Potsticker soup is comfort in a bowl — tender dumplings floating in a fragrant broth, flavored with ginger, garlic, and a drizzle of sesame oil. It’s quick to make with frozen potstickers and pantry staples, yet it feels like a dish that’s been simmering for hours. Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or served to guests, this soup brings warmth, flavor, and joy to the table.
The Heartwarming Story Behind Potsticker Soup
A Recipe Born from Tradition and Comfort
Potstickers, also known as dumplings, have deep roots in Chinese cuisine, often enjoyed during the Lunar New Year as a symbol of prosperity and family togetherness. Over time, they’ve become an everyday comfort food, and one of the most creative ways to enjoy them is in soup. By simmering dumplings in seasoned broth, cooks found a way to stretch a meal into something hearty, flavorful, and deeply comforting.
How Potsticker Soup Became a Family Favorite
In my own kitchen, potsticker soup became a favorite on chilly evenings when I wanted something quick yet nourishing. With frozen dumplings, a little broth, and some pantry staples, I discovered that a bowl of soup could feel both effortless and special. It’s now a recipe I return to often, sharing it with friends, family, and anyone who needs a little comfort in a bowl.
What is Potsticker Soup?
A Fusion of Dumplings and Broth
At its heart, potsticker soup is a beautiful blend of dumplings and broth. Potstickers — also known as dumplings or gyoza — are filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables, then simmered in a seasoned broth until tender. Unlike fried potstickers that crisp up in a skillet, these dumplings soften and soak in the flavors of the soup, making every bite rich and satisfying.
If you enjoy dumpling-filled soups, you might also love our Tuscan Tortellini Soup: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Bowl, another recipe that wraps comfort and flavor into every spoonful.
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Potsticker Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Flavor
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and cozy potsticker soup made with frozen dumplings, broth, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Ready in under 20 minutes, this comfort food classic is perfect for weeknight dinners or chilly nights.
Ingredients
12–15 frozen potstickers (store-bought or homemade)
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
½ cup spinach or bok choy (optional)
1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp chili oil or red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
Heat sesame oil in a large pot. Add ginger and garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Add soy sauce and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
Drop in frozen potstickers and cook 8–10 minutes, until they float.
Add mushrooms and spinach (if using). Simmer another 2 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and chili oil to taste.
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add miso paste for extra depth of flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: potsticker soup, dumpling soup, cozy soup recipe, easy Asian soup
Why It’s the Ultimate Comfort Food
What makes potsticker soup so comforting is its balance: the warmth of the broth, the heartiness of the dumplings, and the freshness of the vegetables. It’s versatile too — perfect as a quick dinner, a light lunch, or even a soothing remedy on a cold day. With simple ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, it transforms into a dish that feels nourishing and indulgent at the same time.
What Are the Ingredients in Potsticker Soup?
Fresh and Simple Pantry Staples
Here’s what you’ll need for a hearty pot:
- 12–15 frozen potstickers (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- ½ cup spinach or bok choy (optional)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp chili oil or red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Choosing the Best Potstickers for Soup
This recipe works beautifully with any potsticker — pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetable. Store-bought frozen dumplings make it quick, while homemade ones turn it into something extra special. Either way, the broth infuses every bite.
What is a Potsticker Made Of?
The Filling: Savory Meats and Vegetables
Traditional potstickers are filled with ground pork or chicken mixed with cabbage, scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Vegetarian versions often use mushrooms, tofu, or bok choy. The result is a juicy, savory filling that shines in soup.
The Wrapper: Thin, Delicate, and Flavorful
The dumpling wrapper is made from simple dough — flour and water — rolled thin to hold the filling without overpowering it. In soup, it softens just enough to soak in the broth while still keeping the filling intact.
How to Make Potsticker Soup at Home
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
- Heat sesame oil in a large pot, add garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add soy sauce and rice vinegar for depth.
- Drop in the frozen potstickers and cook until they float (about 8–10 minutes).
- Stir in mushrooms or greens if using.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili oil.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Tips for Perfect Flavor and Texture
- Don’t overcrowd the pot — cook in batches if needed.
- Add miso or tamari for extra richness or gluten-free swaps.
- A sprinkle of sugar balances the saltiness beautifully.
What to Serve with Potsticker Soup
Side Dishes That Complement the Flavors
Potsticker soup is filling enough on its own, but light sides like cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a crunchy cabbage slaw pair beautifully. For something heartier, spring rolls or fried rice make excellent companions.
And if you’re in the mood for something bolder, our Hot And Sour Soup: A Bold & Flavorful Classic offers a tangy, spicy kick that contrasts perfectly with the mild comfort of potsticker soup.
Drinks and Garnishes for a Complete Meal
Green tea or jasmine tea make soothing pairings, while a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complements the savory broth. Chili oil, cilantro, or sesame seeds add that final touch of flavor. well beyond soup — making them one of the most versatile freezer staples you can keep on hand.
How to Use Potstickers Beyond Soup
Creative Appetizer Ideas
Pan-fry potstickers until golden and serve with soy dipping sauce for a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Or steam them for a lighter bite, arranging them in bamboo baskets with sesame seeds and scallions.
Turning Potstickers into Main Dishes
Transform dumplings into a main by tossing them in stir-fries, building rice bowls with greens and sesame dressing, or even wrapping them in lettuce with fresh veggies for a fun twist.
FAQs About Potsticker Soup
What are the ingredients in potsticker soup?
Broth, frozen dumplings, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and optional add-ins like mushrooms or spinach.
What is a potsticker made of?
A thin dough wrapper filled with ground meat and vegetables, or vegetarian fillings like tofu or mushrooms.
What to serve with potsticker soup?
Light sides such as cucumber salad, edamame, or slaw, or heartier options like spring rolls and fried rice.
How to use potstickers?
Beyond soup, potstickers can be pan-fried, steamed, stir-fried with noodles, or tucked into lettuce wraps.
Bringing Potsticker Soup to Your Table
There’s something magical about a pot of potsticker soup simmering on the stove. The savory broth, tender dumplings, and customizable toppings make it more than just a meal — it’s a memory in the making.
For more cozy meals that warm from the inside out, don’t miss our Homemade Beef Barley Soup: A Hearty and Classic Comfort Recipe — another favorite for chilly evenings.
So grab a bag of dumplings, simmer a pot of broth, and enjoy a dish that’s quick, comforting, and always delicious.