The perfect fusion of Asian flavors and comforting warmth, this Potsticker Soup is your go-to dish when you need something fast, hearty, and soul-soothing. Featuring tender potstickers, aromatic broth, and fresh greens, it’s a complete meal in one bowl. This recipe is incredibly versatile feel free to switch up the type of potstickers or add extra veggies like bok choy or carrots. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or anytime you’re craving a cozy, flavorful soup.
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 ginger, minced
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6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
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12-16 frozen potstickers (pork, chicken, or vegetable)
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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2 cups baby spinach
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3 green onions, sliced
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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Fresh cilantro leaves 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 or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
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Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce.
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Add sliced mushrooms and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
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Gently place potstickers into the soup, cover, and cook according to package instructions (usually about 5-6 minutes).
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Once potstickers are cooked, add baby spinach and let wilt for 1-2 minutes.
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Ladle soup into bowls, topping with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What is Potsticker Soup?
Potsticker Soup is an Asian-inspired broth-based dish featuring soft, tender potstickers (also known as dumplings or gyoza) floating in a savory, seasoned broth. The broth is typically infused with ingredients like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sometimes chili for added heat. Alongside the dumplings, you’ll find a medley of vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, or green onions, adding texture, nutrients, and fresh flavor.
What makes this soup especially appealing is how quickly it comes together. Unlike more time-consuming soups, Potsticker Soup can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Potsticker Soup
1. Quick & Convenient
One of the standout features of Potsticker Soup is how easy and convenient it is. Thanks to the use of frozen potstickers (available in most grocery stores), much of the preparation is already done for you. You can choose between pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetable potstickers depending on your dietary preferences. From start to finish, this meal takes no more than 25-30 minutes, making it a reliable option for weeknights.
2. Nutritious & Balanced
This soup doesn’t just taste great it’s also nutritionally balanced. The broth is light yet rich in flavor, and the vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The potstickers, filled with protein and veggies, offer a satisfying bite, leaving you full without feeling heavy.
By customizing the vegetables or adjusting the seasoning, you can make this soup as healthy as you’d like. Want to reduce sodium? Opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Want extra greens? Toss in some bok choy or napa cabbage.
3. Customizable Flavors
Potsticker Soup’s beauty lies in its flexibility. You can adjust the ingredients to match your taste preferences:
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Spice Level: Add chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
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Broth Base: While chicken or vegetable broth is typical, you could also use bone broth for added nutrients and depth.
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Additional Proteins: Add tofu cubes, shredded chicken, or even shrimp to make it even heartier.
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Herbs & Toppings: Garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, or even a soft-boiled egg for extra flavor and texture.
Cultural Inspiration Behind Potsticker Soup
Potsticker Soup draws inspiration from various Asian culinary traditions, particularly Chinese and Japanese cuisines. Potstickers themselves (known as “jiaozi” in Chinese or “gyoza” in Japanese) have been beloved for centuries. Traditionally, they are pan-fried to give a crispy bottom, but in soup form, they’re gently boiled, resulting in a soft, chewy texture that soaks up the flavorful broth.
The use of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce in the broth reflects classic Asian cooking staples, while the inclusion of vegetables and herbs speaks to the emphasis on balance and nutrition prevalent in many Eastern cuisines.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Potsticker Soup
Potsticker Soup is incredibly versatile and works for a variety of occasions:
1. Weeknight Dinner
Short on time but still want a warm, satisfying meal? Potsticker Soup is ready in under 30 minutes and doesn’t require a lot of prep work.
2. Cold Weather Comfort
There’s something magical about wrapping your hands around a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day. The warmth of the broth, combined with the soft dumplings, makes this the ultimate comfort food.
3. Light but Filling Lunch
If you’re looking for a mid-day meal that won’t leave you sluggish, Potsticker Soup is a fantastic choice. It provides a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and broth without being overly heavy.
4. Dinner Party Starter
Serve smaller portions of Potsticker Soup as an appetizer at a dinner party. It’s unique enough to impress guests, yet simple and familiar enough to please a wide range of palates.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Potsticker Soup
Here are a few expert tips to elevate your Potsticker Soup:
1. Don’t Overcook the Potstickers
Whether you’re using frozen or homemade potstickers, it’s essential not to overcook them. Overboiling can cause them to fall apart or become mushy. Follow the package instructions carefully and test for doneness.
2. Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic
Freshly minced ginger and garlic provide a deeper, more aromatic flavor compared to their powdered counterparts. These ingredients form the foundation of the broth’s flavor, so quality matters.
3. Customize with Seasonal Vegetables
Feel free to adjust the vegetable mix based on what’s in season. For example, during winter, add hearty greens like kale or cabbage, while in summer, you might opt for lighter veggies like snap peas.
4. Prep Garnishes Ahead of Time
Chop green onions, cilantro, and prepare sesame seeds in advance so you can garnish your soup immediately after cooking, preserving freshness and presentation.
Health Benefits of Potsticker Soup
Beyond its mouthwatering taste, Potsticker Soup boasts several nutritional benefits:
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Rich in Antioxidants: Thanks to ingredients like garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables, this soup contains antioxidants known to boost immunity and fight inflammation.
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Low in Calories: Unlike cream-based soups, Potsticker Soup’s broth is light, making it a low-calorie but satisfying option.
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Packed with Protein & Fiber: Potstickers provide protein, while the vegetables add fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
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Hydrating & Soothing: Broth-based soups are hydrating and particularly soothing for the digestive system, ideal when you’re feeling under the weather.
Variations to Try
Once you master the classic version, consider experimenting with different twists:
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Miso Potsticker Soup: Add a spoonful of miso paste to the broth for extra umami flavor.
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Coconut Curry Dumpling Soup: Incorporate coconut milk and curry paste for a Thai-inspired spin.
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Vegan Potsticker Soup: Use vegetable broth and plant-based potstickers to make it 100% vegan-friendly.
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Noodle Dumpling Soup: Toss in rice noodles or soba noodles for extra substance.
Conclusion:
Potsticker Soup is more than just another soup it’s a flavorful, nourishing, and adaptable dish that brings together the best of Asian culinary traditions. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for a variety of occasions, from busy weeknight meals to cozy weekends.
Whether you’re craving something warm and hearty or looking for a new go-to comfort food, this soup hits all the right notes. Plus, it offers a balanced combination of protein, veggies, and savory broth, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
So next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a pack of potstickers and a few simple ingredients you’ll have a bowl of cozy, flavorful Potsticker Soup on the table in no time!