Name: Potsticker Soup: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground pork; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 6 cups chicken broth; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (10 ounce) package frozen potstickers (gyoza or dumplings); 2 cups chopped bok choy or napa cabbage; 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional); Sriracha or chili garlic sauce, for serving (optional)

Potsticker Soup: Imagine all the comforting flavors of crispy-bottomed potstickers swimming in a savory, aromatic broth. Sounds divine, right? This isn't just another soup recipe; it's a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving something deeply satisfying and easy to prepare.

While potstickers themselves have a rich history rooted in Northern Chinese cuisine, often enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations, transforming them into a soup is a brilliant modern twist. Think of it as deconstructing a beloved classic and reassembling it into something even more accessible and convenient. The beauty of potsticker soup lies in its simplicity. It captures the essence of the original dish – the juicy, flavorful filling and the delightful doughy wrapper – but eliminates the need for meticulous pleating and pan-frying.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, it's incredibly flavorful. The broth, infused with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, is deeply umami and comforting. Second, it offers a delightful textural contrast – tender potstickers, crisp vegetables, and a smooth, savory broth. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it's quick and easy to make. Whether you use store-bought potstickers for ultimate convenience or homemade ones for a personal touch, this soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight dinner champion. So, are you ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground pork
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
6 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10 ounce) package frozen potstickers (gyoza or dumplings)
2 cups chopped bok choy or napa cabbage
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Pork Base

Okay, let's get started! The first step is to create a flavorful pork base for our soup. This is where a lot of the deliciousness comes from, so don't skip this part!

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want the pot to be nice and hot before adding the pork. This will help it brown properly and develop a richer flavor.
Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Make sure to crumble the pork as it cooks so you don't end up with large clumps. We want it to be evenly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy soup! Carefully pour off any rendered fat from the pot. You can leave a little bit for flavor, but too much will make the soup heavy.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. The onion will become translucent and fragrant as it cooks. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from burning.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The ginger adds a wonderful warmth and spice to the soup.
Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). These ingredients will create a delicious savory and slightly sweet sauce that will coat the pork and vegetables. The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder soup.

Building the Soup

Now that we have our flavorful pork base, it's time to build the soup! This is where we add the broth, tomatoes, and other ingredients that will make this soup hearty and satisfying.

Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained). The chicken broth forms the liquid base of the soup, and the diced tomatoes add acidity and sweetness. Don't drain the tomatoes, as the juice adds extra flavor.
Bring the soup to a simmer. Once the soup is simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become. You can even let it simmer for up to an hour for an even richer flavor.

Adding the Potstickers and Vegetables

This is the final stretch! Now we add the potstickers and vegetables, which will cook quickly and complete the soup. It's important to add them at the end so they don't become overcooked and mushy.

Add the frozen potstickers to the soup. Gently stir them in so they don't stick together. The potstickers will cook in the broth and become plump and tender.
Cook the potstickers according to the package directions, usually about 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the potstickers to ensure they are fully cooked. They should be heated to at least 165°F (74°C).
Add the chopped bok choy or napa cabbage and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. The bok choy or napa cabbage will add a nice crunch and freshness to the soup. Don't overcook it, as it will become mushy.

Serving and Garnishing

Almost there! Now it's time to serve up this delicious and comforting potsticker soup. A few simple garnishes will elevate the presentation and add extra flavor.

Ladle the soup into bowls. Be sure to get a good mix of broth, pork, potstickers, and vegetables in each bowl.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using). The green onions add a fresh, oniony flavor, and the sesame seeds add a nutty crunch.
Serve immediately with sriracha or chili garlic sauce, if desired. A drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce will add a spicy kick to the soup. You can also serve it with a side of soy sauce for dipping the potstickers.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to customize this potsticker soup to your liking:

Use different types of potstickers. You can use pork, chicken, vegetable, or shrimp potstickers.
Add other vegetables. Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or spinach.
Make it spicier. Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
Add noodles. For a heartier soup, add some cooked noodles such as ramen or udon.
Make it vegetarian. Use vegetable broth and vegetarian potstickers.
Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free potstickers.
For a richer broth: Use bone broth instead of chicken broth.
Add a protein boost: Add a whisked egg into the simmering broth for egg drop ribbons.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy potsticker soup! It's the perfect comfort food for a cold day. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

This Potsticker Soup isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It's the comforting warmth of a hug on a chilly evening, the satisfying slurp of perfectly cooked noodles, and the delightful burst of flavor from those savory potstickers, all rolled into one incredible bowl. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it's quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable to your own personal tastes. Forget ordering takeout; you can whip up a restaurant-quality soup in the comfort of your own kitchen, and I promise, it will be even better! Think of it: tender potstickers swimming in a flavorful broth, packed with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling completely satisfied. And the best part? It’s so much more than just a soup; it’s a complete meal in a bowl. But don't just take my word for it! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover the magic for yourself. And to help you make it your own, here are a few serving suggestions and variations to get you started. For a spicier kick, add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your bowl. If you're a fan of umami, a splash of soy sauce or a dash of fish sauce will deepen the flavor profile. Want to add more vegetables? Feel free to toss in some sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or even some shredded carrots. The possibilities are truly endless! If you're looking for a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the soup. And for a truly decadent experience, top your bowl with a soft-boiled egg. The runny yolk will add richness and creaminess to every spoonful. Serving-wise, this soup is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Or, for a more complete meal, serve it alongside a simple salad. I’ve found that this Potsticker Soup is also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables or potstickers. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it's incredibly forgiving and adaptable. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating your own delicious bowl of Potsticker Soup. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! So, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. And when you do, please share your experience with me! I'd love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and your overall thoughts on this recipe. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I'm always eager to learn from my readers and see how they're making my recipes their own. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every last spoonful of this amazing Potsticker Soup! I'm confident that once you try it, you'll be making it again and again. It's the perfect weeknight meal, a comforting weekend treat, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, give it a try – you won't be disappointed!