Warm, savory, and packed with hearty comfort, Potsticker Soup is the kind of bowl that wraps you in a hug on a chilly day. Plump dumplings swim in a rich, flavorful broth laced with tender vegetables and bright herbs, offering both satisfaction and simplicity in every spoonful. It’s a dish that blends the convenience of frozen potstickers with the warmth of homemade soup, striking a perfect balance between quick meal prep and cozy dining.

What makes Potsticker Soup especially appealing is its flexibility—you can dress it up with aromatics like ginger and garlic or keep it minimal with just a handful of veggies and broth. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving it as a starter at a dinner gathering, this soup delivers deep flavor with little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Potsticker Soup

Quick & Easy: Using store-bought potstickers cuts down prep time without sacrificing flavor.
One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and a streamlined cooking process.
Comfort in a Bowl: The savory broth and tender dumplings make it incredibly satisfying.
Customizable: Add leafy greens, mushrooms, chili oil, or even noodles for your own twist.
Great for Leftovers: It stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating Potsticker Soup is refreshingly straightforward, but having the right tools on hand will make the process seamless and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is where the magic happens. A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for cooking the potstickers evenly and simmering the broth without scorching.
Ladle: For gently stirring and serving the soup without damaging the delicate dumplings.
Chopping Board & Knife: Prepping fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, or herbs requires a sharp knife and sturdy cutting board.
Measuring Cups/Spoons: Especially helpful when adding broth, soy sauce, or seasonings to keep the flavor balanced.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Ideal for handling potstickers without tearing them apart.

Each of these tools ensures a smoother prep and cooking experience, allowing you to focus on layering flavors rather than managing a chaotic kitchen.

Preparation Tips

Before you jump into cooking, these simple tips can help elevate your Potsticker Soup:

Choose Good-Quality Potstickers: Go for your favorite store-bought brand—pork, chicken, veggie, or shrimp all work well. If you’re feeling adventurous, use homemade ones!
Use Low-Sodium Broth: This gives you control over the saltiness of the soup, especially since soy sauce adds saltiness too.
Don’t Overcook the Potstickers: They only need to simmer for a few minutes. Overcooking can lead to them falling apart in the soup.
Cut Vegetables Evenly: Uniform cuts help ensure everything cooks at the same time and improves the overall texture of the soup.
Add Greens Last: If you’re tossing in spinach, bok choy, or kale, stir them in right before serving to keep them vibrant and tender—not mushy.

These small steps make a big difference in the final bowl. Let’s move on to the flavor-packed ingredients next!

Ingredients for This Potsticker Soup

This cozy and satisfying Potsticker Soup relies on a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to deliver deep flavor in every spoonful. Here’s everything you’ll need to create it at home:

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon sesame oil – for a nutty, aromatic base.
1 small onion, finely chopped – adds depth and subtle sweetness.
2 garlic cloves, minced – brings bold, savory flavor.
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger – for a warm, zesty note.
2 medium carrots, sliced – adds natural sweetness and color.
1 cup frozen peas – tossed in near the end for a touch of sweetness and texture.
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth – forms the heart of the soup.
2 tablespoons soy sauce – for umami and seasoning.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar – a splash of acidity to balance the flavors.
12–16 frozen potstickers (any variety) – the star of the show; no need to thaw.
2 cups fresh spinach or baby bok choy (optional) – for added greens.
Chopped fresh cilantro or scallions – for garnish.

This ingredient list is flexible—feel free to adjust based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Ready to bring it all together? Let’s move on to the step-by-step cooking process!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to turn those flavorful ingredients into a steamy, comforting bowl of Potsticker Soup. Each step is easy to follow, and the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes!

Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Toss in the sliced carrots, and sauté for 2–3 minutes to give them a head start in softening. Then pour in the low-sodium broth, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Season the Broth

Once simmering, add soy sauce and rice vinegar. Taste the broth at this stage—you can adjust the soy sauce if you’d like it saltier or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Step 4: Cook the Potstickers

Gently drop the frozen potstickers into the hot broth. Simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes, or until the potstickers are heated through and floating. Stir gently to avoid breaking them.

Step 5: Final Touches

Add the frozen peas and simmer for 2 more minutes. If using greens like spinach or baby bok choy, stir them in now and let them wilt for about a minute.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped cilantro or scallions for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Your Potsticker Soup is ready—steamy, savory, and full of love in every bite. Coming up next: some helpful cooking tips and common mistakes to avoid!

Notes

Here are a few extra pointers to help you make the most of your Potsticker Soup:

Broth Boost: For deeper flavor, try adding a splash of toasted sesame oil or a teaspoon of miso paste near the end of cooking.
Make it Spicy: Stir in chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to bring the heat.
Veggie Variations: Mushrooms, napa cabbage, or even zucchini ribbons can bulk up the veggie content beautifully.
Vegan-Friendly Option: Use vegetable broth and vegan potstickers for a fully plant-based version.
Add Noodles: If you’re extra hungry, toss in a handful of ramen or rice noodles while simmering the broth.

