauce.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use homemade dumplings for this soup?

A1: Yes! Just ensure they’re sealed well and not overfilled. Cook gently to avoid breaking them apart.

Q2: Will frozen potstickers get mushy in soup?

A2: Not if simmered properly. Add them to simmering, not boiling broth, and stir gently. Don’t overcook.

Q3: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A3: You can prep the broth and vegetables ahead, but for best texture, add and cook potstickers fresh when ready to eat.

Q4: Can I add noodles to this soup?

A4: Absolutely. Thin rice noodles or soba work great. Add them fully cooked at the end so they don’t overcook or absorb too much broth.

Q5: How do I make it spicy?

A5: Stir in chili garlic sauce, crushed red pepper, or a spoonful of sambal oelek while the broth simmers.

Q6: Is potsticker soup good for when you’re sick?

A6: Yes! The warm broth, ginger, and garlic are soothing for sore throats and can help ease digestion. Just go light on spice if you’re sensitive.

Q7: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A7: Store soup and potstickers separately if possible. Reheat the broth and veggies, then add potstickers just before serving to keep them from getting too soft.