Tired of spending hours in the kitchen trying to prepare a warm, nourishing meal after a long day? I know exactly how that feels. As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm both body and soul. This easy potsticker soup recipe is my go-to solution for busy weeknights, delivering incredible flavor in just half an hour!
Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook. When I first created this potsticker soup recipe, I was looking for something that combined the comfort of homemade soup with the convenience of store-bought ingredients. After several test batches in my kitchen (and many happy taste-testers), this 30-minute wonder was born. It’s now one of the most requested recipes when friends come over on chilly evenings!
This soup has become a staple in my fall meal rotation not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s the perfect cheap dinner for 1 that can easily be scaled up for family meals. As someone who values both nutrition and flavor, I’ve carefully balanced this recipe to deliver a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and crave-worthy.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything from ingredient selection to pro tips for customization. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-quality soup that tastes like it simmered all day—without the wait!
Why This Potsticker Soup Recipe Works
- Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients with minimal prep
- Comes together in just 30 minutes (perfect for busy weeknights)
- Works as a complete meal in one bowl
- Freezes beautifully for future easy fall healthy dinners
- Customizable to various dietary preferences and spice levels
- Perfect for meal prep as one of your soup lunch ideas for work
- Combines the beloved flavors of potstickers with comforting soup
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Potsticker Soup
Best Store-Bought Potstickers
For this recipe, look for high-quality frozen potstickers or gyoza in your grocery store. Chicken, pork, or vegetable varieties all work wonderfully. The best options contain minimal additives and feature a thin wrapper that won’t become soggy in the soup.
Broth Selection
A good chicken or vegetable broth forms the foundation of this soup. For a dinner recipe fresh with flavor, I recommend using low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness. For extra richness, you can mix in a splash of sesame oil just before serving.
Fresh Produce Additions
What makes this one of the most pinned soup recipes is the balance of fresh vegetables with the heartiness of the dumplings. Look for:
- Vibrant greens like bok choy or spinach
- Fresh ginger that’s firm and aromatic
- Crisp scallions for garnish
- Shiitake or button mushrooms for earthiness
Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Potsticker Soup
Soup Base Essentials
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Filling Components
- 12-16 frozen potstickers/dumplings (any variety)
- 2 cups baby spinach or chopped bok choy
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
Optional Garnishes
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Drizzle of chili oil
Looking for more easy weeknight recipes? Check out my delicious ground beef cabbage stir-fry that pairs perfectly with this soup for a complete meal!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Potsticker Soup
Pre-Cooking Prep for Potsticker Soup
- Wash and chop all vegetables, keeping green onion tops separate for garnish.
- Mince garlic and grate ginger (pro tip: freeze ginger for easier grating).
- Measure out liquids and seasonings to have ready.
- Keep potstickers frozen until ready to add to the soup.
Cooking Method for Potsticker Soup
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add white parts of green onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and carrots, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and carefully add frozen potstickers. Cook according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes).
- In the last minute of cooking, add leafy greens and stir gently.
- Finish with sesame oil and adjust seasonings to taste.
Doneness Check for Potsticker Soup
The soup is ready when the potstickers float to the top and are heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as the wrappers can become too soft and fall apart.
Serving Your Potsticker Soup
Ladle hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good balance of broth, vegetables, and potstickers. Garnish with green onion tops and any optional toppings like chili oil or cilantro.
Pro Tips for Perfect Potsticker Soup
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t add potstickers too early—they’ll become mushy
- Keep the broth at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil
- Stir gently to prevent breaking the potstickers
- For a soup recipe for sick days, add extra garlic and ginger for immune support
Tool Recommendations
- A large, heavy-bottomed pot distributes heat evenly
- A wooden spoon is gentle enough not to break delicate potstickers
- Clear measuring cups for accurate liquid measurements
- A sharp knife for uniform vegetable cutting
Storage & Reheating
For the best easy healthy dinner soup leftovers, store broth and potstickers separately if possible. The soup base will keep for 4-5 days refrigerated. When reheating, warm gently to preserve the texture of the vegetables and dumplings.
For more warming recipes perfect for fall, check out my honey roasted butternut squash that makes a wonderful side dish!
Flavor Variations for Potsticker Soup
This trending soup recipe is endlessly customizable to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Spicy Twist
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or gochujang to the broth for a warming kick that’s perfect for good fall meals.
Protein Boost
Enhance your soup with additional protein by adding:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Cubed tofu
- Thinly sliced cooked beef
Veggie Variations
| Vegetable | Prep Method | When to Add |
|---|---|---|
| Baby corn | Halved lengthwise | With broth |
| Snow peas | Trimmed | Last 2 minutes |
| Bell peppers | Thinly sliced | Last 5 minutes |
| Bean sprouts | Raw | As garnish at serving |
| Edamame | Shelled | Last 5 minutes |
Need a crowd-pleasing appetizer to serve before your soup? My spinach dip cheese crisps are always a hit!
Serving Suggestions for Potsticker Soup
This versatile soup works beautifully as a standalone meal or as part of a larger spread. For an impressive but easy fall healthy dinner, consider these pairings:
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or crispy wonton strips
- Add a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds
- Offer small dishes of additional condiments like soy sauce, chili oil, and rice vinegar
For those looking for soup lunch ideas for work, portion this soup into individual containers with the potstickers packed separately. Heat the broth at work, then add the potstickers for the last couple of minutes to maintain their texture.
Want to round out your meal with another easy option? Try my one-pan oven-baked chicken dinner for a different night this week!
FAQs About Potsticker Soup
Can I use homemade potstickers instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade potstickers will work beautifully but may cook faster than frozen ones. Add them during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
How do I make this soup more filling?
For a heartier version, add cooked rice noodles, more vegetables, or additional protein. You can also increase the number of potstickers per serving.
Is this potsticker soup freezer-friendly?
The broth base freezes well, but I recommend adding fresh potstickers when reheating for the best texture. Freeze just the soup base in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer to a slow cooker with broth and vegetables. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, adding the potstickers during the last 30 minutes.
Looking for another quick dinner option? My easy baked feta pasta has become one of my most popular recipes!
Conclusion
This 30-minute potsticker soup has quickly become one of my most pinned soup recipes, and for good reason! It strikes that perfect balance between convenience and flavor that we’re all searching for on busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this adaptable recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful.
I’d love to see your version of this soup! Share your creations and check out more seasonal recipes on my Pinterest page where I’m constantly adding new inspiration for good fall meals and beyond.
Remember that cooking should be joyful, not stressful. This potsticker soup recipe embodies that philosophy—simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and delicious results. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy!