Slurping steaming bowls of potsticker soup warms the soul on chilly evenings.
Delicate dumplings float gracefully in a rich, aromatic broth that whispers comfort.
Layers of flavor blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious dance of textures and tastes.
Tender pork-filled parcels nestle alongside vibrant vegetables, each spoonful telling a delicious story.
The soup brings together traditional Asian ingredients with a modern twist that feels both familiar and exciting.
Hearty and satisfying, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prepare to be transported by this soul-warming culinary adventure.
Why You’ll Love Potsticker Soup
Enjoy a rich, umami-filled broth that combines the warmth of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and ginger with the heartiness of potstickers and fresh vegetables.
Customize this soup with your favorite garnishes or swap ingredients to suit your taste, making it a flexible option for different dietary preferences and cravings.
Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple, streamlined recipe that comes together in a single pot, saving time and reducing dish-washing hassle.
Ingredients for Potsticker Soup
Main Ingredients:
Shiitake Mushrooms: These umami-packed mushrooms add a rich, earthy depth to the soup base.
Frozen Potstickers: The star of the dish, these dumplings provide a hearty and satisfying protein element.
Vegetable Broth: The foundational liquid that creates the soup's comforting and flavorful base.
Bok Choy: A tender green vegetable that adds freshness and nutritional value to the soup.
Aromatic Ingredients:
Garlic, Ginger: These classic Asian flavor enhancers provide a warm, spicy undertone to the soup.
Scallions: A fresh, mild onion that offers a bright garnish and subtle flavor to the dish.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Black Pepper: These ingredients create a complex, savory flavor profile with a touch of richness and heat.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the mushrooms and aromatics to develop deep, caramelized flavors.
Cooking Steps for Potsticker Soup
Step 1: Brown Mushroom Magic
Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat.
Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook while stirring occasionally.
Allow mushrooms to develop a rich brown color, which takes about 5-6 minutes.
This browning process intensifies the soup’s flavor profile.
Step 2: Introduce Aromatic Companions
Add another splash of olive oil, then sprinkle in minced garlic and grated ginger.
Sauté quickly for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.
Stir continuously to prevent burning.
Step 3: Create Flavorful Liquid Base
Pour vegetable broth and soy sauce into the pot.
Stir thoroughly to blend ingredients.
Increase heat to bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
Step 4: Incorporate Soup Ingredients
Frozen potstickers
Half of sliced scallions
Bok choy leaves
Drop these ingredients into boiling broth.
Gently stir to ensure everything is submerged.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until potstickers are tender and heated through.
Step 5: Final Flavor Enhancements
Remove pot from heat.
Drizzle sesame oil and grind fresh black pepper into the soup.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or pepper if desired.
Step 6: Serve With Style
Ladle soup into serving bowls.
Garnish with remaining scallions.
Potsticker Soup Cooking Tips
Ensure mushrooms are completely dry before sautéing to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization and maximize umami depth.
Lower heat slightly when adding garlic and ginger to prevent bitter, scorched flavors and maintain their delicate aromatic profile.
Avoid overcooking frozen potstickers by monitoring closely; they should be tender but not falling apart during the simmering process.
Adjust soy sauce and seasoning to personal taste, using low-sodium broth if you prefer controlling salt levels more precisely.
Add crunchy toppings like toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried shallots to provide an exciting textural element against the soft soup ingredients.
Saving & Reheating Potsticker Soup
Store leftover potsticker soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep potstickers and broth together to maintain flavor and texture.
Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with bok choy, as it can become mushy when thawed.
Pour soup into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the liquid has reduced. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature, typically 2-3 minutes total.
Great Sides with Potsticker Soup
Perfect Flavor Companions:
Crisp Rice Wine Pairing: Serve a chilled sake or Japanese rice wine to complement the umami-rich potsticker soup, cutting through the savory broth with its light, clean flavor profile.
Zesty Citrus Salad Side: Prepare a bright, tangy Asian-inspired citrus salad with mandarin oranges, mint, and a light rice vinegar dressing to balance the soup's rich, deep flavors.
Cooling Cucumber Accompaniment: Create a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
Crunchy Seaweed Garnish: Top the soup with crispy nori strips or furikake to add an extra layer of texture and authentic Japanese-inspired flavor complexity.
Fun Spins on Potsticker Soup
Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace potstickers with tofu cubes or plant-based dumplings for a meatless version that maintains the soup's hearty texture and flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and select gluten-free potstickers to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities while preserving the soup's authentic taste.
Spicy Korean-Inspired Variation: Add gochugaru or kimchi to the broth for a fiery kick that transforms the traditional recipe into a zesty, warming meal with complex heat levels.
Low-Sodium Adaptation: Choose low-sodium vegetable broth and reduce soy sauce quantity, then enhance flavor with fresh herbs like cilantro or additional ginger to maintain robust taste without excess salt.
FAQs
Are potstickers the same as dumplings?
Potstickers are a type of Chinese dumpling with a distinct cooking method. They’re typically pan-fried first to create a crispy bottom, then steamed, resulting in a unique texture that’s different from traditional boiled dumplings.
Can I use fresh potstickers instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh potstickers work perfectly in this soup. Just reduce the cooking time slightly since they’ll cook faster than frozen ones. Fresh potstickers will bring an even more delicate texture to the dish.
Is this soup vegetarian?
The recipe as written is vegetarian, using vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients. Just double-check that your potstickers don’t contain meat to ensure it remains completely vegetarian.
What if I can't find bok choy?
You can substitute bok choy with other leafy greens like spinach, napa cabbage, or Chinese cabbage. These alternatives will provide similar texture and nutrition to the original recipe.
Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR) Diploma in Culinary Arts
Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.
Portland Community College Certificate in Food Writing and Media
Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.
Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.
Clara Thompson
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.
Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media
Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.
Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.