Imagine a bowl brimming with plump, savory potstickers swimming in a deeply flavorful broth, topped with vibrant greens and fresh herbs — that’s Potsticker Soup! It’s the kind of cozy, soul-soothing meal you crave after a long day, delivering big flavors with minimum fuss. Paired with a medley of colors and textures, this easy-to-assemble soup transforms your favorite frozen dumplings into a restaurant-worthy comfort dish you’ll want to sip and slurp on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Potsticker Soup lies in how it transforms a handful of kitchen staples into something extraordinary. Each item plays a unique role, bringing its own taste, visual appeal, or textural magic.

Frozen potstickers: Grab your go-to pork, chicken, or veggie dumplings for juicy bite-sized pockets of flavor that become extra tender in the broth.
Low-sodium chicken broth: A lighter, flexible base that carries all the other flavors beautifully — swap in veggie or mushroom broth if you prefer.
Fresh ginger: Sliced or grated, ginger adds a zesty, warming kick that brightens the whole bowl.
Garlic cloves: Smashed or minced, garlic infuses the soup with comforting depth and irresistible aroma.
Shiitake mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, these mushrooms offer a hint of umami and a satisfying chew.
Bok choy: With bright green leaves and crisp stalks, bok choy brings freshness and crunch.
Soy sauce: Just a splash seasons the broth to salty perfection—taste as you go!
Sesame oil: A drizzle at the end adds a toasty, nutty kiss that elevates every spoonful.
Scallions: Sprinkle sliced on top for a burst of color and a sweet, mild onion flavor.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Bright and fragrant, cilantro is perfect for finishing if you love an herby flourish.

How to Make Potsticker Soup

Step 1: Build Your Flavored Broth

Start by heating a splash of sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the ginger and garlic, stirring just until fragrant — about 1 minute. This step unlocks their essential oils and lays the groundwork for a deeply aromatic soup base.

Step 2: Simmer the Mushrooms

Add the shiitake mushrooms and let them sizzle with the garlic and ginger for another 2 to 3 minutes. The mushrooms soak up those savory flavors while softening just enough to yield a wonderful chewy bite.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Carefully pour in the chicken broth and splash in the soy sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice the broth picking up a lovely golden hue and enticing fragrance. Let it burble quietly together for at least 5 more minutes so all the flavors meld.

Step 4: Cook the Potstickers

Now for the magic—slide in your frozen potstickers! Gently stir to keep them from sticking, then cover the pot and simmer according to the package directions (usually 5 to 7 minutes) until the dumplings are cooked through and pillowy.

Step 5: Add Greens and Finish

Drop in the bok choy during the last two minutes of cooking so it retains its fresh color and crunch. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce if needed. Right before serving, swirl in a little extra sesame oil for shine and aroma.

How to Serve Potsticker Soup

Garnishes

No Potsticker Soup experience is complete without a finishing touch! Shower your bowls with sliced scallions and a handful of fresh cilantro. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for a spicy boost if you love some heat.

Side Dishes

If you’re craving something more, pair Potsticker Soup with crunchy spring rolls, a crisp cucumber salad, or a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice. These sides add extra texture and round out the meal without overpowering the star attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into an event by offering a DIY garnish bar: line up bowls of chopped herbs, lime wedges, toasty sesame seeds, and crispy fried shallots so everyone can top their Potsticker Soup just the way they like it. For a special touch, serve the soup in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful vegetables and dumplings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Potsticker Soup, simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get more delicious as they mingle!

Freezing

Potsticker Soup freezes surprisingly well, though the texture of the dumplings may soften a bit over time. Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, warm leftover soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until steaming hot. If the dumplings seem to have absorbed a lot of broth, just add a splash more to loosen things up. The microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely to prevent splatters.

FAQs

Can I use homemade potstickers instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade dumplings are a showstopper in Potsticker Soup. Just be careful to adjust your simmer time, as fresh potstickers may cook a bit faster than frozen ones.

What vegetables can I substitute for bok choy?

Feel free to swap in baby spinach, napa cabbage, or even shredded kale if bok choy isn’t available. Just add delicate greens near the end so they stay vibrant and crisp.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes—simply use veggie broth and vegetarian potstickers! You can also add extra mushrooms or tofu for more substance and protein.

How can I make the broth spicier?

If you like a kick, add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce, a splash of sriracha, or some thinly-sliced fresh chilies while the soup simmers. Adjust to taste, and finish with chili oil for an extra punch.

Will potstickers fall apart in the soup?

They should hold together if handled gently and simmered (not boiled vigorously). Make sure to stir softly and avoid overcooking for the perfect, plump bite in every bowl.

Final Thoughts

Potsticker Soup is one of those magical recipes that turns everyday ingredients into something warm, vibrant, and full of heart. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—there’s nothing quite like the comfort of fluffy dumplings floating in fragrant broth. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and celebrate the simple joys of homemade soup!

Potsticker Soup Recipe