Potsticker Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines the best of Asian flavors with the comforting richness of a warm soup. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you’re craving a bowl of something flavorful and satisfying. With its tender potstickers, savory broth, and fresh vegetables, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious dish, along with tips and tricks to elevate the flavor.
What Are Potstickers?
Potstickers are a popular type of dumpling in Chinese cuisine, typically filled with ground meat (often pork, chicken, or beef) and vegetables. The name “potsticker” comes from the method of cooking, where the dumplings are first seared in a hot pan to create a crispy bottom, then steamed to cook through. The result is a combination of crispy and soft textures that make potstickers irresistible.
Why Potsticker Soup?
Potsticker Soup takes the concept of potstickers to the next level. By simmering the dumplings in a flavorful broth, the soup captures all the savory goodness of the potstickers while adding a comforting liquid element. The broth absorbs the flavors from the dumplings, vegetables, and seasonings, creating a rich, umami-packed dish. Whether you’re a fan of potstickers or just love a good bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Potsticker Soup
For the potstickers:
- 1 pack of frozen potstickers (chicken, pork, or vegetarian)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for frying)
For the soup broth:
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup bok choy or spinach (optional)
For garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Additional green onions
- A dash of chili flakes (optional)
Instructions for Potsticker Soup
- Prepare the Potstickers: Start by frying the frozen potstickers. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Once hot, add the potstickers in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Then, carefully add 1/4 cup of water to the pan, cover, and steam the potstickers for another 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Soup Broth: In a large pot, add the chicken (or vegetable) broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, and green onions. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. If you’re adding mushrooms and bok choy or spinach, add them to the pot now. Let the broth simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the Soup: Gently add the fried potstickers to the simmering broth. Let them cook in the broth for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring they are heated through and absorb some of the soup’s flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a sprinkle of chili flakes, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable potstickers and vegetable broth. You can also add tofu or additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add some sriracha or chili oil to the soup. You can also increase the chili flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Homemade Potstickers: If you have the time and want to make the potstickers from scratch, you can prepare them with your choice of filling and follow the same cooking method.
Why You’ll Love Potsticker Soup
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to make and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of crispy potstickers, savory broth, and fresh vegetables makes this soup a deeply satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Potsticker Soup is a unique and flavorful dish that brings the best of Asian cuisine to your kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or looking for a fun twist on traditional soup, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. With its delicious potstickers and savory broth, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Try it today and experience the ultimate comfort in a bowl!
Serving and Storage Tips for Potsticker Soup
Serving Tips:
- Serve Hot: Potsticker Soup is best enjoyed hot. Once the soup is prepared, ladle it into bowls while it’s still steaming to maintain its comforting warmth.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Enhance the soup’s presentation and flavor by adding fresh cilantro, green onions, and a dash of chili flakes. This adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
- Accompaniments: Serve with a side of steamed rice, crusty bread, or even additional dipping sauces like soy sauce or chili oil for extra flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover Potsticker Soup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the potstickers are submerged in the broth to prevent them from drying out.
- Freezing: While you can freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze the broth and potstickers separately. This helps preserve the texture of the potstickers, as freezing may cause them to become soggy when reheated. Store the soup broth in a sealed container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Potstickers can be frozen separately and reheated when you’re ready to enjoy them in the soup.
- Reheating: To reheat, heat the soup in a pot over low heat until it reaches a simmer. If you’ve frozen the potstickers separately, cook them in the broth for a few minutes to reheat. Be sure to stir gently to avoid breaking the potstickers.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Potsticker Soup for several days and maintain its delicious flavor!
1. Can I use homemade potstickers for this soup?
Yes, you can absolutely use homemade potstickers in this recipe. Whether you make them with pork, chicken, or a vegetarian filling, just be sure to cook them properly before adding them to the broth. Homemade potstickers may require slightly more time to cook compared to frozen ones, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and cook the potstickers ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the potstickers to the broth just before serving to maintain their texture. If storing the soup for later, keep the broth and potstickers separate and combine them when you’re ready to reheat and serve.
3. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Potsticker Soup, use vegetable potstickers (many grocery stores offer these) and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You can also add tofu, extra vegetables like mushrooms, or bok choy to enhance the flavor and texture.
4. How do I prevent the potstickers from becoming soggy in the soup?
To keep the potstickers from getting too soggy, ensure that the soup is simmered at a low heat once the potstickers are added. Avoid boiling the soup, as high temperatures can cause the potstickers to break apart. Additionally, if you’re storing leftovers, keep the potstickers and broth separate and add the potstickers to the broth when reheating.
Potsticker Soup
This soup is made with potstickers simmered in a savory broth, complemented by vibrant vegetables and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a unique appetizer!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Soup
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 12–16 frozen potstickers or dumplings (pork, chicken, or vegetarian)
- 1 cup napa cabbage or bok choy, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Broth:
- Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Potstickers:
- Carefully add the frozen potstickers to the simmering broth. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until they are tender and cooked through.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms (if using), and green onions. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous portion of broth, potstickers, and vegetables.
- Garnish:
- Top with fresh cilantro, extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for added flavor.
Notes
- Customizable Veggies: Add baby spinach, snap peas, or broccoli for extra greens.
- Potsticker Options: Use any type of frozen dumplings, such as pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian.
- Thicker Broth: For a slightly thicker soup, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the broth before adding the potstickers.