Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe

If you’re ready to turn chilly nights into a spicy, cozy event, Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is your weeknight magic trick! This vibrant soup is loaded with pillowy dumplings, nourishing spinach, bold mushrooms, and a broth that sizzles with chili oil and ginger—all in under 30 minutes thanks to the Instant Pot. It’s the ultimate comfort food for spice lovers and dumpling enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup keeps things blissfully easy while layering building blocks of flavor. Every ingredient has a special job, whether that’s delivering heat, texture, or a little pop of green that makes dinner feel extra nourishing.

• Chili Oil: The soul of this soup—use as much or as little for your preferred spice level. Adds color, heat, and that craveable fade-in warmth!
• Sliced Mushrooms: Shiitake or baby bella bring a meaty bite, soaking up the broth’s spicy flavors.
• Ginger (minced or crushed): Bright, peppery, and aromatic—ginger is your secret to a broth that pops.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings just the right little zing to balance the heat and soy’s saltiness.
• Vegetable Broth: Choose a flavorful base—homemade or store-bought, just make sure you love the taste!
• Soy Sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos): For deep, umami complexity and a salty backbone.
• White Pepper (optional): Adds gentle heat and classic Chinese restaurant aroma.
• Canned Bamboo Shoots (optional): For crunch and subtle sweetness—but totally skip if they’re not your thing.
• Frozen Dumplings or Wontons (“Potstickers”): Choose your favorites—mushroom, chicken, pork, shrimp, or veggie! Minis work well.
• Baby Spinach: For color, nutrients, and a silky finish that wilts just right in the soup.
• Cornstarch + Cold Water: Whisked into a slurry, this brings the soup to that luscious, just-thick-enough consistency.
• Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha: Infuses brightness and a second dimension of heat.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty, toasty, and aromatic—it’s that finishing touch you’ll crave.
• Hoisin Sauce: For subtle sweetness and a velvety mouthfeel.
• Scallions (sliced): Fresh, colorful, and perfect as a topping and stir-in.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for visual flair and a tiny crunch.

Variations

Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup shines because it’s endlessly adaptable! Swap the fillings, play with the heat, or make it friendly for any dietary need—the possibilities are deliciously endless.

• Mild Version: Leave out the chili oil, white pepper, and chili garlic sauce for a soothing, family-friendly soup (just up the sesame oil instead).
• Make it Protein-Packed: Use shrimp, pork, or chicken dumplings, or toss in some pre-cooked tofu cubes at the end.
• Mushroom-Free: Simply omit the mushrooms—your soup will still be flavorful and hearty thanks to the broth, dumplings, and seasonings.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free: Use vegan, gluten-free dumplings and coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a plant-based bowl.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in shredded carrots, napa cabbage, or snap peas for color and crunch.

How to Make Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms & Ginger in Chili Oil

Start by adding half the chili oil to your Instant Pot and select the Sauté function on High. When the oil’s shimmering, toss in the mushrooms and ginger. Let them sizzle for about three minutes—the mushrooms release their earthy aroma, and the ginger wakes up the kitchen! Stir occasionally for even browning.

Step 2: Deglaze, Build the Broth & Add Dumplings

Pour in rice vinegar to deglaze, scraping up any toasty bits—those little golden specks are pure flavor! Add the broth, soy sauce, white pepper, bamboo shoots (if using), and frozen dumplings straight from the freezer. Layer the spinach on top but don’t stir; it will gently wilt under pressure. Secure the lid, cancel Sauté, then pressure cook for just 1 minute. Quick release as soon as it’s ready!

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

While everything cooks, mix cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. When the pressure is released, hit Cancel and return to Sauté on High. Pour in the slurry while stirring—within 30 seconds, your broth transforms into a silky, slightly thickened soup base. Turn off the heat so you don’t overcook the dumplings.

Step 4: Finish with Flavor

Swirl in the rest of the chili oil, your chili garlic sauce or sriracha, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce. Sprinkle in most of the sliced scallions and the sesame seeds, saving a bit for topping. Give the pot a gentle stir—your Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is now fiery, aromatic, and ready to bowl up!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle steaming soup and dumplings into big bowls. Scatter over reserved scallions and sesame seeds. The soup will look glossy and inviting—time to dive in!

How to Serve Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup

Garnishes

Garnish this soup with plenty of sliced scallions and a generous sprinkle of mixed sesame seeds—think black and white for visual contrast. For a restaurant-worthy touch, swirl in a final drizzle of chili oil or dot with extra sriracha. You can even add some fresh cilantro or thinly sliced red chili for an extra pop of color.

Side Dishes

Pair your Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup with a crisp cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, or a simple plate of edamame. A hot pot of jasmine rice or scallion pancakes are also fantastic for soaking up the last drops of that spicy broth!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this soup into a DIY dumpling bar for dinner parties—let everyone ladle their own broth and add their favorite garnishes. For a cozy solo meal, serve in oversized mugs with chopsticks and a soup spoon. Want to impress? Finish with a floating swirl of chili oil and a scatter of microgreens right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind, the dumplings will absorb broth as they sit, which makes them extra plump but slightly less soupy—just add a splash of veggie broth when reheating to revive the magic!

Freezing

While the broth, mushrooms, and veggies freeze beautifully, dumplings can soften a lot after freezing and reheating. For best results, freeze the broth without dumplings, then cook up a fresh batch or add frozen ones when ready to serve. That way, your soup’s texture stays spot-on.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth or a drizzle more chili oil to bring back flavor and body. Stir gently so the dumplings stay intact, and finish with fresh garnishes—the soup will taste just as lively as day one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is comfort, excitement, and quick weeknight joy, all in one bowl. Warm, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying, it’s one of those recipes you’ll make on repeat and maybe even start to crave on chilly afternoons. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with every spicy, slurpable spoonful!

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