Homemade Potsticker Soup

I’ve gotta tell you straight up: this Homemade Potsticker Soup surprised me. I made it on a day when I was craving something cozy but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, and wow—this bowl showed up. You know that kind of meal that feels warm, a little nostalgic, a little fun, and somehow tastes like you had your life together all day? Yeah, that’s this soup.

Before I tried it, I used to think potstickers were only meant for dipping in soy sauce and inhaling on the couch. But putting them into a soup? Total game changer. It’s quick, it’s soothing, and it’s the kind of dish where you take a sip and immediately feel the tension leave your shoulders. If you’ve got frozen potstickers sitting in your freezer right now, you’re basically halfway there.

What Is Potsticker Soup?

Potsticker soup is a comforting, brothy dish made by simmering potstickers (store-bought or homemade), veggies, aromatics, and a simple seasoned broth until everything turns silky, fragrant, and irresistibly slurpable. Think of it as a shortcut homemade dumpling soup—full flavor, low effort.

Why This Recipe Is Special

This soup hits that sweet spot between lazy and impressive. It tastes like you simmered it all afternoon, but secretly it comes together in under 30 minutes. The potstickers release a little starch, so the broth thickens just enough to feel luxurious without being heavy. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—spicy, mild, veggie-heavy, or brothy and light—you get to decide.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick enough for a weeknight, cozy enough for the weekend
• Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
• Perfect for frozen potstickers (your freezer MVP)
• Totally customizable—more veggies, extra spice, whatever makes you happy
• Comforting, nourishing, and deeply flavorful
• Feels special without actually requiring special effort

Tools You’ll Need

These are simple—I promise nothing fancy.

• Medium soup pot or Dutch oven
• You want something with enough space for the broth to simmer and the potstickers to move around without sticking together.
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Helps you sauté the garlic and ginger and stir without breaking the dumplings.
• Ladle
• For scooping broth without losing potstickers overboard.
• Cutting board + knife
• Just for slicing green onions, chopping veggies, and pretending you’re on a cooking show.

Ingredients (US & Metric)

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150 g) sliced mushrooms
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili oil or sriracha (optional)
• 12–16 frozen potstickers (chicken, pork, or veggie)
• 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach
• 2–3 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Extra sesame oil or chili crisp, for topping

How to Make Homemade Potsticker Soup

1. Heat the oil

Set your pot over medium heat and drizzle in the sesame oil. Let it get warm and fragrant—this is your flavor foundation.

2. Add garlic and ginger

Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Give it a quick stir and breathe in. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like you’re cooking something way more complicated than you are.

3. Add the veggies

Drop in the carrots and mushrooms. Stir for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften a little. You don’t need them fully cooked yet—they’ll keep cooking in the broth.

4. Pour in the broth

Slowly add the chicken or vegetable broth. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil if you want some heat. Give everything a stir and let it come to a gentle simmer.

5. Add the potstickers

Gently slide the frozen potstickers into the pot. Try not to dump them in aggressively—the goal is to keep them intact. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice. You’ll notice the broth thicken slightly, which is exactly what you want.

If a potsticker or two breaks, don’t panic—it just makes the broth richer.

6. Add spinach

Toss in the spinach during the last minute. It’ll wilt instantly, giving you color and freshness without any fuss.

7. Season and finish

Taste the broth. Add salt, pepper, more soy sauce, or more vinegar depending on what your taste buds want. Stir in green onions right before serving.

Serving Ideas

• Add a drizzle of chili crisp for heat
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top
• Add extra green onions for brightness
• Serve with a soft-boiled egg for a ramen-like vibe
• Pair with a small bowl of steamed rice if you want something heartier

Variations & Customizations

• Spicy version: double the chili oil and add a teaspoon of gochujang.
• Veggie-packed: add bok choy, peas, corn, or shredded cabbage.
• Creamier broth: add a splash of coconut milk or a spoonful of miso.
• Low-sodium: start with low-salt broth and season at the end.
• Protein boost: toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or tofu cubes.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge. The potstickers will soften but honestly still taste great.
• If you want firmer potstickers for leftovers, cook the broth and veggies first, then add fresh potstickers each time you reheat.
• You can also freeze the broth (without potstickers) for up to 2 months.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Think of these as the little tricks I’d whisper to you if we were cooking together.

• Don’t boil aggressively or the potstickers will burst. Gentle simmer is the move.
• If your potstickers stick to the bottom, give the pot a slow swirl instead of scraping.
• Taste the broth before adding extra salt—soy sauce is sneaky.
• Add spinach at the end so it stays bright and silky, not mushy.
• If your broth tastes flat, add a splash more vinegar. It wakes everything up.

Recipe Info

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Nutrition (per serving, approx.):
• 260 calories
• 12g protein
• 7g fat
• 35g carbohydrates

Final Thoughts

I really hope you try this potsticker soup because it’s one of those meals that hits the spot no matter what kind of day you’re having. It’s easy, comforting, and honestly kind of fun to make. If you do try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—share it, tweak it, make it yours, and tell me all about it.