Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup – Quick, Flavorful Comfort Food

When it’s cold outside or you just need something warm and cozy, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup. Loaded with tender dumplings, crisp veggies, and a bold, garlicky chili broth, this quick one-pot recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor in under 30 minutes.

This soup is inspired by the comforting flavors of Asian cuisine — savory, spicy, and a little bit sweet — but simplified with the help of the Instant Pot. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to take hours to make. Every spoonful brings warmth and flavor, making it an easy weeknight dinner or a go-to recipe when you’re craving takeout at home.

Whether you love dumplings for their chewy texture or you’re just here for the spicy, soul-soothing broth, this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is going to be your new favorite quick meal.

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What Is Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup?

The Comfort Food Everyone Loves

Dumpling soup is a beloved dish found across Asian cuisines — from Chinese wonton soup to Korean mandu-guk. The combination of soft dumplings floating in a flavorful broth is the definition of comfort food.

This Instant Pot version keeps that same homemade charm but drastically cuts down on cooking time. Instead of simmering for hours, you’ll use the pressure cooker to infuse the broth with garlic, ginger, and chili paste in minutes.

The result? A deep, rich soup base that perfectly complements the tender dumplings, creating a meal that’s cozy, hearty, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• One-pot meal: Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and filling to your liking.
• Comforting: Warm, spicy, and satisfying — ideal for chilly days or when you need a pick-me-up.

It’s the perfect blend of convenience and comfort, proving that the Instant Pot isn’t just for stews or roasts — it’s great for light, flavorful soups too.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup

Main Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup recipe at home:

Ingredient	Purpose
Frozen Dumplings (15–20 pieces)	The star of the dish — choose chicken, shrimp, or vegetable dumplings.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups)	Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)	Adds depth and aroma.
Ginger (1 tbsp, minced)	Balances spice with warm, earthy flavor.
Soy Sauce (2 tbsp)	Provides savory umami richness.
Chili Paste (1–2 tbsp)	Brings heat and color to the broth.
Sesame Oil (1 tsp)	Adds a nutty, toasted note.
Green Onions (2, chopped)	Fresh garnish and flavor enhancer.

Flavor-Boosting Ingredients

To give your spicy dumpling soup that extra punch, try adding:

• Rice Vinegar (1 tsp) – for brightness and balance.
• Sriracha (1 tbsp) – for more heat.
• Chili Flakes (½ tsp) – if you like a bolder kick.
• Bok Choy or Spinach (2 cups) – adds freshness and color.
• Mushrooms (½ cup, sliced) – for earthy umami depth.

Optional Add-ins

Want to make it heartier? Add:

• Cooked shredded chicken or tofu for protein.
• Ramen noodles or glass noodles to make it a full meal.
• Lime wedges for a zesty finishing touch.

This recipe is flexible and forgiving — you can make it mild or fiery, vegetarian or meaty, depending on your taste. Every variation still captures that irresistible balance of spicy broth and tender dumplings that defines a great Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step releases the essential oils that give your Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup its deep, savory base.

If you want to boost the flavor even more, add a spoonful of chili paste now and stir briefly to bloom the spices before adding the liquids.

Step 2 – Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, then add soy sauce, chili paste, and a drizzle of rice vinegar. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Taste the broth at this point — it should be spicy, savory, and balanced. Adjust by adding more chili paste for heat or soy sauce for saltiness.

Step 3 – Add Dumplings and Pressure Cook

Gently add your frozen dumplings to the pot. Be careful not to stir too much; you don’t want them to break apart before cooking.

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to Manual (High Pressure) for 3 minutes. After cooking, allow for a quick release of pressure. The short cook time keeps the dumplings tender and perfectly cooked without becoming mushy.

Step 4 – Add Greens and Finishing Touches

Once pressure is released, switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Add bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the greens wilt.

Taste the broth again and adjust the seasoning if needed. For extra flavor, drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil, sprinkle in chili flakes, or stir in a splash of sriracha for extra heat.

Finally, top with chopped green onions and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness. Your Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is now ready to serve!

Customization Ideas

Adjusting Spice Levels

Everyone’s spice tolerance is different, so make this soup your own:

• For mild heat, use only 1 teaspoon of chili paste and skip the sriracha.
• For medium spice, add 1 tablespoon of chili paste and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• For extra spicy, double the chili paste and add chili oil before serving.

If your soup ends up too spicy, stir in a teaspoon of honey or a splash of coconut milk to balance the flavors.

Protein Options

This soup works beautifully with a variety of proteins:

• Chicken dumplings for a classic taste.
• Shrimp dumplings for a seafood twist.
• Tofu or vegetable dumplings for a vegetarian version.
• You can also add shredded rotisserie chicken or pan-fried tofu cubes directly to the broth for extra protein and heartiness.

Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations

For a vegan-friendly version of this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup, use:

• Vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Vegan dumplings filled with vegetables, mushrooms, or tofu.
• Skip the oyster sauce if your dumplings contain it and replace it with soy sauce or hoisin.

This simple switch keeps all the flavor while making it plant-based and lighter.

Serving Suggestions

Best Garnishes for Dumpling Soup

Garnishes elevate your presentation and enhance flavor. Try:

• Sliced green onions or scallions for freshness.
• Toasted sesame seeds for nutty texture.
• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for a fragrant finish.
• Lime wedges for a bright, citrusy contrast to the heat.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup

This soup is satisfying enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed jasmine or sticky rice to balance the spice.
• Crispy spring rolls or Asian cucumber salad for added crunch.
• Garlic noodles or pan-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

You can even serve it as a starter for a larger Asian-inspired dinner spread.

Pro Tip:

If you’re serving this soup for guests, keep the Instant Pot on Warm mode after cooking — it’ll stay hot without overcooking the dumplings. The broth continues to deepen in flavor the longer it sits.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s that good!), store your Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup properly to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: If using store-bought dumplings, you can freeze the broth separately for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dumplings in the soup — they’ll become mushy when reheated.

Reheating Without Overcooking Dumplings

To reheat, pour the soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium heat until hot. If reheating in the microwave, do so in 45-second bursts, stirring in between to distribute the heat evenly.

If you froze the broth separately, reheat it first, then add fresh or frozen dumplings and simmer until tender. This keeps your spicy dumpling soup tasting fresh and perfectly textured.

Common Mistakes and Tips for Success

Avoid Overcooking Dumplings

One of the biggest mistakes is overcooking. Dumplings can burst or become mushy if cooked too long. Stick to 3 minutes of pressure cooking and quick release for the best texture.

Balancing Spiciness and Saltiness

Always taste your broth before sealing the Instant Pot. If it feels too spicy, tone it down with a small drizzle of honey, coconut milk, or extra broth. If it’s too salty, add a splash of water or unsalted stock.

Layer Ingredients Correctly

Always place dumplings on top of the broth before sealing. If they sit on the bottom, they may stick or break apart under pressure.

These small details ensure your Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup turns out restaurant-quality every single time.

FAQ About Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup

Conclusion – The Easiest, Coziest Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Ever

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup — it’s quick, comforting, and deeply flavorful. The dumplings soak up the garlicky, chili-rich broth, creating the perfect bite every time.

With this recipe, you can have a restaurant-worthy soup on the table in under half an hour — without the mess or hassle. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your family, this spicy dumpling soup brings warmth and comfort to any day.

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