Easy Potsticker Soup Recipe

Potsticker Soup-sounds like the perfect comfort food, doesn’t it? Imagine warm, flavorful broth filled with tender dumplings, a medley of vegetables, and that unmistakable hint of soy sauce and sesame. If you love potstickers but want something a little more filling, or just want to transform your favorite dumpling into a heartwarming soup, this recipe is for you. You get the deliciously crispy, pan-fried outside of the potstickers mixed with a rich, aromatic broth that soothes the soul. It’s the ultimate fusion of textures and flavors-crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and swimming in a savory broth that’s packed with deep umami notes.

Now, don’t get intimidated by the idea of making potsticker soup at home. It’s actually easier than you might think! You’ll get to enjoy all the incredible flavors of homemade dumplings without the complexity of deep-frying or extensive prep work. This dish is versatile, quick, and makes for a great weeknight dinner or a weekend meal when you want something cozy.

In this guide, we’re going to break everything down for you. From a simple yet satisfying recipe to tips and variations that’ll elevate this meal to your new favorite comfort dish.

This potsticker soup is a one-pot wonder that brings everything together in a way that feels like it took hours to make. The best part? You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll create a meal that feels special but is actually super straightforward.

Ingredients Needed

Frozen potstickers (your choice of filling): Pork, chicken, beef, or even vegetarian potstickers work great. You can usually find these in the frozen section of your grocery store.
Broth: You’ll need 4-5 cups of broth. Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth works, but if you want a richer flavor, opt for homemade broth.
Soy sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami flavor to the broth.
Ginger (fresh or powdered): Fresh ginger gives a vibrant kick, while powdered is convenient for a more subtle, earthy flavor.
Garlic: A classic in any Asian-inspired soup, garlic will infuse the broth with its rich aroma.
Green onions: For garnish and a little crunch.
Sesame oil: Adds that nutty, aromatic essence that gives the soup that signature “Asian” taste.
Vegetables (optional but highly recommended): Mushrooms, bok choy, spinach, or any greens you have on hand.
Cornstarch (optional): For thickening the broth slightly if you like a heartier consistency.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare The Broth
- In a large pot, pour in your broth of choice and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add a splash of soy sauce (about 2 tablespoons), ginger (1 teaspoon fresh, or a pinch of powdered), and garlic (1-2 minced cloves). Stir to combine.
Add Vegetables
- If using vegetables like mushrooms or bok choy, now is the time to toss them in. Let the vegetables simmer for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Cook The Potstickers
- Add your frozen potstickers directly into the broth. Let them simmer in the soup for about 6-8 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they begin to float to the surface.
- If you like a slightly crispy edge on your dumplings, you can heat some oil in a pan and quickly sear the potstickers before adding them to the broth.
Season And Finish
- Once the potstickers are cooked through, taste the broth. Add more soy sauce or ginger if needed. If you want the broth a little thicker, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the broth. Let it simmer for another minute to thicken.
Garnish And Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle a few drops of sesame oil over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and any extra veggies or herbs you like.

Ingredient Insights

To understand why each ingredient shines, here’s a breakdown:

Potstickers: The star of the dish! These dumplings, with their crispy edges and soft centers, are packed with flavor, usually from ground meats, cabbage, or mushrooms. They hold up beautifully in soup without losing their texture.
Broth: A high-quality broth is key to achieving the deep, comforting flavor that defines this soup. Whether homemade or store-bought, the base should be rich and savory, forming the foundation for the other ingredients.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce contributes to the soup’s savory, umami-rich profile. It’s essential for balancing the broth and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
Ginger & Garlic: These two are like the dynamic duo of Asian cooking. Ginger provides a fresh, slightly spicy flavor that brightens the broth, while garlic brings warmth and earthiness.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle of this fragrant oil adds complexity to the soup, creating a toasty, nutty finish that brings everything together.
Vegetables: You can really get creative here. Mushrooms add umami and texture, bok choy offers crunch and freshness, and spinach or napa cabbage bring a lovely, subtle sweetness to the dish.

Expert Tips

Use frozen potstickers for convenience: While homemade potstickers are great, frozen ones save time and still give you that delicious, dumpling-like experience.
Don’t skip the sesame oil: It’s easy to overlook, but sesame oil really elevates the soup. Even a small amount makes a big difference in flavor.
Simmer gently: Once the potstickers are added, avoid a rapid boil. Let them cook slowly, so the broth stays clear and the dumplings don’t break apart.
Customize your broth: Experiment with different broths like miso, pho broth, or even a spicy chili broth to switch things up. The flavor possibilities are endless!
Garnish generously: Fresh green onions, cilantro, or even chili flakes can add color, flavor, and a bit of heat to your soup.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of potsticker soup is that you can easily make it your own! Here are a few ideas to keep things interesting:

Spicy Potsticker Soup: Add some chili paste, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to your broth to bring a kick. If you love spice, this variation will definitely hit the spot.
Vegan Potsticker Soup: Use vegetable broth, and opt for plant-based potstickers. Load up on hearty veggies like mushrooms, tofu, and bok choy to make it just as satisfying.
Shiitake Mushroom Twist: If you’re a mushroom fan, swap your regular veggies for shiitake mushrooms. Their earthy flavor will complement the potstickers beautifully.
Noodle Add-In: For a more filling dish, add a handful of noodles (ramen, udon, or even rice noodles) to the broth just before adding the potstickers.

Final Words

Potsticker soup is that comforting, versatile dish that makes you feel at home no matter what’s going on in your life. It’s warm, hearty, and has that magical quality that just seems to make everything feel a little better. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a solo night in, this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. It’s a meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to whip up.

Easy Potsticker Soup Recipe