Dumpling Soup

On nights when you barely have time to chop an onion, this dumpling soup comes swooping in to save the day. Why? Because it's a filling, comforting, soul-enriching meal that is on the table in under 20 minutes! There is no such thing as having too many easy dinner recipes up your sleeve, and nothing is easier than snagging a bag of frozen potstickers from the supermarket and adding them to a pot of simmering broth. This is an ideal family meal that beats takeout any night of the week! The tender dumplings floating in creamy miso broth makes it a totally kid-friendly recipe; plus, the soup is full of veggies so you can feel good about serving it.

What is dumpling soup?

As long as there are dumplings swimming in delicious broth, it's dumpling soup! This soup recipe starts with carrot, green onion, garlic, and ground ginger sautéed in a combination of vegetable oil and nutty sesame oil. Super flavorful miso is whisked into chicken or vegetable broth for a pleasantly salty, creamy soup base. Finally frozen dumplings, a weeknight hero, are added to the broth. The dumpling wrappers get tender so quickly in the broth that before you know it, it's time to stir in some spinach and soy sauce and get out some bowls!

Is dumpling soup healthy?

Filled with simple ingredients like spinach, carrots, and broth, it's full of vegetables and nutrients. Depending on the dumplings you choose, they'll likely provide some protein, too! 

Is dumpling soup spicy?

Not unless you want it to be! Dumpling soup is not spicy on its own, which makes it a very family-friendly recipe. For those who enjoy a little kick, try stirring in a spoonful of chili oil or dash of hot sauce to spice it up.

What's the difference between potstickers and dumplings?

Potstickers are a type of dumpling. However, many foods from around the world can also be considered a dumpling! Take cheese pierogi, or even Ree Drummond's delightful apple dumplings, for example. Basically, you can define just about any filled dough pocket as a dumpling. For this recipe, you can use any sort of Asian-inspired mini dumplings potstickers, or wontons. Most grocery stores will have at least one of these options in the freezer section. Make sure to choose mini or small dumplings over larger ones so you get some in every bite! 

What's the best way to store leftover dumpling soup?

If you have any dumpling soup leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay good for about 3 days!

Can you freeze dumpling soup?

Yes, but if you plan to freeze the soup, don't add the dumplings. The soup can be made completely, without the dumplings, and frozen for up to 3 months. Let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight if possible, then reheat it on the stove, adding the dumplings once the soup is hot, about 5 minutes before serving. If you were to freeze the soup with the dumplings, it could impact the texture of the dumplings.

Is there miso paste in dumpling soup?

Yes, this recipe calls for white miso, which is less fermented than yellow or red miso. Miso is made from soybeans and rice, and while not all dumpling soup recipes call for it, it gives this version body while adding an indescribably salty-sweet flavor. 

What goes well in dumpling soup?

There's plenty of room for variation in this soup. Add sliced mushrooms with the carrots for a hearty addition or stir in silky cubed tofu with the spinach. The soup can even be bulked up with some extra broth and long, al dente noodles. A nice drizzle of chili oil and a jammy, medium-boiled egg would also be scrumptious.

Is dumpling soup the same as soup dumplings?

While broth and dumplings are still involved, dumpling soup is not the same as soup dumplings. Soup dumplings are a dim sum favorite composed of delicate dough wrapped around pork or chicken dumpling filling (like a little meatball) that is swimming in savory broth. Gelatinous, solidified-when-chilled broth is the key to these miraculous mouthfuls.