Dumpling Soup Recipe
If there’s any dish that wraps you in comfort and puts a big smile on your face, it’s Dumpling Soup. This is my go-to recipe when I crave something that’s both quick to make and bursting with flavor. Imagine tender dumplings bobbing in a gorgeously fragrant broth, surrounded by crisp greens and earthy mushrooms, all coming together in less than half an hour! Whether you’re hoping to warm up on a chilly day or want a simple meal that feels restaurant-worthy, this Dumpling Soup delivers every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this soup is how minimal the ingredient list is, yet each element is so vital to building a balanced, irresistible bowl. These ingredients all play a starring role, so don’t skip them if you want full flavor, satisfying texture, and that signature color and aroma only homemade Dumpling Soup can offer.
- Broth (6 cups, low-sodium chicken or vegetable): The foundation—choose a high-quality broth for depth and richness in every spoonful.
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a punch of savory umami and rounds out the flavors.
- Fresh Ginger, minced (1 tablespoon): Bright and zingy, ginger brings gentle warmth to the broth.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For that aromatic backdrop that makes the kitchen smell amazing.
- Sesame Oil (1/2 teaspoon): Just a splash for a nutty fragrance—and trust me, a little goes a long way.
- Baby Bok Choy, chopped (2 cups): These greens add color, crunch, and a fresh note that is so lovely in soup.
- Mushrooms, sliced (1 cup): Earthy mushrooms soak up the broth, adding texture and savoriness.
- Frozen or Fresh Dumplings (12-16): Use pork, chicken, or veggie—these are the heart of the soup, so pick your favorites.
- Green Onions, thinly sliced (2): For a pop of brightness and a little bite right before serving.
- Fresh Cilantro & Chili Oil, for garnish (optional): These finishing touches lift the soup and let you customize the heat and fresh herb flavor.
How to Make Dumpling Soup
Step 1: Build the Fragrant Broth
Start by gathering your largest soup pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and just a touch of sesame oil. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, inhaling the incredible aroma as the broth takes on each layer of flavor. This step lays the foundation, so make sure your broth is simmering but not boiling over, to keep everything clear and golden.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Once the broth is gently bubbling, stir in the chopped baby bok choy and sliced mushrooms. Let them simmer for 3-4 minutes until the bok choy is vibrantly green and the mushrooms start to soften. The goal here is to keep the vegetables tender with just a bit of bite, which makes every spoonful of Dumpling Soup extra satisfying.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
This is where the magic happens! Carefully drop your frozen or fresh dumplings right into the simmering broth. Cook according to the packaging or just until they float and are cooked through—about 4-6 minutes for fresh, or 6-8 minutes for frozen dumplings. Try not to stir too much; this helps keep the dumplings intact and plump.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Now’s your chance to make the soup totally your own. Taste the broth and add a splash more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed. For extra depth, a touch of rice vinegar or a few drops of fish sauce go a long way. This step is all about balancing the flavors to suit your palate.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the steaming Dumpling Soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with sliced green onions. For a final flourish, top with fresh cilantro leaves and a drizzle of chili oil (if you like a little heat). Whether you go simple or fancy, this final step turns the soup from humble to show-stopping.
How to Serve Dumpling Soup

Garnishes
Garnishes can really elevate your bowl—think of them as jewelry for your Dumpling Soup! A shower of green onions adds crunch and freshness, while a handful of cilantro brings herby goodness. Love a little kick? Drizzle with chili oil or scatter a few chili flakes for gentle spice. If you want to get playful, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a swirl of sesame oil can add another layer of aroma.
Side Dishes
This soup is plenty hearty on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a bigger meal, try pairing it with lightly sautéed Asian greens, a crisp cucumber salad, or some steamed rice. A plate of pickled veggies on the side also works wonders, cutting through the richness and keeping the meal refreshing. And if you’re feeling ambitious, serve with simple scallion pancakes or crunchy spring rolls for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation matters, even for comfort food! Serve Dumpling Soup in wide, shallow bowls to show off the dumplings and veggies, or use mini soup pots for individual servings at a dinner party. You can even let everyone build their own bowl, buffet-style, with bowls of garnishes set out—perfect for gatherings or family dinners where everyone gets a say in how they enjoy their soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra Dumpling Soup, you’re in luck. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. The broth will keep most vegetables and dumplings tasting fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Dumplings tend to soak up broth, so you might have a thicker, almost stew-like consistency when you reheat—but it’s still delicious!
Freezing
Dumpling Soup actually freezes better than you might think. Store the broth and veggies in one container, and the cooked dumplings in another (to keep them from getting too soggy). Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw both in the fridge overnight before reheating together. This trick preserves the best texture possible and makes delicious soup just a quick reheat away.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the broth and vegetables over medium heat until hot, then gently add the dumplings and simmer just until heated through. Avoid boiling the soup too hard, which can cause dumplings to fall apart. Pro tip: add an extra splash of water or broth if it’s looking too thick after storing—this brings everything back to its slurpy, soul-warming best.
FAQs
Can I use different types of dumplings in Dumpling Soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible—use whatever dumplings you love best, whether pork, chicken, shrimp, or veggie. Homemade, frozen, or even leftover restaurant dumplings all work beautifully, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Is this soup spicy?
As written, the base soup is mild and kid-friendly. You control the spice level with your garnish: add chili oil or fresh chiles if you want to heat things up, or skip them for a more subtle bowl.
Can I make Dumpling Soup vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Use a high-quality vegetable broth, and pick your favorite plant-based dumplings. Double-check your dumpling filling for eggs or dairy if you’re cooking for vegans, and you’ll have a hearty, delicious soup ready in no time.
What are the best veggies to substitute if I don’t have bok choy?
If bok choy isn’t handy, try chopped spinach, napa cabbage, or even kale as a substitute. Each brings its own character, so use what you have on hand and enjoy the natural variations in flavor and texture.
How do I prevent dumplings from falling apart in the soup?
Handle gently and resist stirring too vigorously once the dumplings are in the pot. Make sure your broth is at a gentle simmer, not a full boil, when you add them—this helps keep them whole and beautifully plump every time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Dumpling Soup a try the next time you’re craving something deeply comforting yet quick enough for a busy weeknight. It’s customizable, celebratory, and always a hit—so gather your ingredients, build that flavorful broth, and let yourself be delighted by every spoonful. Happy cooking!
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Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Dumpling Soup recipe that combines savory dumplings with a fragrant broth and fresh vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Broth:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Soup:
- 2 cups baby bok choy, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 12–16 frozen or fresh dumplings (pork, chicken, or vegetable)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro and chili oil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, prepare the broth: Bring the broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Add vegetables: Add bok choy and mushrooms, simmer for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Cook dumplings: Add dumplings to the broth, cook until they float and are fully cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with green onions, cilantro, and chili oil. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding rice vinegar or fish sauce.
- You can substitute bok choy with spinach or napa cabbage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg