Potsticker Soup is one of those dishes that combines the best of both worlds: comforting, hearty soup and savory, crispy potstickers. If you’ve ever had potstickers at an Asian restaurant, you’ll know they’re already pretty irresistible. But when you toss them into a savory broth, the results are nothing short of magical. The crispy, tender potstickers meld perfectly with a rich and flavorful broth, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
Now, what if you could recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen? Well, you’re in luck! Today, we’re diving deep into the Potsticker Soup recipe from none other than The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Her recipes are beloved for their simplicity, flavor, and ease. This potsticker soup recipe will bring all the cozy feels, and you’ll have a hearty, filling meal in no time!
Let’s break it all down-from ingredients to cooking instructions, ingredient insights to expert tips, and even a few fun recipe variations that’ll keep things fresh and exciting. If you’re ready to warm up with a bowl of potsticker goodness, keep reading!
Potsticker Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe
This Potsticker Soup recipe from Ree Drummond is a delightful marriage of tender dumplings and a flavorful, well-seasoned broth. It’s everything you want in a soup-filling, comforting, and packed with flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen Potstickers: Ree’s recipe uses frozen potstickers, which make things so much easier! No need to make them from scratch or stress over dough. You can find these in your grocery store’s freezer aisle-usually in the Asian foods section.
- Chicken Broth: A flavorful base for the soup that ties everything together. You can opt for homemade if you’re feeling extra, but store-bought works just fine for simplicity.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a bit of zing and warmth to the broth. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to any soup.
- Garlic: Adds depth and aroma to the soup. The garlic really helps to elevate the flavors of the broth.
- Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce is key to bringing umami to the dish, making the broth extra savory.
- Scallions: Chopped scallions add a lovely fresh and slightly sharp flavor, which balances the richness of the broth and potstickers.
- Sesame Oil: A little drizzle of sesame oil adds a nutty depth of flavor, making the broth even more complex and fragrant.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots add color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness. Plus, they complement the potstickers nicely.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves bring some greenery to the soup, giving it a wholesome feel, while also adding nutrients and fiber.
Cooking Instructions
This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of heavy lifting. Here’s how to whip up this dish:
- Prepare the Soup Base: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a bit of sesame oil to the pot, and once it’s hot, sauté the garlic and ginger for about a minute until they’re fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
- Add the Broth: Pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the soy sauce and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add the Vegetables: Toss in the shredded carrots and spinach leaves. These should cook down nicely in the broth, adding texture and flavor.
- Cook the Potstickers: Now, it’s time to add the frozen potstickers! Carefully drop them into the simmering soup. Make sure they don’t clump together, so stir gently as they cook. Let the potstickers cook for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice them floating to the top when they’re ready.
- Finish and Serve: Once the potstickers are cooked through, add the chopped scallions and give the soup a final stir. Taste the broth for seasoning and adjust with more soy sauce or salt if needed. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role each ingredient plays in this recipe can help you appreciate the dish even more. Here’s why each component is essential:
- Frozen Potstickers: These are a shortcut that doesn’t compromise flavor. Filled with savory ingredients like ground meat, vegetables, or even tofu, they infuse the soup with rich flavors. The broth also absorbs some of the potsticker’s filling, creating layers of depth.
- Ginger and Garlic: A classic pairing in many Asian dishes, these two ingredients bring a wonderful balance of heat, earthiness, and sharpness to the dish. Fresh ginger is especially important because it adds a bright, peppery kick that dried ginger can’t replicate.
- Sesame Oil: This oil has a potent, toasty flavor that adds an authentic touch to the broth. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly to avoid overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Carrots: The carrots not only add color and sweetness but also a bit of texture. They offer a slight crunch, contrasting with the softness of the potstickers.
- Spinach: Spinach wilts down beautifully in the broth, adding an earthy flavor without overpowering the dish. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins, making your soup a little healthier.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Potstickers: If you add too many potstickers at once, they might stick together or not cook properly. Make sure there’s enough room for them to cook evenly.
- Broth Flavoring: You can customize the broth to your taste by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a dash of rice vinegar for a hint of tang.
- Potsticker Variety: While pork potstickers are classic, feel free to experiment with different varieties like chicken, shrimp, or even vegetable potstickers for a vegetarian version.
- Garnishing: Top the soup with a drizzle of sesame oil, some toasted sesame seeds, or a few fresh cilantro leaves for added texture and flavor.
- Serve with a Side: Pair the soup with a light side, like steamed rice or a crisp salad, to make a more well-rounded meal.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, there’s always room for creativity! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Spicy Potsticker Soup: Add chili garlic sauce or a few dashes of Sriracha to give the broth some heat. You could even stir in some chili oil for extra depth.
- Vegetarian Potsticker Soup: Use vegetable potstickers and vegetable broth to make this dish completely meat-free. Add tofu or more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra protein.
- Thai-Inspired Potsticker Soup: Swap the soy sauce for fish sauce and add a squeeze of lime juice. Throw in some chopped Thai basil and fresh cilantro for a Southeast Asian twist.
- Creamy Potsticker Soup: Add a splash of coconut milk to the broth for a creamy, rich texture. The coconut milk will also lend a slightly sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.
Final Words
This Potsticker Soup is a dish that’s easy to fall in love with. Whether you’re cooking it up for a cozy dinner, impressing guests, or just craving something warm and comforting, it’s a recipe you’ll want to have in your back pocket. The crispy potstickers, tender veggies, and rich broth combine into one hearty bowl of goodness that feels both familiar and special. Plus, the recipe is so simple to make, even beginner cooks will find success with it.
FAQs
What Is Potsticker Soup?
Potsticker Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the elements of potstickers (dumplings filled with meat and vegetables) with a savory broth. In the Pioneer Woman’s recipe, it’s a quick and easy soup where potstickers are simmered in a rich broth, along with vegetables and seasonings.
What Ingredients Do I Need For Potsticker Soup?
The ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Potsticker Soup include frozen potstickers, chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, green onions, carrots, sesame oil, and optional ingredients like mushrooms or bok choy.
Can I Make Potsticker Soup With Homemade Potstickers?
Yes, you can make Potsticker Soup with homemade potstickers. If you prefer fresh dumplings, you can prepare them yourself and then add them to the soup. Just ensure the potstickers are cooked before adding them to the broth.
How Do I Make The Broth For Potsticker Soup?
The broth for Potsticker Soup is made by combining chicken or vegetable broth with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. The soup is simmered to allow the flavors to meld, creating a savory and aromatic base.
Can I Use Different Vegetables In Potsticker Soup?
Yes, you can customize the vegetables in the soup based on your preferences. Common additions include mushrooms, bok choy, spinach, and cabbage. Just make sure the vegetables are sliced thin so they cook quickly in the broth.
Are There Any Substitutions For The Frozen Potstickers?
If you don’t have frozen potstickers, you can substitute them with other types of dumplings, or even wontons. Alternatively, you could use store-bought gyoza or dumplings from the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
Can I Make Potsticker Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. It’s best to cook the broth and vegetables first, then add the potstickers just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How Do I Make Potsticker Soup Spicier?
To make the soup spicier, you can add chili paste, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the broth. Adjust the level of spice to your taste by starting with a small amount and tasting before adding more.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Potsticker Soup?
The cooking time for Potsticker Soup is about 20-25 minutes. This includes simmering the broth and vegetables, as well as cooking the potstickers in the broth. If you’re using frozen potstickers, it will take slightly longer to cook them through.
Can I Make Potsticker Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make Potsticker Soup in a slow cooker. Add the broth, vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the frozen potstickers about 30 minutes before serving, and allow them to cook in the hot broth.