These tips make the soup incredibly versatile, letting you tweak it to suit your mood or pantry.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like Potsticker Soup has a few traps to avoid. Keep these in mind:

Boiling the Potstickers Too Hard: A rolling boil can tear the dumplings apart. Keep the broth at a gentle simmer.
Crowding the Pot: If your pot is small, cook the potstickers in batches to avoid sticking or clumping.
Skipping the Taste Test: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings—broth brands vary in saltiness.
Adding Greens Too Early: Leafy greens only need a minute or two. Overcooking will turn them mushy and dull.
Reheating Too Long: Potstickers can fall apart when reheated aggressively. Warm leftovers gently over medium heat.

Being mindful of these small details ensures every bowl you serve is as comforting and delicious as the first.

What to Serve With Potsticker Soup?

Potsticker Soup can definitely stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal or add a few sides for variety, there are plenty of delicious options to pair with it.

8 Recommendations

Scallion Pancakes
Crisp and savory with a hint of onion, these are perfect for dipping or nibbling between spoonfuls of soup.
Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing
A cool, crunchy counterpoint to the warm broth. The sesame flavor ties in beautifully with the soup.
Steamed Edamame
Simply salted or tossed with chili flakes, edamame is a light and protein-rich side.
Garlic Green Beans
Stir-fried green beans with garlic and a splash of soy sauce bring texture and brightness to the table.
Fried Rice or Simple Jasmine Rice
A small serving on the side balances the meal and can soak up extra broth.
Kimchi
If you enjoy a bit of spice and funk, kimchi makes a bold and refreshing sidekick.
Asian Slaw
Crunchy, tangy, and colorful—slaw adds vibrancy and a contrasting texture to the softness of the soup.
Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls
Crisp, savory rolls pair well and add that satisfying crunch to round out the meal.

Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving a comforting solo meal, these sides enhance the cozy experience without stealing the show.

Storage Instructions

Potsticker Soup is just as good the next day—maybe even better once the flavors have had time to meld. Here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigeration

How to Store: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container.
Shelf Life: Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave in short intervals. Be careful not to over-stir or overheat, as the potstickers may become too soft and break apart.

Freezing

Freezer-Friendly? Yes, but with a caveat.
Best Practice: If you plan to freeze the soup, cook the broth and veggies first, freeze that separately, and add fresh potstickers when reheating. Pre-cooked potstickers tend to get mushy after thawing.
Storage Time: Up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Here’s a general nutrition breakdown for one generous serving (about 1½ cups of soup with 3–4 potstickers), though it will vary based on the brand of potstickers and broth used:

Calories: ~280–350 kcal
Protein: ~10–14g
Carbohydrates: ~30–35g
Fat: ~10–15g
Fiber: ~3–5g
Sodium: ~800–1000mg
Sugars: ~4–6g

To lighten things up, consider using lower-sodium broth, leaner potstickers, and skipping high-fat toppings like chili oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s answer some of the most common questions about Potsticker Soup to make sure your cooking process is smooth and your results are delicious every time.

1. Can I use homemade potstickers instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely! Homemade dumplings bring a personal touch and can elevate the dish. Just ensure they’re well-sealed to avoid splitting during simmering.

2. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—choose gluten-free potstickers (several brands offer this now) and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free, or substitute with tamari or coconut aminos.

3. What vegetables can I add?

Aside from carrots and peas, try mushrooms, napa cabbage, zucchini, baby corn, or bell peppers. This soup is very veggie-friendly.

4. How do I keep the potstickers from falling apart?

Simmer gently, don’t stir too aggressively, and avoid overcooking. Add them last and keep the heat at medium-low.

5. Can I make this soup spicy?

Totally. Add chili oil, sriracha, red pepper flakes, or fresh sliced chilies. Customize the heat to your liking.

6. What type of broth works best?

A flavorful low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth is ideal. For extra umami, consider adding a bit of miso paste or a splash of mushroom broth.

7. How can I make it more filling?

Add noodles like ramen, rice noodles, or soba. You can also stir in shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein.

8. Is Potsticker Soup good for meal prep?

Yes—with a trick. Store broth and potstickers separately if prepping ahead. Reheat them together just before serving to keep texture intact.

Conclusion

Potsticker Soup isn’t just a quick-fix dinner—it’s a versatile, nourishing, and soul-satisfying dish that brings comfort and flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cozying up on a rainy evening, feeding a hungry crowd, or looking for an easy dinner idea, this soup rises to the occasion with its savory broth and plump dumplings. It’s simple, endlessly adaptable, and one of those recipes you’ll want to come back to again and again.