There’s something so comforting about a hot bowl of dumpling soup—hearty, soothing, and full of flavor. Our Easy Dumpling Soup is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the warmth of chicken stock with the delicate flavors of fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. With the addition of vibrant vegetables like carrots, spinach, and green onions, this soup is packed with nutrition and texture, making it a great choice for a light yet filling meal. The frozen dumplings add an irresistible softness and heartiness to the soup, making it the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight or a cozy lunch, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
To create this delicious, nourishing soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil – Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the broth.
- 2 tbsp minced, fresh ginger – A fragrant and spicy element that will infuse the broth with warmth and complexity.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – Provides a savory depth to balance the ginger.
- 6 cups chicken stock – The base of the soup, contributing a rich and comforting flavor.
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce – Enhances the umami and saltiness of the broth without overpowering it.
- 1/2 bunch green onions, thinly sliced – Adds freshness, color, and a mild onion flavor.
- 2 large carrots, julienned (or 1 cup if using pre-cut) – These contribute a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- 1.5 lb bag frozen dumplings (potstickers or mini potstickers) – The star of the soup, these dumplings bring both texture and flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed – Provides a burst of green and a healthy dose of vitamins.
- Sea salt, to taste – Enhances the flavors of the soup.
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, optional – For a bit of crunch and garnish.
Method
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. The sesame oil will add a warm, nutty flavor to the broth that is perfect for this comforting soup. Once the oil is hot, add the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and the ginger softens. This process will release the aromatic oils, filling your kitchen with a delightful fragrance.
It’s essential to sauté the ginger and garlic first, as it helps release their flavors and adds depth to the broth. The fresh ginger offers a mild spiciness that will infuse the soup with warmth, while the garlic brings a savory umami flavor that balances out the soup’s richness.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Vegetables
After the garlic and ginger have sautéed, pour in 6 cups of chicken stock. Chicken stock forms the base of this soup, providing a rich, savory flavor that complements the dumplings and vegetables. Stir to combine the garlic and ginger with the stock, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Next, add the soy sauce, which will give the soup a savory umami note. The soy sauce also brings a touch of saltiness to the broth, so you won’t need to add too much additional salt later. Add the thinly sliced green onions and the julienned carrots. The carrots will add a touch of sweetness to the soup, and their vibrant orange color will contrast beautifully with the green of the spinach and the golden dumplings. Bring the soup to a boil.
At this point, the soup should start to come together, with the savory aroma of the broth combined with the brightness of the vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Dumplings
Once the soup has reached a boil, it’s time to add the dumplings. Add the 1.5 lb bag of frozen dumplings to the pot, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the broth. Let the soup return to a boil and cook for about 4 minutes. The dumplings should float to the top as they cook, which indicates they are ready.
If you’re using mini potstickers, they may cook a bit faster, so be sure to check them after 3 minutes. This is the perfect time to check if the carrots have softened to your liking as well. The dumplings should be tender and the vegetables should be cooked but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Stir in the Spinach
Once the dumplings are cooked and floating in the broth, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 2 cups of fresh spinach. The spinach will quickly wilt in the hot broth, adding a burst of green and a nutritious element to the soup. Stir gently to make sure the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Spinach is a great addition because it not only boosts the soup’s nutritional value, but it also adds a mild, slightly earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. The spinach will also brighten up the soup visually, adding a nice contrast to the golden dumplings and the orange carrots.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season with sea salt as needed. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can also add more soy sauce, but be cautious as the soy sauce is already salty. Once the soup is seasoned to your liking, ladle it into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. The sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and extra flavor, complementing the sesame oil in the broth.
You can also add a few more sliced green onions on top for an additional layer of freshness and color. The garnish is optional but can elevate the presentation of the dish.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Your Easy Dumpling Soup is now ready to serve! Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous portion of dumplings, vegetables, and broth. The combination of tender dumplings, savory broth, and fresh vegetables makes this soup a perfect meal for any time of day. It’s light yet filling, and the vibrant colors and flavors will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this soup is both nourishing and balanced, providing a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 277 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Total Fat: 7 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg
- Sodium: 873 mg
- Total Sugars: 6 g
This soup is a great option for a light meal that still provides plenty of energy. The protein comes primarily from the dumplings, while the vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins. The sesame oil adds healthy fats, and the spinach boosts the soup’s nutritional profile with vitamins A, C, and K.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of chili oil, red pepper flakes, or finely chopped fresh chili peppers when you sauté the garlic and ginger. This will add a spicy kick to the broth that balances beautifully with the other flavors.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock. Be sure to choose dumplings that are filled with vegetables, tofu, or mushrooms instead of meat. This will create a flavorful, plant-based version of the soup.
- Dumpling Variations: The type of dumplings you choose can affect the overall flavor and texture of the soup. You can use veggie dumplings, chicken-filled dumplings, or even dumplings made with seafood to customize the soup to your liking.
- Herb Variations: Add a sprig of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the broth for extra flavor. These herbs pair particularly well with the savory and aromatic elements in the soup.
- Broth Infusion: For a deeper, richer broth, you can simmer the chicken stock with additional aromatics like lemongrass, star anise, or a piece of kombu (dried seaweed). This will infuse the broth with extra depth and complexity.
Conclusion
This Easy Dumpling Soup is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting, delicious meal. With its rich broth, tender dumplings, and vibrant vegetables, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. The best part is that it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a group, this soup is sure to satisfy and warm you from the inside out. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a delicious bowl of homemade goodness!