There’s something utterly comforting about a steaming bowl of Red Curry Pot Sticker Soup on a drizzly evening. I still remember the nutty, toasted scent that filled my kitchen the first time I tried this fusion mash-up. After four rounds of tweaking, I realized that a quick 1-minute sauté of the curry paste brings out the deepest aroma, and folding in tender spinach at the last second locks in its silky, vibrant green color. Every spoonful pulses with fragrant steam and cozy spice.
Why You’ll Love Red Curry Pot Sticker Soup
- A one-pot dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes
- Layered flavors—from creamy coconut to tangy lime—dance on your palate
- Built-in protein with potstickers and shredded chicken for extra heartiness
- This fusion nods to Thai street‐food broths, blending familiar dumplings with red curry tradition
A Little Background
I first dreamed up this Red Curry Pot Sticker Soup on a rainy spring afternoon when I was craving something both spicy and soothing. My initial batch was too sweet, so I dialed back the sugar in round two. By the third trial, I’d nailed the balance of heat and creaminess—just in time for a late-night study session.
Key Ingredients for Red Curry Pot Sticker Soup
- Vegetable oil: neutral base to toast the curry paste (can sub grapeseed)
- Thai red curry paste: the flavor powerhouse—look for Mae Ploy or Thai Kitchen
- Coconut milk: full-fat unsweetened for a glossy, silky broth
- Low-sodium chicken broth: controls the salt level—vegetable broth works too
- Frozen potstickers: quick dumpling protein—pork, chicken or veggie style
- Mushrooms: earthy cremini or shiitake, thinly sliced for even cooking
How to Make Red Curry Pot Sticker Soup
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons red curry paste; stir for 1 minute, until fragrant steam rises.
- Pour in a 13.5-ounce can of coconut milk and 4 cups chicken broth, then whisk in 1 tablespoon fish sauce and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (optional) and return to a soft bubble, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add 8 ounces frozen potstickers and 1 cup sliced mushrooms. Simmer 5–7 minutes, until potstickers float and mushrooms are tender.
- Fold in 2 cups baby spinach; let wilt about 1 minute. Off heat, squeeze in juice of 1 lime and stir in ¼ cup chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- After trial #2, I found lightly toasting curry paste first prevents a raw, powdery bite.
- If potstickers stick together, gently separate them under cold water before adding to the soup.
- Swap spinach for baby bok choy in cooler months for a crisp, seasonal twist.
- To halve, use 1 tablespoon curry paste and 2 cups broth; for double, stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Let soup cool no more than 2 hours at room temperature, then refrigerate up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze broth (without potstickers) up to 3 months—thaw overnight in fridge. Reheat on stovetop until bubbling, 165°F internal temp. Store potstickers separately to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with extra cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve alongside jasmine rice or crusty bread for soaking up the glossy, spicy broth. A drizzle of chili oil adds extra kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute coconut milk in Red Curry Pot Sticker Soup? Yes—you can use light coconut milk or a mix of half-and-half and water, though flavor will be milder.
- How do you prevent potstickers from sticking in soup? Briefly rinse frozen dumplings under cold water to separate, then tuck gently into the simmering broth.
- Can I make Red Curry Pot Sticker Soup vegetarian? Absolutely—replace chicken broth with veggie broth and use tofu or vegetable potstickers.
- How should I store leftover Red Curry Pot Sticker Soup? Cool within 2 hours, refrigerate up to 4 days, or freeze broth separately up to 3 months.
- What type of potstickers work best in soup? Pork or chicken gyoza thaw and cook evenly; vegetable dumplings add a lighter finish.
- Can I adjust the spice level? Reduce to 1 tablespoon curry paste for mild heat, or stir in extra lime juice and sugar to balance intense chili notes.
Final Thoughts
Whether I’m craving something spicy after a long day or seeking a cozy weekend treat, this Red Curry Pot Sticker Soup always hits the spot with its glossy, fragrant broth and tender dumplings. It’s my go-to for sharing around the table—let me know how your version turns out!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup – a quick, comforting broth for when you need cozy flavors in minutes
- Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup – a hearty medley of veggies and beans that pairs beautifully with spicy broths
- Pressure Cooker Vegetable Soup – vibrant, fast-cooked veggies for a bright contrast to curry richness
Red Curry Pot Sticker Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp Thai red curry paste and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 (13.5-oz) can full-fat coconut milk, 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 Tbsp fish sauce and 1 Tbsp brown sugar. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and 6 oz frozen potstickers; cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until potstickers float and mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in 2 cups shredded cooked chicken and 2 cups baby spinach; cover and cook an additional 2 minutes, until chicken is warmed and spinach is wilted.
- Remove from heat, stir in juice of 1 lime and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.