If you love the savory filling inside traditional potstickers but don’t want the extra work of wrapping dumplings, this Potsticker Soup is the perfect solution. Packed with juicy ground pork, tender Napa cabbage, earthy shiitake mushrooms, fresh ginger, garlic, and a deeply flavorful broth, this comforting soup delivers all the delicious flavors of classic Chinese potstickers in one easy bowl.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a nourishing meal prep recipe, or a warming lunch on a chilly day, this easy Potsticker Soup comes together in just 45 minutes. Naturally low in carbs and loaded with wholesome ingredients, it’s Paleo, Whole30, Keto, Gluten-Free, and can easily be adapted for the AIP diet without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the classic flavors of potstickers without making dumplings.
- Rich, savory broth that’s deeply comforting and satisfying.
- Naturally Paleo, Keto, Whole30, and Gluten-Free.
- High in protein and perfect for meal prep.
- Easy one-pot recipe that’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- Meat stock, broth, or bone broth – Creates a rich, nourishing base with incredible depth of flavor.
- Napa cabbage – Adds sweetness, tenderness, and traditional potsticker flavor.
- Ground pork – The hearty protein that makes the soup filling and satisfying.
- Shiitake mushrooms – Provide an earthy, umami-rich flavor.
- Scallions – Add freshness and a mild onion flavor. (For Keto, use only the green tops.)
- Coconut aminos – Delivers savory umami while keeping the recipe soy-free.
- Fresh ginger – Brings warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with pork.
- Garlic – Adds bold savory depth. (Optional for Keto if preferred.)
- Sea salt – Enhances all the ingredients.
- Ground white pepper – Adds gentle heat and authentic Chinese flavor. (For AIP, substitute ground ginger.)
- Additional cooking fat – Used if needed after browning the pork. Toasted sesame oil is an excellent option for non-AIP versions.
How to Make Potsticker Soup
Brown the Pork
Heat a large soup pot or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Add the ground pork along with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and the white pepper.
Cook, breaking the pork into small crumbles until no pink remains.
Transfer the cooked pork to a bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Tip: The browned bits left behind add incredible flavor to the broth.
Sauté the Vegetables
If necessary, add enough cooking fat to leave about 2–3 tablespoons in the pot.
Add the sliced Napa cabbage and ½ teaspoon of sea salt.
Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes until softened.
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and the remaining salt.
Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms become tender.
Build the Broth
Return the cooked pork to the pot.
Add the broth, ginger, garlic, and the white portions of the scallions (omit for Keto if preferred).
Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Cover the pot and cook for about 5 minutes so all the flavors blend together.
Finish the Soup
Turn off the heat.
Stir in the coconut aminos and the green scallion tops.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish with extra sliced scallions and enjoy while warm.
Tips for Success
- Use homemade bone broth for the richest flavor.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage—it should stay tender without becoming mushy.
- Fresh ginger provides far better flavor than dried.
- Brown the pork well to develop a deeper, richer broth.
- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the coconut aminos or salt as needed.
- Garnish just before serving to keep the scallions fresh and vibrant.
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot, Dutch oven, or deep sauté pan
- Slotted spoon
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Ladle
Alternative: A large stockpot works just as well if you don’t have a broad sauté pan.
Recipe Variations
Chicken Potsticker Soup
Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the pork to create a lighter version.
Spicy Potsticker Soup
Add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chilies for extra heat.
Extra Vegetable Version
Include bok choy, spinach, carrots, or snow peas for additional color and nutrition.
Tofu Potsticker Soup
Replace the pork with firm tofu or crumbled tempeh for a delicious vegetarian adaptation (not Paleo or Whole30).
Sesame Ginger Potsticker Soup
Finish each serving with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This comforting soup pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Jasmine rice if not following Keto or Whole30.
- Stir-fried green beans or bok choy.
- Asian cucumber salad.
- Roasted broccoli.
- Homemade lettuce wraps.
- Fresh cilantro and extra sliced scallions as garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Potsticker Soup ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors deepen as the soup sits, making it an excellent meal-prep recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Is this recipe Keto-friendly?
Yes. Simply use only the green parts of the scallions and ensure your broth and coconut aminos fit your dietary preferences.
Can I make it Whole30 and Paleo?
Yes. Use compliant bone broth, coconut aminos, and approved cooking fat. The recipe is naturally suitable for both diets.
What makes this taste like potstickers?
The combination of pork, Napa cabbage, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, scallions, and savory broth recreates the classic filling found inside traditional Chinese potstickers.
Final Thoughts
This Potsticker Soup is everything you love about traditional dumplings transformed into a nourishing, one-pot meal. Every spoonful is filled with tender pork, hearty vegetables, fragrant ginger, and a rich broth that delivers comforting Asian-inspired flavors without the extra work of folding dumplings.
Whether you’re following a Paleo, Whole30, Keto, AIP, or Gluten-Free lifestyle—or simply looking for a cozy homemade dinner—the easy Potsticker Soup recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Try it once, customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein, and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl that’s perfect any time of year.
Print
Potsticker Soup (Paleo, AIP, Keto, Whole30 & Gluten-Free)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Potsticker Soup is a rich, flavorful Chinese-inspired soup featuring all the classic potsticker fillings in a savory broth. This easy one-pot recipe is Paleo, Keto, Whole30, AIP-friendly, and naturally gluten-free, making it a comforting and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups meat stock, broth, or bone broth
- 1¾ lb Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 lb ground pork
- 7 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch scallions, whites and greens separated and sliced
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional for Keto)
- 2 tsp sea salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper (or ground ginger for AIP)
- 2 tbsp additional cooking fat, if needed
Instructions
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and white pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat until browned and no pink remains.
- Remove the cooked pork with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add additional cooking fat if needed to total 2–3 tablespoons.
- Add the Napa cabbage and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Return the pork to the pot. Add the broth, scallion whites (omit for Keto), ginger, and garlic.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the coconut aminos and sliced scallion greens.
- Garnish with extra scallions if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For Keto, omit the scallion whites and use only the green tops.
- For AIP, replace white pepper with ground ginger and avoid sesame oil.
- For non-AIP diets, toasted sesame oil adds authentic flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This soup reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese