Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite as soul-warming as a piping hot bowl of Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup. Brimming with tender dumplings, earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a thrilling chili kick, this quick and flavorful soup is my absolute go-to for cozy nights or when I need dinner in a pinch. Effortlessly made in the Instant Pot, it delivers everything you crave: comfort, a touch of heat, and a symphony of textures in every spoonful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is how every ingredient matters—each one brings that perfect bite of flavor, fragrance, or satisfying texture. The ingredient list is manageable and nothing is complicated, but together, they make kitchen magic. Here’s what goes in, with a few tips along the way!

• Chili Oil: Divided for layers of heat and silkiness; adjust amount to taste, and use storebought or homemade.
• Sliced Shiitake Mushrooms: Deeply savory and “meaty”—feel free to swap in baby bella or white mushrooms (or even skip if mushrooms aren’t your thing).
• Ginger: Fresh or squeeze ginger both work well, adding zip and an aromatic note—don’t skip it!
• Rice Vinegar: This brightens the broth and helps balance the heat with subtle acidity.
• Vegetable Broth: The backbone of the soup; use a good-quality, rich broth for the best depth.
• Soy Sauce (or Tamari/Coconut Aminos): Adds salty, umami goodness; low-sodium is great for control.
• White Pepper (optional): For a slightly floral heat that’s milder than black pepper—optional, but recommended!
• Bamboo Shoots (optional): Add crunch and classic “take-out” flavor; skip if you prefer a simpler texture.
• Frozen Dumplings or Wontons: Any filling works! Use potstickers or mini dumplings straight from the freezer.
• Baby Spinach: Wilts down to add color, lightness, and a touch of green freshness at the end.
• Cornstarch & Water: Mixed as a “slurry,” this thickens the broth just enough to make it silky.
• Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha: For extra punch—add at the end to taste, depending on your spice preference.
• Sesame Oil: A little splash rounds out the nutty aroma and flavor—so fragrant!
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds a mellow, slightly sweet complexity to balance all the spice and tang.
• Scallions: Divide for using in the soup and for that fresh, crisp garnish.
• Sesame Seeds: I like to use a mix of black and white—totally optional but they add a lovely crunch and visual interest.

Variations

The real beauty of Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup? You can make it your own, based on what you’re craving or what you’ve got in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to swap, add, or leave out ingredients to suit your mood and your family’s preferences!

• Change Up the Dumplings: Use chicken, shrimp, vegetable, pork, or even homemade dumplings—it all works!
• Make It Fully Vegan: Choose vegan dumplings and double-check that your broth and hoisin sauce are plant-based.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in napa cabbage, baby bok choy, shredded carrots, or sliced bell peppers for an even heartier bowl.
• Lower the Heat: Use less chili oil or skip the chili garlic sauce for a gentle, family-friendly version.
• Broth Swap: Chicken or mushroom broth swap in beautifully for vegetable broth, if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Make Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms and Ginger

Pour 1/4 cup of chili oil right into your Instant Pot and turn on Sauté (set it to High/More if you can). Once the oil is shimmering and hot (about 3 minutes), add your mushrooms and ginger. Sauté for 3 more minutes so the mushrooms become tender and slightly golden, and the ginger smells amazing—the base of your broth is building here!

Step 2: Deglaze and Layer in the Flavor

Add the rice vinegar, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Toss in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, white pepper, and bamboo shoots (if using). Now scatter the frozen dumplings or wontons straight from the freezer right on top. Layer the baby spinach over everything—no need to stir! Seal up your Instant Pot.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Cancel sauté mode if it’s still on, then set the pressure to High for just 1 minute. It really is that fast! Once it’s done, use a quick release to vent the pressure and open the lid. Your dumplings will be cooked-through, and the spinach will be perfectly wilted but still vibrant.

Step 4: Thicken and Finish the Soup

Make a quick cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water). Re-select Sauté and wait for the soup to bubble. Pour in your slurry and stir for about 30 seconds until the broth thickens to a gorgeous, glossy consistency. Hit Cancel to stop cooking. Now swirl in the rest of the chili oil, chili garlic sauce (or sriracha), sesame oil, hoisin sauce, most of the scallions, and sesame seeds. Stir to combine—it’s smelling incredible!

Step 5: Serve and Top

Ladle the spicy dumpling soup into generous bowls, and don’t forget to top each with more scallions and a pinch of sesame seeds for that final fresh bite. Get ready for deep comfort and big flavors in every spoonful of the Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup!

How to Serve Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup

Garnishes

The finishing touches matter! Shower each bowl with fresh scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds (black, white, or both). For extra heat and brightness, add a drizzle of chili oil and a spoonful of chili crisp, or even a squeeze of lime—these little pops will make your Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup irresistible and picture-perfect.

Side Dishes

This spicy dumpling soup is wonderfully filling on its own, but you can easily turn a bowl into a feast. Pair it with steaming jasmine rice, a crisp Asian slaw, or a plate of pan-fried scallion pancakes for a craveworthy dinner spread. Lightly stir-fried greens or simply sautéed snap peas always make a fresh, crunchy side that soaks up the flavorful broth, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup in wide, deep bowls with colorful chopsticks or stylish Chinese soup spoons on the side. Garnish each bowl differently—maybe chili crisp and cilantro for some, or extra mushrooms and sesame oil for others—so each person gets a custom finish. Hosting guests? Create a “garnish bar” and let everyone top their own bowl just the way they like it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container and just be aware that the dumplings may soften further as they sit in the broth—they absorb all that goodness for an extra comforting second-day treat.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the soup and dumplings separately. The broth, mushrooms, and veggies freeze well, but dumplings can fall apart when thawed after cooking. Instead, reheat the soup and add fresh frozen dumplings right before eating for perfect texture.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until just simmering—avoid boiling, which can make dumplings break apart. If the broth has thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, and finish each bowl with a touch more chili oil or a sprinkle of scallions to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a quick, comforting dish that delivers bold flavor and fun in every bite, you’re going to fall in love with Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to friends—give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature soup!

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