Potsticker Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons grated or minced fresh ginger

4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

6 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons soy sauce

16 to 20 ounces frozen potstickers

5 scallions, thinly sliced and divided

3 baby bok choy, ends trimmed off and leaves separated

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

freshly-ground black pepper

optional toppings: chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds, furikake seasoning, fried garlic

Instructions:

Sauté.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.

Add the mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until browned.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic and ginger.

Sauté for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.

Simmer.

Add the vegetable broth and soy sauce and stir to combine.

Continue heating until the broth reaches a boil.

Add the frozen potstickers, half of the scallions, bok choy and stir to combine.

Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the potstickers are cooked.

Stir in the sesame oil and a few twists of freshly-ground black pepper.

Taste and season with additional soy sauce or black pepper if needed.

Serve.

Serve immediately, generously garnished with the remaining scallions and any extra toppings that sound good.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potstickers instead of frozen ones?

Answer: Yes, you can use fresh potstickers if you prefer.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh potstickers may cook faster than frozen ones.

Can I use other types of mushrooms instead of shiitake?

Answer: Absolutely!

While shiitake mushrooms add a unique flavor, you can substitute them with other mushrooms like button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms if desired.

How can I adjust the spice level of the soup?

Answer: If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add chili crisp or additional chili flakes to the broth.

Adjust the amount according to your taste preference for heat.

Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it later?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove, adding more broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Answer: Certainly! Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, spinach, or cabbage.

Add them during the simmering stage and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked to your liking.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer.

It will add a slightly different flavor profile to the soup.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan potstickers available for this recipe?

Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan potstickers available in many grocery stores.

Be sure to check the packaging for ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary preferences.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of grated or minced ginger?

Absolutely! Fresh ginger adds a vibrant flavor to the soup.

You can finely chop or grate fresh ginger instead of using minced ginger.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the potstickers you use are also gluten-free.

Check the labels of all ingredients to avoid any hidden sources of gluten.

Can I add tofu or other protein sources to this soup?

Yes, tofu, cooked chicken, or shrimp can be added to this soup for additional protein.

Simply add them along with the potstickers during the cooking process.

What can I use as a substitute for baby bok choy?

If baby bok choy is not available, you can substitute with other leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard.

How can I store leftover soup?

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze this soup?

While it’s possible to freeze this soup, the texture of the potstickers and vegetables may change upon thawing.

If freezing, store the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I omit the optional toppings?

Yes, the optional toppings such as chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds, furikake seasoning, and fried garlic are entirely optional.

Feel free to omit them or customize with your favorite toppings.

Can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and black pepper according to your taste preferences.

Taste the soup as you go and add more seasoning as needed.