Hearty Dumpling Soup Recipe

Heartwarming Dumpling Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Steaming bowls of comfort rise from the kitchen, with this irresistible dumpling delight soup promising warmth and satisfaction.

The aroma of fragrant herbs and tender dumplings fills the air, beckoning hungry souls.

Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup delivers a culinary experience that soothes and delights.

Each spoonful brings a perfect balance of delicate wrappers and savory fillings that dance across your palate.

Tender dumplings nestle in a flavorful broth, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Home cooks and soup enthusiasts will fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Dive into this soul-warming soup and let its comforting embrace chase away the chill.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 7

Dumpling Soup Ingredient Rundown

For Aromatic Base:
  • Sesame Oil: Infuses a nutty, toasted flavor that elevates the entire soup's depth and complexity.
  • Ginger: Adds a warm, zesty punch and provides amazing digestive benefits with its sharp, slightly spicy profile.
  • Green Onions: Delivers a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright green color to the soup's foundation.
For Liquid Foundation:
  • Chicken Bone Broth: Creates a rich, collagen-packed base with deep, hearty protein-filled flavor that supports the soup's overall character.
For Filling and Texture:
  • Dumplings: Serve as the hearty centerpiece, offering delightful pockets of savory filling that transform the soup into a complete meal.
  • Baby Spinach: Introduces a tender, nutritious green element with a subtle earthy taste that wilts perfectly in hot broth.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: Provides an intense, nutty aroma that enhances the final flavor profile.
  • Chili Oil: Adds a spicy kick and vibrant red color for those who enjoy extra heat.
  • Soy Sauce: Offers a salty, umami depth that allows personalized seasoning.

Equipment to Create Fluffy Dumplings in Soup

  • Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for building soup base and cooking dumplings, with plenty of space for ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching pot surface and ensuring even cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping ginger, green onions, and preparing garnishes.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise mincing of ginger and slicing green onions.
  • Measuring Tablespoon: Helps accurately measure sesame oil and other liquids.
  • Ladle: Great for serving hot soup and transferring dumplings from pot to bowl.

Cooking Dumpling Soup Smooth and Comforting

  • Aromatic Foundation

Create a flavor base by warming sesame oil in a large soup pot. Gently cook fresh ginger and white onion sections until their enticing fragrance fills the kitchen.

  • Liquid Harmony

Pour chicken bone broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil. Cover to intensify the heating process.

  • Dumpling Magic

Carefully drop frozen dumplings into the bubbling broth. Allow them to dance and cook until they float to the surface, indicating perfect doneness.

  • Green Vitality

Toss fresh baby spinach into the soup, watching it transform from crisp to silky. Ensure the leaves remain bright and tender.

  • Final Flourish

Remove the pot from heat. Enhance the soup with drizzles of toasted sesame oil and chili oil. Scatter sliced green onion tops for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with soy sauce on the side for personalized seasoning.

Tips to Keep Dumplings Tender in Broth

  • Flavor Boost Techniques: Swap store-bought dumplings with homemade ones for an extra personal touch that elevates the entire soup experience.
  • Protein Power Switch: Replace chicken bone broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version, or use beef broth for a richer, deeper flavor profile that adds complexity to the dish.
  • Texture Talk: Experiment with different types of dumplings like pork, shrimp, or vegetable-filled varieties to keep the soup exciting and introduce new taste dimensions with each preparation.
  • Seasonal Spin: Enhance the soup during winter months by adding roasted garlic or a pinch of warming spices like turmeric or ginger to boost immune-supporting properties and create a comforting meal.
  • Leftover Love: Store any remaining soup in an airtight container for up to 2 days, remembering to keep dumplings separate from broth to prevent soggy textures and maintain their delightful bite.

Serving Dumpling Soup for Cozy Nights

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this steaming soup into deep, wide ceramic bowls that showcase the colorful dumplings and wilted spinach, perfect for warming up on chilly evenings.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add extra protein by topping the soup with soft-boiled eggs, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu cubes for a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied.
  • Texture Adventure: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds, crispy fried shallots, or crushed peanuts on top to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft dumplings and silky broth.
  • Spice Lovers' Paradise: Set out small dishes of sriracha, chili crisp, or homemade chili oil so everyone can customize their heat level and create their perfect flavor profile.

How to Save and Reheat Without Losing Flavor

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover soup to airtight glass containers, keeping dumplings and broth separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy wrappers.
  • Refrigerator Refresh: Store soup components in sealed containers for up to 3 days. Broth stays fresh longest, while cooked dumplings maintain best quality when consumed within 1-2 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Broth can be frozen flat in zip-top bags for convenient future meal preparation, lasting up to 2 months.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm soup in a pot over medium heat, adding fresh spinach just before serving. For frozen dumplings, cook directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
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Hearty Dumpling Soup Recipe

Hearty Dumpling Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty Korean Dumpling Soup (Mandu-guk) delivers comforting warmth from Seoul’s culinary traditions. Home cooks can explore rich flavors through carefully balanced ingredients and simple preparation techniques.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 oz (680 g) dumplings
  • 8 cups chicken bone broth
  • 6 cups baby spinach
  • 4 tsp minced ginger
  • 4 green onions (white and green parts separate)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • soy sauce
  • toasted sesame oil
  • chili oil

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Base Preparation: Heat sesame oil in a large pot, sauté minced ginger and white parts of green onions until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  2. Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken bone broth into the pot, bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer.
  3. Dumpling Integration: Gently slide dumplings into the simmering broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Allow dumplings to float and become tender.
  4. Green Enhancement: Add baby spinach leaves, submerging them briefly to wilt while preserving their vibrant color and delicate structure.
  5. Final Touches: Remove pot from heat, drizzle with toasted sesame oil and chili oil to elevate flavor complexity. Garnish with sliced green onion greens.
  6. Serving Recommendation: Transfer soup to serving bowls, accompany with a side of soy sauce for personalized seasoning. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Ginger Awakening: Fresh ginger amplifies the soup’s aromatic foundation, releasing deep, warming flavors that elevate the entire dish’s complexity.
  • Dumpling Dance: Ensure dumplings are not overcrowded, allowing them space to cook evenly and prevent sticking to pot’s bottom during simmering.
  • Spinach Timing: Add baby spinach in the final moments of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color, nutrients, and delicate texture without becoming soggy.
  • Oil Finale: Toasted sesame and chili oils are not just garnishes but critical flavor boosters that transform the soup’s overall taste profile, adding depth and personal flair.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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