Comforting, flavorful, and practically effortless, Potsticker Soup is the kind of delicious shortcut meal you crave on a chilly night. Plump, juicy potstickers—those beloved frozen dumplings—swim in a ginger-infused broth alongside vibrant greens and a sprinkle of fresh toppings. It’s the ultimate quick weeknight soup with a chewy bite, bright sparks of flavor, and all the cozy vibes of homemade, without hours in the kitchen. If you think frozen dumplings are only for appetizers, wait until you try them in this soul-warming dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a handful of simple but essential ingredients for Potsticker Soup—each brings something special, from savory depth to fresh bursts of color. Easy to find, yet chosen with care, these ingredients work together to create a broth that’s layered and satisfying, while the dumplings and vegetables bring texture and vibrancy.

Frozen potstickers: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand or filling—pork, chicken, or veggie all work beautifully.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Acts as the savory base, so opt for a good-quality broth for maximum flavor.
Fresh ginger: Just a few slices add a bright, spicy aroma and depth to the broth.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with subtle, earthy warmth that makes the broth crave-worthy.
Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and that irresistible umami note without overpowering the other flavors.
Baby spinach or bok choy: Toss in greens at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
Scallions: Sliced thin for topping, they add a gentle onion bite and lovely crunch.
Sesame oil: A fragrant drizzle right before serving, bringing toasty complexity to the bowl.
Optional toppings: Try chili oil, fresh cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor excitement.

How to Make Potsticker Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start things off by getting your soup pot happily sizzling. Heat a touch of oil over medium heat, then add the ginger and garlic. Cook for one to two minutes until they’re fragrant, stirring often so nothing burns. This quick step infuses the oil and the eventual broth with tons of warming aroma and flavor—it’s the secret to a restaurant-quality Potsticker Soup right at home.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth, then add soy sauce. Give it a good stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot for extra depth. Simmer gently for about five minutes to let the flavors meld; the broth will smell amazing and take on a beautiful golden hue thanks to the aromatics.

Step 3: Cook the Potstickers

Gently drop your frozen potstickers straight into the simmering broth. Let them cook uncovered for about five to seven minutes—no need to thaw! When they float to the top and look plump, they’re done. This method not only cooks the dumplings perfectly but also lets their starchy exterior thicken the soup slightly.

Step 4: Add the Greens

Toss in your choice of greens—baby spinach wilts almost instantly, while chopped bok choy takes a minute or two. This is when your Potsticker Soup transforms from simple to stunning with vibrant color and a burst of fresh, grassy flavor.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and swirl in a splash of toasted sesame oil for that signature nutty aroma. Ladle the soup into bowls and get creative with garnishes—scallions, chili oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds are absolute favorites in our house. Grab your spoon and dig in!

How to Serve Potsticker Soup

Garnishes

This is your chance to make Potsticker Soup shine with personality. Fresh scallions add crunch and a gentle bite, while a shower of cilantro brings herby brightness. For heat lovers, drizzle with chili oil or scatter on a few red pepper flakes. Feeling fancy? Toasted sesame seeds or crispy shallots look and taste incredible on top.

Side Dishes

While Potsticker Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame makes for a well-rounded meal. If you want to lean into comfort, a side of fluffy jasmine rice or garlicky sautéed greens is just what you need to complete the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Potsticker Soup in large mugs for a cozy, portable option, or arrange the dumplings and veggies neatly in wide shallow bowls for a restaurant-style look. For a fun twist at a dinner party, offer a mini toppings bar so everyone can customize their bowl with their favorite add-ins.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Potsticker Soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more irresistible. Just know that the dumplings will absorb more broth, so expect a thicker texture after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze Potsticker Soup, ladle the broth and veggies into freezer-safe containers and add fresh dumplings when you reheat. Potstickers themselves can become a bit mushy if frozen after being cooked in soup, so it’s best to cook them fresh for the best texture when you’re ready to enjoy another batch.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat until everything is hot and steaming. If the soup has thickened, stir in a splash of extra broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to keep dumplings tender and greens vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use homemade potstickers instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade potstickers taste incredible in Potsticker Soup—just adjust cooking time if your dumplings are larger or freshly wrapped, and make sure the filling is fully cooked before serving.

What’s the best brand of frozen potstickers to use?

There are many fantastic options. Look for brands with minimal ingredients and fillings you love, such as pork, chicken, or vegetable. Trader Joe’s, Ling Ling, and Bibigo are reliable choices, but don’t hesitate to try local Asian grocery brands for something new.

How can I make Potsticker Soup vegetarian or vegan?

It’s simple: choose veggie dumplings, use vegetable broth, and swap out any garnishes like egg threads or meat-based toppings. The result is just as flavorful and hearty without any animal products.

Can I add noodles or rice to the soup?

Yes! Adding cooked noodles (like udon or rice noodles) or a scoop of steamed rice makes the soup even more filling—just add them right before serving so they don’t soak up all the broth.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

If you’re out of fresh ginger, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger in a pinch, or simply leave it out—the soup will still be wonderfully satisfying with garlic and soy sauce alone.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give Potsticker Soup a spot on your regular dinner rotation. It’s the rare recipe that feels like a restaurant treat but is totally doable any night of the week, even when you’re short on time. Whether you serve it for yourself or share it with friends and family, this cozy bowl of goodness always hits the spot—enjoy every slurp!

Potsticker Soup Recipe