Embarrassingly Easy Potsticker Soup

Looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes? Embarrassingly Easy Potsticker Soup is the ultimate answer. With tender potstickers, umami-packed broth, and vibrant toppings, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Best of all, it’s simple enough for even the most novice cooks to master!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil or butter)
• 8 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions, plus more for sprinkling
• 12 ounces frozen potstickers or dumplings
• Furikake seasoning (for serving)

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics
In a stock pot over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Build the Flavorful Broth
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, water, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer. At this stage, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding a pinch of salt to achieve your desired savory flavor.

Cook the Potstickers
Once the broth is gently simmering, add the frozen potstickers or dumplings. Cook them according to the package instructions, typically about 3 minutes, until they are fully cooked and tender.

Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with additional sliced scallions, a drizzle of sesame oil, a splash of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of furikake seasoning for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience.

Tips for Success

• Be sure not to overcook the potstickers as they may begin to break apart.
• Customize the toppings to your liking; chili oil, fresh cilantro, or crispy onions make excellent additions.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this soup immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. The potstickers are at their prime when they’re tender and intact.
• Enhance the soup with customizable toppings like chili oil for a spicy kick, toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness, or a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness.
• Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that potstickers may begin to break down in the broth over time, so consume promptly.
• Freezing: This soup is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the potstickers can become mushy upon thawing. If you’d like to prepare the broth in advance, freeze it without the potstickers and add them fresh when reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the potstickers from falling apart. Avoid boiling.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Embarrassingly Easy Potsticker Soup while keeping its flavors and textures intact!

Variations

This versatile potsticker soup can be tailored to suit your tastes or to use ingredients you have on hand. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Protein Boost

• Add shredded rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced beef, or cooked shrimp for an extra protein punch.
• Stir in a whisked egg while the soup simmers to create egg ribbons, reminiscent of egg drop soup.

2. Vegetarian Version

• Use vegetable stock and swap meat-filled potstickers for vegetarian or tofu-filled ones.
• Add tofu cubes or edamame for added plant-based protein.

3. Spicy Twist

• Stir in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or sambal oelek for a spicy kick.
• Garnish with thinly sliced red chilies or a drizzle of spicy sesame oil.

4. Herbaceous Touch

• Add fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or parsley for a burst of freshness.
• Include a splash of lime juice for a tangy finish.

5. Noodle Addition

• Toss in cooked ramen, soba, or rice noodles to transform the soup into a heartier dish.

6. Vegetable Packed

• Enhance the soup with sliced bok choy, spinach, kale, or snap peas.
• Include matchstick carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

7. Miso Infusion

• Stir in a tablespoon of miso paste for a rich umami flavor. Adjust soy sauce accordingly to maintain balance.

8. Gluten-Free Option

• Choose gluten-free potstickers and tamari in place of soy sauce to make the soup gluten-free.

9. Creamy Broth

• Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, slightly sweet variation that complements the sesame and soy flavors.

10. Make It Crunchy

• Top the soup with crispy fried onions, garlic chips, or crushed wonton strips for added texture.

These variations allow you to personalize Embarrassingly Easy Potsticker Soup to fit your preferences and dietary needs while keeping it simple and satisfying!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potstickers instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use fresh potstickers. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh potstickers typically cook faster than frozen ones.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
It’s best to make this soup fresh. If you must prepare it ahead, cook the broth and add the potstickers just before serving to prevent them from breaking down.

3. What can I use instead of shiitake mushrooms?
You can substitute shiitake mushrooms with button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or even oyster mushrooms.

4. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, red pepper flakes, or fresh sliced chilies to the broth for extra heat.

5. Can I use a different type of broth?
Absolutely! Chicken, vegetable, or even beef broth works well. You can also try dashi or miso broth for a unique flavor.

6. What is furikake seasoning, and can I omit it?
Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend often made with seaweed, sesame seeds, and other flavorings. While it adds a nice touch, you can skip it or replace it with toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of sea salt.

7. Can I freeze the soup?
It’s not recommended to freeze this soup with potstickers, as they may become mushy. However, you can freeze the broth separately and add fresh potstickers when reheating.

8. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free potstickers and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your broth is gluten-free as well.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Yes! Vegetables like bok choy, spinach, kale, carrots, or snap peas are great additions for extra nutrition and flavor.

10. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, as the potstickers may break apart if overcooked.

These FAQs provide helpful insights to ensure your potsticker soup turns out perfectly every time!

Embarrassingly Easy Potsticker Soup is proof that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, this soup delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, it’s a guaranteed hit. Give it a try tonight and savor the magic of effortless cooking!

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