Easy Potsticker Soup is a cozy bowl of happiness, filled with tender potstickers, fresh greens, and a light, flavorful broth that warms you up from the inside out. This soup brings together the best of Asian-inspired flavors with easy-to-find ingredients and a simple cooking method. You’ll love the mix of juicy potstickers and the soothing broth, perfect for any day you need a little comfort.
I always think of this soup as a great weeknight meal because it’s quick to put together but still feels special. I like to add a handful of chopped green onions and a splash of soy sauce right before serving to boost the flavors. Sometimes, I toss in some baby spinach or bok choy for a fresh touch that makes the soup even more satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
The best part is how easy this soup is to customize. When I’m in the mood, I add a little garlic or ginger to the broth for an extra kick. And when potstickers aren’t around, dumplings or even wontons work just as well. Sharing this soup with friends or family always brings smiles, and it’s perfect for a chilly day when you want something simple but tasty to cozy up with.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potstickers: The star of this soup! Frozen pork or vegetable potstickers save time and add great flavor. If you want, swap them with frozen dumplings or wontons—they cook just as well in the broth.
Broth: Chicken broth adds warmth and depth, but vegetable broth is just as tasty and perfect for vegetarians. Using a good-quality broth really lifts the soup.
Garlic & Ginger: These fresh aromatics give the broth a nice zing. If you don’t have fresh ginger, try ground ginger, but use less—it’s more concentrated.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and green onions add crunch and freshness. Feel free to swap or add bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami, so adjust to your taste. Sesame oil brings a toasty note—don’t skip it! For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
How Can I Make Sure Potstickers Cook Perfectly in Soup?
Cooking frozen potstickers in soup is easy but here are some tips for the best texture:
- Bring the broth to a gentle boil, not a raging boil—this prevents potstickers from breaking apart.
- Add frozen potstickers directly; no need to thaw. They’ll cook through as they float.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes or as the package says. When they float and look translucent, they’re done.
- Stir gently to keep potstickers from sticking to the bottom or each other.
- Remove any ginger slices from the broth after simmering—they add flavor but aren’t meant to be eaten.
This simple method makes the potstickers tender with a slight chew that’s just right for soup. Enjoy the warm, comforting mix every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large soup pot – big enough to hold broth, veggies, and potstickers comfortably without crowding.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping garlic, ginger, vegetables, and green onions easily.
- Ladle – to serve your soup smoothly without spilling.
- Slotted spoon – handy for removing ginger slices or any bits you want to pull out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pork potstickers for chicken or vegetable ones to suit your taste or diet.
- Add baby spinach or bok choy for more greens that soften nicely in hot broth.
- Stir in a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice before serving for a bright, tangy twist.
- Top with a drizzle of chili oil or sprinkle of chili flakes to add mild heat and extra flavor.
Easy Potsticker Soup for Comfort Food Lovers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 frozen pork or vegetable potstickers (store-bought)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-size piece of fresh ginger, sliced thin
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of chili flakes or chili oil for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. So, in just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and comforting potsticker soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth and Vegetables:
In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil. Add the minced garlic, sliced ginger, shredded carrot, chopped celery, and the white parts of the green onions. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the broth fills with flavor.
2. Cook the Potstickers:
Carefully add the frozen potstickers directly into the simmering broth. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or follow the times on the package, until the potstickers float and are heated through.
3. Season and Garnish:
Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then taste the soup. Add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the ginger slices from the broth before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the green parts of the chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. For an extra kick, add chili flakes or drizzle chili oil on top if you like.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your potsticker soup hot and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect for those cozy days when you want something both tasty and simple!
Can I Use Frozen Potstickers Without Thawing?
Yes! You can add frozen potstickers directly to the simmering broth. Just be gentle when stirring to prevent them from sticking or breaking apart.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup and cook the potstickers, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the potstickers.
What Can I Substitute for Sesame Oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a mild vegetable or olive oil, but the soup will miss the nutty aroma sesame oil adds. Toasted sesame oil is best for that authentic flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the soup over low heat to keep the potstickers tender and prevent them from falling apart.
