Easy Potsticker Soup Recipe – A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and deeply flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this Easy Potsticker Soup recipe is exactly what you need. Made with frozen potstickers, aromatic ginger and garlic, and a savory broth infused with soy and sesame, this dumpling soup recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like it simmered all day.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight soup, a cozy cold-weather meal, or a light yet satisfying dinner, this Asian inspired soup checks every box. It’s simple enough for beginners and customizable enough for seasoned home cooks who love building bold layers of flavor.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best easy potsticker soup recipe right at home.


Why You’ll Love This Easy Potsticker Soup

This frozen potstickers soup is designed for convenience without sacrificing taste. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Minimal prep required
  • Uses store-bought frozen dumplings
  • Deep, savory flavor with simple ingredients
  • Easily customizable with veggies or protein
  • Perfect for busy weeknights

Instead of pan-frying dumplings, we gently simmer them in a flavorful broth. The result? Tender potstickers that soak up all the delicious aromatics.


What Are Potstickers?

Potstickers are pan-fried dumplings typically filled with ground meat and vegetables. They are often associated with Chinese cuisine and are a variation of traditional dumplings. After searing one side for crispness, they’re steamed until tender.

In this recipe, we skip the pan-frying step and use frozen potstickers directly in the broth. This method keeps things simple while allowing the dumplings to cook gently and absorb all the rich flavors.


Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this easy potsticker soup recipe:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
  • 12–16 frozen potstickers (chicken, pork, or vegetable)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Chili oil (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce if using. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Carefully add the frozen potstickers directly into the simmering broth. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  5. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until potstickers are cooked through and tender.
  6. Stir in baby spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more soy sauce or a splash of vinegar).
  8. Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil. Serve hot.

Flavor Profile: What Makes This Soup So Good?

The magic of this dumpling soup recipe lies in the balance of flavors:

  • Savory depth from soy sauce
  • Nutty richness from sesame oil
  • Brightness from rice vinegar
  • Warm spice from ginger
  • Garlicky aroma that fills your kitchen

When the potstickers simmer in this broth, they release their own filling flavors, making the soup even richer.


Tips for the Best Frozen Potstickers Soup

1. Don’t Thaw the Dumplings

Add them straight from the freezer. Thawing can make them sticky and prone to breaking.

2. Keep It at a Gentle Simmer

Avoid rapid boiling, which can tear the dumpling wrappers.

3. Boost the Broth

For extra depth, add:

  • A splash of fish sauce
  • A teaspoon of miso paste
  • A small piece of kombu

4. Add Protein

If you want to make it heartier, stir in:

  • Shredded rotisserie chicken
  • Sliced tofu
  • Cooked shrimp

Easy Variations

One of the best things about this Asian inspired soup is how flexible it is.

Spicy Potsticker Soup

Add extra chili garlic sauce or a spoonful of sriracha for a fiery kick.

Vegetarian Version

Use vegetable broth and vegetable-filled potstickers. Add bok choy and tofu for extra substance.

Noodle Upgrade

Add rice noodles or ramen for a more filling bowl.

Coconut Broth Twist

Stir in ½ cup coconut milk for a creamy, slightly Thai-inspired version.


Serving Suggestions

This quick weeknight soup is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with:

  • A light cucumber salad
  • Steamed edamame
  • Spring rolls
  • A side of jasmine rice

For entertaining, serve it in smaller bowls as a cozy starter.


Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that dumplings may soften as they sit in the broth.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze the broth separately from the dumplings if possible. Fully assembled soup can become mushy when reheated.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Avoid boiling.


Nutrition Benefits

While comfort food often gets a bad reputation, this easy potsticker soup recipe can be surprisingly balanced.

  • Lean protein from dumplings
  • Vitamins and fiber from spinach and mushrooms
  • Lower calorie than creamy soups
  • Hydrating and warming

You can further lighten it by choosing low-sodium broth and vegetable dumplings.


Perfect for Busy Families

This frozen potstickers soup is a lifesaver on hectic evenings. With minimal chopping and simple pantry ingredients, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Kids love the dumplings, adults love the rich broth, and everyone appreciates how quickly it comes together.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade dumplings?

Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add broth and seasonings first, then dumplings during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free potstickers and tamari instead of soy sauce.


Final Thoughts

This easy potsticker soup recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s fast, flavorful, customizable, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re new to cooking or simply need a dependable quick weeknight soup, this dumpling soup recipe delivers every single time.

Save this recipe, keep a bag of frozen potstickers in your freezer, and you’ll always have a delicious, cozy meal ready in minutes.

Once you try it, it might just become your go-to Asian inspired soup for busy nights and chilly days alike.

Easy Potsticker Soup

A quick and flavorful dumpling soup made with frozen potstickers, ginger, garlic, and savory broth ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce optional
Add-Ins
  • 12-16 frozen potstickers
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large pot. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  2. Add broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Bring to a gentle boil.
  3. Add mushrooms and cook until slightly softened.
  4. Add frozen potstickers and simmer 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
  6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Do not boil aggressively to prevent dumplings from breaking. Adjust seasoning to taste.

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