Potsticker Soup: A Soul-Warming Comfort Dish to Savor Anytime
When the chill of evening sets in or a busy weeknight calls for a comforting, quick meal, potsticker soup steps in as the perfect solution. This inviting dish marries tender dumplings with vibrant greens nestled in a savory, aromatic broth that soothes the soul and delights the senses. Easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, potsticker soup brings the warmth of homemade comfort food with minimal fuss ideal for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.
Table of Contents
Potsticker Soup
Equipment
- large pot
- ladle
- knife and cutting board
- mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken dumplings (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or bok choy
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing aromatics)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add dumplings and cook for 7-10 minutes until tender and fully cooked through.
- Heat cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add dumplings and cook for 7–10 minutes until tender and fully cooked through.
- Add spinach or bok choy and soy sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the greens wilt.
- Drizzle in sesame oil and stir gently to combine. Remove from heat.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
What Makes Potsticker Soup So Special?
Potsticker soup blends the best of Asian flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients. The plump dumplings, whether chicken, bring a satisfying bite and tender filling that contrasts perfectly with the light, flavorful broth and fresh vegetables. It’s a harmonious balance of textures and tastes savory, slightly sweet, and subtly spiced with ginger and sesame oil. Plus, it’s done in under 30 minutes, making it a weekday hero that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: From prepping to simmering, the entire process takes just 25 minutes.
Flavorful and Nourishing: Infused with fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, each bowl bursts with depth and warmth.
Family-Friendly: Mild yet delicious, guaranteed to appeal to all ages.
Versatile: Use store-bought dumplings or leftovers; swap spinach for bok choy for added texture.
Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with lean protein, fresh greens, and a broth-based soup to keep things light.
Ingredients for Potsticker Soup
- 1 package (12 oz) chicken dumplings (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or bok choy
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Splash of cooking oil (for sautéing garlic and ginger)
Ingredient Substitutions & Add-Ins
- Substitute turkey or beef dumplings if preferred.
- Use vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add sliced mushrooms or shredded carrots for more veggies.
- Spice it up with a dash of chili oil or sriracha.
- For gluten-free, seek gluten-free dumpling wrappers or fillings.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Prep Tips
- Prepare your ingredients: Gather all the ingredients to streamline cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer broth and dumplings: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add dumplings and cook until tender and fully cooked through (about 7-10 minutes).
- Add greens and season: Stir in fresh spinach or bok choy and soy sauce. Cook until the greens wilt (2-3 minutes).
- Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle sesame oil over the soup and stir gently to combine.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Tip: If you’re pressed for time, rotisserie chicken dumplings or frozen dumplings work perfectly, cutting prep time further.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 bowls
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Dumplings may become softer when reheated; to retain texture, reheat gently on the stove instead of microwaving.
Freeze cooked dumplings separately before adding to thawed broth to avoid mushiness.
Reheat soup over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Serving Suggestions and Garnish Ideas
Potsticker soup shines as a standalone meal but pairs beautifully with:
A side of steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
Pickled vegetables or kimchi for a tangy contrast.
Crispy wonton strips for added crunch.
Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for brightening flavors.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add visual appeal and subtle aroma.
Variations to Customize Flavor and Spice
Swap soy sauce for tamari for gluten-free.
Add a splash of rice vinegar for a slight tang.
Incorporate sliced shiitake mushrooms or water chestnuts for variety.
Boost umami with a dash of fish sauce or miso paste.
Bring heat with sliced fresh chili or chili oil.
Cultural Context and Inspiration
Potsticker soup is inspired by Asian comfort food traditions, especially rooted in Chinese and Japanese cuisines where dumplings play a central role. It’s a fusion of hearty dumplings enjoyed in a nourishing broth, designed for easy home cooking that balances flavor, nutrition, and comfort. This soup embodies the spirit of coming together over warm, flavorful bowls that invite sharing and connection.
