Potsticker Soup Recipe: Quick, Flavorful Comfort in a Bowl

Potsticker soup is the culinary equivalent of a cozy blanket and fuzzy socks—it just hits the spot. Packed with flavor from tender dumplings swimming in a warm, garlicky broth, this potsticker soup is what your weeknight dinners have been missing. Whether you’re fighting off the chill, juggling a busy schedule, or just need something soul-soothing after a long day, this one-pot wonder is your hero. The best part? It’s on the table in under 30 minutes, and yes, even the kids will love it.

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What is Potsticker Soup?

Potsticker soup is a flavorful Asian-inspired broth featuring classic dumplings (a.k.a. potstickers) simmered gently with veggies, soy sauce, and aromatics like ginger and garlic. It’s like your favorite takeout dumplings decided to take a spa day in a rich, savory broth. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility—you can use chicken, pork, or veggie potstickers, toss in whatever greens you have on hand, and dinner’s done. Think of it as the comforting cousin of chicken noodle soup but with a delightful dumpling twist.

Reasons to Try Potsticker Soup

If you’re looking for reasons to fall in love with potsticker soup, here are a few. First, it’s fast—like, genuinely fast. We’re talking “I just got home and need dinner before 7” fast. Second, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. The tender potstickers and aromatic broth make everyone happy, from picky eaters to spice enthusiasts. Lastly, it’s light yet satisfying, so you’ll feel comforted but not overly full. Need more cozy soup inspo? Try our Thai Chicken Curry Soup next—it’s another family favorite that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients Needed to Make Potsticker Soup

When it comes to creating the ultimate potsticker soup, it’s all about layering those cozy, fragrant flavors that make your kitchen smell like your favorite Asian takeout spot. The beauty of this dish is that it uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, yet the end result tastes like something you’d get from a restaurant. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need to make this irresistible potsticker soup at home—and how each ingredient brings something special to the pot.

If you love simple, flavor-packed soups, you might also enjoy my Thai Chicken Curry Soup or Mediterranean Chicken Soup—they share that same comforting, one-pot magic.

1. Potstickers (12 frozen or homemade)
The star of the show! You can use any kind—pork, chicken, shrimp, or even veggie potstickers. Frozen potstickers work perfectly and save loads of time (no need to thaw). When they simmer in the broth, they soften and soak up the delicious garlic-ginger flavor, turning the soup into a hearty, satisfying meal. If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own dumplings—homemade potstickers add an extra touch of love.

2. Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (4 cups)
A rich, golden base that carries all the flavors. Using low-sodium broth lets you control the saltiness, especially since soy sauce adds salt too. If you want to go vegetarian, swap this out for vegetable broth—it still gives that savory backbone. A homemade broth can make your potsticker soup taste even deeper and more nourishing.

3. Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
Fresh ginger is the secret weapon in this potsticker soup. It adds a bright, zesty warmth that instantly lifts the broth. That subtle spice isn’t just delicious—it’s great for digestion and helps you feel cozy on chilly days. If you love recipes that highlight ginger’s flavor, you’ll adore my Tuscan Chickpea Soup Recipe—it uses similar earthy undertones.

4. Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Because no comfort soup is complete without garlic. It adds depth, aroma, and that unmistakable savory kick. You’ll sauté it gently with the ginger to form the aromatic base of your potsticker soup. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to throw in an extra clove—your taste buds will thank you.

5. Green Onions (2 chopped, plus extra for garnish)
Green onions add a mild sharpness and a pop of color. You’ll stir some into the soup while it cooks, then sprinkle more on top before serving for that perfect finishing touch. They bring freshness to balance the richness of the broth and dumplings.

6. Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons)
Soy sauce deepens the broth with a rich umami flavor—it’s what ties everything together. It gives that signature Asian-inspired taste that makes potsticker soup so irresistible. Start with two tablespoons, then taste and adjust. If you’re watching sodium, try using a splash of tamari or coconut aminos instead.

7. Carrots (1 cup, sliced)
Carrots bring color, sweetness, and texture to your potsticker soup. They also add a subtle natural sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce and the savory broth. Slice them thin so they cook quickly but still keep a slight bite.

8. Bok Choy (2 cups, chopped)
This leafy green adds crunch, color, and a dose of healthy greens to your pot. Baby bok choy works beautifully, but regular bok choy or even spinach can be substituted. It softens slightly as it cooks, adding both nutrition and that beautiful “wow” factor to every spoonful.

9. Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon)
A drizzle of sesame oil right before serving gives the potsticker soup that nutty, toasty aroma you can smell before you even take a bite. It’s the finishing touch that makes everything taste more complex and comforting. Just a teaspoon goes a long way here.

10. Optional Add-Ins
Want to customize your potsticker soup even more? Here are a few optional twists:

• A splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness
• A spoonful of chili crisp or sriracha for heat
• Mushrooms for extra umami
• A handful of spinach or kale for added greens
• Cooked noodles if you want a more filling, ramen-style bowl

Instructions to Make Potsticker Soup

Making potsticker soup is as easy as it is satisfying. This is one of those comforting recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—but don’t let its cozy, restaurant-quality flavor fool you. It’s surprisingly simple and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, these detailed step-by-step instructions will guide you to a perfect pot every time.

If you love one-pot dinners that save time and taste incredible, you might also enjoy my Thai Chicken Curry Soup or Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe. Both deliver comfort with minimal cleanup—just like this potsticker soup does.

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Base

Start with your aromatic foundation—the key to making your potsticker soup rich and flavorful.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir them into the broth and let them simmer for about 5 minutes, releasing their fragrant oils.
3. The goal here is to infuse your broth with warmth and depth before the potstickers go in. If you want even more flavor, you can toss in a small piece of green onion or a dash of sesame oil at this stage.

This aromatic step is what gives your potsticker soup that signature restaurant-quality taste. It’s the same secret behind the deeply flavored broths you’ll find in recipes like my Italian Chicken and Autumn Veggie Soup.

Step 2: Add the Potstickers (The Stars of the Show)

Now it’s time to add those irresistible dumplings that make potsticker soup so comforting.

1. Carefully place 12 frozen potstickers into the simmering broth. There’s no need to thaw them first—just drop them straight in.
2. Give the pot a gentle stir to keep them from sticking to the bottom.
3. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until they start floating to the surface. That’s your sign they’re ready!

While they simmer, the dumplings absorb all that gingery, garlicky goodness. You’ll notice the broth becoming slightly thicker and silkier as the starch from the potstickers mixes in—pure magic.

Pro Tip: If you’re using homemade dumplings, cook them gently to avoid tearing. You can also pan-sear them first for a golden edge before adding to the broth—this gives your potsticker soup a delicious smoky depth.

Step 3: Add Color and Crunch with the Veggies

Once your dumplings are cooked, it’s time to toss in the veggies. They add texture, nutrients, and that gorgeous pop of color that makes the soup look as good as it tastes.

1. Add 1 cup of sliced carrots and 2 cups of chopped bok choy to the pot.
2. Stir and let the soup simmer for another 3–5 minutes—just long enough for the carrots to soften but still keep their bright color.
3. The bok choy will wilt slightly, adding that lovely leafy texture and mild sweetness.

Want to switch things up? You can substitute spinach, napa cabbage, or even kale. For extra umami, toss in a handful of mushrooms—shiitake or cremini work wonders.

This veggie step is what keeps your potsticker soup balanced and wholesome. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies for the family without anyone complaining.

Step 4: Season and Adjust the Flavors

With your base, dumplings, and veggies ready, it’s time to fine-tune the flavor.

1. Pour in 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, giving your potsticker soup that rich, savory note that ties everything together.
2. Taste the broth and adjust to your liking—add more soy sauce for saltiness, a dash of rice vinegar for tang, or a drizzle of chili oil for heat.
3. Stir well to make sure all the flavors are balanced and the broth tastes vibrant, not flat.

This is your moment to make the soup your own. If you’re a spice lover, add a few slices of fresh chili or a spoonful of sriracha. Prefer it lighter? Squeeze in a bit of lime juice before serving for brightness.

Step 5: Finish with Sesame Oil and Fresh Green Onions

Right before serving, add your final flavor touches—these small steps make a big difference.

1. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the top of the soup. This adds a nutty aroma that instantly makes your kitchen smell amazing.
2. Sprinkle chopped green onions as a garnish. They bring freshness, a pop of color, and a mild bite that balances the rich broth.

Serve the potsticker soup hot, ladled generously into bowls, making sure everyone gets a few dumplings and plenty of broth.

Step 6: Optional Add-Ons (Make It Your Own)

What’s great about potsticker soup is how easily it adapts to your taste. Try one (or more) of these fun additions:

• Add a handful of ramen or rice noodles for a heartier meal.
• Stir in a whisked egg slowly for a delicate “egg drop soup” effect.
• Top with crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili crisp for a spicy kick.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or a few drops of chili oil for extra flair.

And if you love experimenting with comforting soups that come together in minutes, try my Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup next—it’s another warming favorite that’s big on flavor but easy on effort.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Now comes the best part—ladle your steaming potsticker soup into bowls, grab a spoon, and dive in. Each bite delivers soft dumplings, crisp-tender veggies, and a broth that’s both soothing and full of flavor.

This dish is perfect for cozy nights in, quick weeknight dinners, or when you need a little comfort in your day. Pair it with a side of jasmine rice or spring rolls for a full meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

If you’re a fan of hearty soups with personality, bookmark my Roasted Pumpkin Soup Recipe—it’s another bowl of happiness that’s just as easy and heartwarming.

What to Serve with Potsticker Soup

Potsticker soup shines on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full feast, serve it with some jasmine rice or crispy spring rolls. A light Asian-inspired salad, like the one in our Mediterranean Chicken Soup, also pairs beautifully. For something cozy and hearty, a side of Roasted Acorn Squash Soup makes it a double-soup night—because one soup is never enough in colder months.

Key Tips for Making Potsticker Soup

• Don’t overcook the potstickers; they’ll fall apart if left too long.
• Frozen potstickers go straight from freezer to pot—no thawing needed.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or chili oil before serving.
• Keep it flexible: swap bok choy for spinach or add mushrooms for more texture.
• Want it spicy? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Potsticker Soup

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the potstickers separate if possible—they can get soggy sitting in broth. To reheat, warm the broth on the stove over medium heat, then add the dumplings for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving; it can make the dumplings chewy. For longer storage, freeze just the broth and add fresh potstickers when reheating.

FAQs

Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken?
Absolutely! It’s just as flavorful and perfect for a vegetarian version.

Q: What kind of potstickers work best?
Any! Pork, chicken, shrimp, or veggie—all are fantastic.

Q: Can I add noodles?
Sure! Add some ramen or rice noodles for extra heartiness.

Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free potstickers and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—just cook on low for 2–3 hours, adding the potstickers in the last 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This potsticker soup is a quick, delicious fix for those nights when you crave comfort but don’t want to spend hours cooking. It’s flavorful, nourishing, and downright satisfying. The next time you’re tempted to order takeout, give this easy recipe a shot—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so cozy. If you love this, check out our Tuscan Chickpea Soup Recipe for another comforting, hearty bowl.

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