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If you’re craving something cozy yet exciting that balances warmth and a little fiery kick, you’re in the right place with this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe. It’s a bowl packed with tender, flavorful dumplings swimming in a rich, spicy broth, accented by fresh greens and earthy mushrooms. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—using a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Plus, cooking it all in the Instant Pot means you get maximum flavor with minimal fuss and in record time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe plays a special role—from building layers of flavor to delivering the perfect texture and visual appeal. These essentials are simple yet powerful when combined, making your soup shine.
- Chili oil (1/2 cup, divided): Adds the spicy, aromatic backbone that wakes up every other ingredient.
- Mushrooms (5-10 ounces): Bring a meaty texture and earthy depth to the broth while absorbing the soup’s heat.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced or crushed): Elevates the soup with bright, zesty notes that balance the spice.
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Provides an acidic touch to cut through richness and boost freshness.
- Broth (6 cups): Creates the flavorful base that every dumpling wants to swim in—choose chicken or vegetable for personalized taste.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds savory umami and a touch of saltiness.
- White pepper (1 teaspoon, optional): Gives a subtle heat and sharpness that complements the chili oil.
- Bamboo shoots (1 16-ounce can, drained, optional): Adds crunch and visual interest, contrasting the softness of the wontons.
- Frozen or fresh dumplings/wontons (1 to 1 1/2 pounds): The star of the show—tender pockets filled with chewy, savory goodness.
- Spinach (8-10 ounces): Adds vibrant color and a nutritious green boost.
- Cornstarch slurry (3 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons cold water): Helps thicken the broth slightly, giving it a silky texture.
- Sugar (1/3 cup): Balances heat and acidity for a harmonious broth.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Lends a toasty, nutty aroma that makes the soup irresistible.
- Garlic (2 tablespoons, minced): Deepens the flavor with pungent, savory notes.
- Green onions (1 bunch, sliced and divided): Used partially in cooking and for garnish to add freshness and mild oniony crunch.
- Black vinegar (2 tablespoons, half black, half regular): Boosts tangy, complex flavor layers, optional but highly recommended.
How to Make Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms and Ginger
Start off by heating 1/4 cup of chili oil in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Toss in the mushrooms and minced ginger, letting them cook for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms soften and the ginger’s fragrance fills your kitchen. This builds a rich, spicy foundation and perfectly primes the pot for the broth.
Step 2: Deglaze and Add Broth
Next, pour in the rice vinegar to deglaze the pot—scraping up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This simple trick adds an intense depth to the soup. After that, add the broth, soy sauce, white pepper if using, bamboo shoots, and the dumplings. Layer the fresh spinach on top at the end before sealing the lid.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Soup
Seal your Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 1 minute. It sounds quick but trust me, it’s enough time to cook the dumplings through gently while infusing the broth with all those wonderful flavors. Once done, perform a quick release for the best texture.
Step 4: Thicken and Finish the Broth
Open the lid carefully, then stir in your cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth slightly, giving it a luscious, silky consistency. Sweeten the mix with sugar, and drizzle in sesame oil and minced garlic for a finishing touch that harmonizes the spicy and savory notes perfectly. Stir well and adjust seasonings as needed.
How to Serve Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your soup with fresh garnishes makes all the difference. Sprinkle the remaining sliced green onions over each bowl for a crisp bite and a pop of color. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of black vinegar or an extra drizzle of chili oil can elevate the heat and complexity further. Some toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro leaves create a beautiful, inviting presentation.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp Asian cucumber salad or lightly pickled vegetables, which provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy broth. Steamed white rice or garlic naan also work beautifully to soak up the flavorful juices, turning the soup into a fuller meal without overpowering its delicate balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in deep, rustic bowls to showcase its inviting colors and textures. For a special touch, present a small plate of dipping sauces alongside—think soy sauce, chili garlic, or even a tangy hoisin. You could also float a few fresh herbs like Thai basil or mint on top just before serving, adding unexpected freshness and aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the dumplings will soak up broth over time, so consider adding a splash of fresh broth or water when reheating to keep things nice and soupy.
Freezing
Freezing dumpling soup can be a bit tricky because dumplings sometimes change texture. However, you can freeze the broth separately for up to 2 months, then add freshly cooked dumplings when you’re ready to enjoy it again. This approach preserves the flavor while maintaining perfect dumpling texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of broth if the soup thickens too much. Avoid boiling to keep the dumplings tender. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen dumplings for the Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen dumplings work perfectly and are even better for quick prep. Just add them directly to the pot as instructed—the quick pressure cooking will cook them through without any issues.
How spicy is this soup, and can I adjust the heat?
The spice level mostly comes from the chili oil, so you can easily make it milder by reducing the oil or removing chili seeds if using homemade chili oil. For more heat, add extra chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the end.
What type of dumplings are best in this recipe?
Traditional pork or chicken dumplings work beautifully, but you can switch to vegetarian or seafood dumplings as well. The key is they should be well sealed so they don’t fall apart in the broth.
Can I make the broth ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing the broth in advance saves time on the day you want to serve. Keep it refrigerated and add fresh dumplings and spinach just before cooking in the Instant Pot for optimal freshness.
Is this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and check your dumpling wrappers or consider making gluten-free dumplings at home. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty, warming soup safely.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe enough for those moments when you want something quick, comforting, and full of bold flavor. It’s a dish that feels special but is so approachable, perfect for a weekday dinner or a weekend treat. Whip it up, invite your favorite people, and watch them dive into this spicy, soothing bowl with pure delight. Give it a try—you’ll want it on your repeat list for sure!
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Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and spicy dumpling soup cooked in the Instant Pot, combining tender wontons, earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a perfect balance of spices for a comforting and quick meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/4 cup chili oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced or crushed ginger
- 6 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (half black soy sauce, half regular soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 5–10 ounces mushrooms
- 1/4 cup bamboo shoots
- 1 bunch spinach, sliced and divided
- 1 (16-ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained (optional)
Dumplings
- 1 – 1 1/2 pounds wontons
- 8–10 ounces dumpling filling (if making from scratch or additional)
Thickener
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water
Additional Seasonings
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or herbs
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: Add 1/4 cup of the chili oil to the Instant Pot and heat it. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced ginger, then sauté for 3 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant.
- Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in the rice vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then add the broth, soy sauce, white pepper, and bamboo shoots (drained if canned).
- Add dumplings and spinach: Place the wontons into the broth, making sure they are submerged. Top the mixture with the sliced spinach.
- Pressure cook the soup: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 1 minute to cook the dumplings thoroughly.
- Quick release pressure: As soon as the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release to release the pressure and open the pot.
- Thicken the soup: Stir together the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Slowly add this to the hot soup while stirring to thicken the broth slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Add sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and chives on top for freshness and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili oil.
- Fresh wontons may be found in the freezer section of most supermarkets for convenience.
- To make the broth more flavorful, add a splash of sesame oil before serving.
- Use low sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake.
- Make sure to do a quick pressure release to avoid overcooking the dumplings.
