Name: Easy Asian Potsticker Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12–15 frozen potstickers (store-bought or homemade); 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons grated ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2–3 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional); 1/2 cup spinach or bok choy (optional); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon chili oil or red pepper flakes (optional)

This cozy and comforting potsticker soup transforms store-bought dumplings into a satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. With a flavorful broth infused with ginger, garlic, and sesame, it’s the perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights or anytime you’re craving something warm and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
Uses frozen potstickers for ultimate convenience
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables
Perfect balance of savory, umami flavors
Complete meal in one bowl
Adaptable for vegetarian diets with simple swaps
Warming and comforting year-round
Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for beginners

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Frozen potstickers are the star of this soup, providing a hearty, satisfying element that turns a simple broth into a complete meal. You can use any variety—pork, chicken, vegetable, or shrimp—depending on your preference.

Chicken broth forms the flavorful base of this soup, providing depth and richness. Vegetable broth works perfectly as a vegetarian alternative without compromising on taste.

Soy sauce adds that essential umami flavor that makes this soup distinctly Asian-inspired. It also helps season the broth, reducing the need for additional salt.

Sesame oil brings a nutty, aromatic quality that’s characteristic of East Asian cuisine. Just a small amount infuses the entire pot with its distinctive flavor.

Ginger lends a warm, slightly spicy note that cuts through the richness of the broth. Fresh is best, but pre-grated ginger from a tube works in a pinch.

Garlic provides aromatic depth and complexity that forms the foundation of the soup’s flavor profile.

Green onions offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color as a garnish. They add a pop of freshness to each bowl.

Mushrooms are optional but highly recommended for their meaty texture and earthy flavor that complements the dumplings beautifully.

Spinach or bok choy adds a nutritional boost and lovely color contrast. They wilt quickly in the hot broth, making them perfect last-minute additions.

Rice vinegar brings a subtle acidity that balances the savory elements and adds dimension to the flavor profile.

Chili oil or red pepper flakes are optional but perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their soup.

Directions

In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 5–10 minutes.
Add the frozen potstickers to the simmering broth and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through and tender.
Stir in mushrooms or spinach in the final 2–3 minutes of cooking, allowing them to wilt.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili oil or red pepper flakes for added heat.
Remove from heat and ladle into bowls, ensuring each portion has potstickers, vegetables, and broth.
Garnish with green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings at approximately 280 calories per serving. It comes together quickly with just 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total time of 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need something fast but satisfying.

Variations

Protein-Packed Version: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced beef, or cubed tofu to boost the protein content.

Seafood Edition: Replace the chicken broth with seafood stock and add small shrimp during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Miso Variation: Add 2 tablespoons of miso paste and increase the chili oil for a richer, spicier soup.

Veggie-Forward: Double the vegetables by adding shredded carrots, snow peas, baby corn, and bean sprouts.

Noodle Bowl: Add rice noodles, ramen, or udon for a more substantial meal.

Coconut Fusion: Substitute part of the broth with coconut milk for a creamy, Thai-inspired twist.

Kimchi Kick: Add ¼ cup chopped kimchi for a tangy, spicy Korean-inspired version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potstickers will absorb some broth as they sit, which will soften them further.

Freezing: This soup doesn’t freeze well once the potstickers are added, as they tend to become mushy when thawed. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the broth base separately and add fresh potstickers when reheating.

Reheating: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until just simmering. Avoid vigorous boiling as this can cause the potstickers to fall apart. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Refreshing: When reheating, consider adding fresh greens or a new garnish of green onions to brighten up the leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use homemade potstickers instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade potstickers work beautifully in this soup. If they’re fresh (not frozen), reduce the cooking time to 3-5 minutes to prevent them from becoming overcooked and falling apart.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Standard potstickers and soy sauce contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free potstickers and tamari instead of soy sauce. Also verify that your broth is gluten-free.

How can I make this soup more filling?

Add noodles like ramen, udon, or rice noodles, or include more protein such as shredded chicken, sliced beef, or tofu. You can also serve it with a side of steamed rice.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the broth base ahead of time and add the potstickers just before serving. This prevents them from becoming too soft or falling apart during storage.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

While sesame oil provides an authentic flavor, you can substitute olive oil or vegetable oil for cooking. Consider adding a teaspoon of tahini to get a similar nutty flavor.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables will provide better texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—most fresh vegetables need just 2-3 minutes in the simmering broth.

How spicy is this soup?

The basic recipe is mild, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili oil or red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use a larger pot and maintain the same cooking times for perfect results when serving a larger group.

What’s the best way to serve this soup?

Serve in deep bowls with Asian-style soup spoons and chopsticks for an authentic experience. Consider offering additional garnishes like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or bean sprouts on the side.

Can I add miso paste to this recipe?

Yes! Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of miso paste at the end of cooking for extra umami flavor. Add it after reducing the heat to avoid destroying the beneficial probiotics in the miso.

Conclusion

This potsticker soup offers the perfect solution for those nights when you crave something comforting yet quick. By transforming frozen potstickers into a complete meal, you get all the satisfaction of homemade dumplings without the extensive preparation. The aromatic broth infused with garlic, ginger, and sesame creates a flavorful base that elevates this simple dish into something special.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dinner solution, fighting off a cold, or simply wanting a bowl of something warm and satisfying, this adaptable recipe delivers every time. It’s proof that convenience foods can be transformed into something that tastes thoughtfully prepared and nourishing. Make it as written or use the variations to adapt it to your pantry and preferences—either way, this potsticker soup is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.