Ingredients

Beef potstickers (frozen)

4 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

3 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced, whites separated from tops

1 cup sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms

2 cups spinach or baby bok choy

1/2 cup thinly sliced or julienned carrots

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Chili oil (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Finely mince the fresh ginger and garlic. Thinly slice the green onions, separating the white and light green parts from the darker green tops. Slice the mushrooms and carrots.

Step 2: Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pot bottom. Add the sliced carrots and mushrooms, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the carrots are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Carefully add the frozen beef potstickers into the simmering broth in batches if needed. Let them simmer gently for 7-10 minutes, or according to package instructions, until fully cooked.

Step 5: Stir in the spinach or baby bok choy and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season the soup with soy sauce and rice vinegar, adjusting to taste.

Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and stir in a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved green onion tops and fresh cilantro. Add chili oil if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh potstickers if available for a tender texture, but frozen works great for convenience.

Swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter soup base.

Add sliced water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for extra crunch.

For more heat, stir in chili flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade potstickers for this soup?

Absolutely! Homemade potstickers work wonderfully and provide a fresh texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

What can I substitute if I don’t have toasted sesame oil?

If toasted sesame oil is unavailable, you can use a small amount of regular sesame oil or omit it altogether. The toasted variety adds a subtle nutty flavor but is not essential.