Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe

This Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is my weeknight hero when I crave something dazzlingly flavorful with the comfort factor cranked all the way up. Packed with pillowy dumplings, a swirl of chili oil, earthy mushrooms, and loads of vibrant greens, each bowl is savory, spicy, and pure cozy bliss—ready in under 30 minutes, yet worthy of the most leisurely weekend dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is refreshingly short, but each item is a heavy hitter when it comes to flavor, color, and texture. You’ll find the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory in every spoonful—here’s how the magic happens.

• Chili Oil: The fiery backbone of this soup, chili oil brings both warmth and a vibrant red swirl—use less or more to control the heat.
• Sliced Shiitake Mushrooms: These add earthy, meaty flavor and a satisfying chew; swap with white or baby bella mushrooms if needed, or skip entirely for mushroom-wary eaters.
• Minced Ginger: Fresh and aromatic, ginger wakes up the broth and cuts through richness with zing.
• Rice Vinegar: Just a splash is all it takes to brighten the soup and balance out spice.
• Vegetable Broth: A gentle, savory base that lets all those punchy flavors shine—homemade or store-bought both work.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (or Tamari/Coconut Aminos): Deep umami notes and seasoning all in one; go gluten-free easily with tamari.
• White Pepper (optional): Adds subtle, peppery heat that’s different from black pepper—skip this if you want to keep things gentle.
• Canned Bamboo Shoots (optional): Crunchy and mild, these add lovely texture and intrigue, but the soup is still stellar without them.
• Frozen Wontons or Dumplings: The heart of every bite—choose your favorite filling (chicken, pork, veggie, or vegan!) and remember: mini dumplings soak up even more flavor per spoonful.
• Baby Spinach: A handful of green that wilts perfectly into the hot broth right before serving for color and nutrition.
• Cornstarch & Water Slurry: Just a quick stir thickens the soup to restaurant consistency and lets all the flavors cling to your dumplings.
• Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha: For a final flourish of tangy fire—customize to your preferred level of spice.
• Sesame Oil: Toasty and nutty, just a drizzle gives depth and aroma to the finished soup.
• Hoisin Sauce: A sweet-savory secret weapon, hoisin amps up that craveable, complex flavor with just a spoonful.
• Scallions: Fresh, bright, and colorful—stir into the soup and sprinkle more on top for crunch and a pop of green.
• Sesame Seeds: Use both black and white for a beautiful garnish and a tiny, toasty bite in every spoonful.

Variations

One of the best things about Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is how inviting it is to riff and personalize. You can truly shape the flavors, fillings, and toppings to fit your mood, spice level, or dietary needs—just see how easy it is to make it your own!

• Mild & Cozy, Not Spicy: Simply leave out the chili oil and chili garlic sauce, and bump up the sesame oil for a rich, gentle broth perfect for spice-shy sippers.
• Make It Vegan: Choose plant-based dumplings and double-check your hoisin/sauces for animal products; the broth and flavorings are already vegan-friendly!
• Protein Upgrade: Toss in cooked shredded chicken, tofu cubes, or even extra mushrooms to boost satiety—great for making it a meal on its own.
• Noodle Swap: Add a bundle of cooked rice noodles or zucchini noodles along with the spinach if you’re craving a slurpier, heartier bowl.
• More Veggies: Stir in julienned carrots, snow peas, or bok choy to add crunch and even more color to your pot.

How to Make Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté on the More/High setting and let 1/4 cup of chili oil heat up for about three minutes. Once shimmering, add your sliced mushrooms and ginger. Sauté for three minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms begin releasing their juices and become lightly golden—this is where that deep, savory aroma starts building.

Step 2: Build the Broth & Pressure Cook

Deglaze the pot with rice vinegar, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom (those brown bits are pure flavor). Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, white pepper, and, if using, bamboo shoots. Add the frozen wontons or dumplings right on top, then gently mound the spinach leaves over everything—but don’t stir. Secure the lid, cancel Sauté, and cook on High Pressure for just 1 minute. Quick release the pressure as soon as the timer goes.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

While the soup is cooking, stir up your cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water). Once you release the pressure, switch back to Sauté and wait for the soup to start bubbling. Stir in your slurry and let it cook for about 30 seconds; you’ll see the broth thicken luxuriously to coat your dumplings in spicy magic.

Step 4: Add the Final Flavors

Turn off the heat, then swirl in the remaining chili oil, chili garlic sauce (or sriracha), sesame oil, hoisin sauce, most of your sliced scallions, and sesame seeds. Give it a gentle stir to make everything glossy and fragrant, then taste to see if you want any extra heat or salt. That’s it—the soup is ready to ladle up!

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Spoon the spicy dumpling soup into bowls and sprinkle the top with extra sesame seeds, scallions, or even a fresh drizzle of chili oil. It’s colorful, inviting, and completely irresistible right out of the pot.

How to Serve Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup

Garnishes

A true finishing flourish for Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is a generous sprinkle of sliced scallions and a toss of black and white sesame seeds. If you want to impress, a swirl of extra chili oil on each bowl will bring eye-popping color and even more warmth. A handful of cilantro or a few fresh bean sprouts add crunch and brightness, too.

Side Dishes

This soup is a full meal in one bowl, but if you’d like to build a spread, try pairing with crisp spring rolls, lightly dressed cucumber salad, or steamed edamame. Hot jasmine rice on the side will soak up every last drop, while a light green salad adds something cool and refreshing alongside those spicy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup in deep bowls with extra garnishes on a tray so everyone can personalize their toppings. For a fun dinner party, offer a “build your own” dumpling bar, letting guests choose from different dumplings, greens, and levels of spice. Or, for a cozy night in, enjoy right from the pot with your favorite oversized spoon—no judgment here!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover soup, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best dumpling texture, only add as many as you plan to eat the first time and keep any extras separate, then reheat and add them fresh to avoid overly soft dumplings.

Freezing

Freeze the broth and vegetable base without dumplings for up to two months—simply cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add fresh or frozen dumplings when warming to keep them perfectly plump and not soggy.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your soup in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering, adding a splash of broth if needed. If you stored the dumplings separately, toss them into the simmering soup just until heated through. Feel free to revive the spice with a dash of chili oil or fresh scallions before serving again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving big, bold flavors and a steaming bowl of comfort, you simply have to try this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup. It’s so easy to make, wildly customizable, and sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs at any table. Enjoy every spicy, slurpy, soul-warming bite—you’ll want to return to this recipe again and again!

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