Homemade Veggie Potstickers with Zesty Soy Dipping Sauce: Your Ultimate Guide
While they do require a little dedicated time and a touch of patience, the reward of biting into a perfectly cooked, savory homemade potsticker is absolutely worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Following Mary Ann’s excellent advice, I made a generous batch and smartly froze half for future enjoyment, ensuring a quick and delicious meal was always within reach. This first attempt utilized ingredients I already had on hand, but I’m incredibly excited to explore a myriad of filling variations in the future, experimenting with different vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to create new, delectable versions of these irresistible bites. The beauty of potstickers lies in their versatility, offering endless possibilities for customization to suit any palate or dietary preference.
One minor observation during my potsticker adventure was the color of my won ton wrappers. They appeared less “white” compared to those featured in Mary Ann’s photos. At my local grocery store, I only had a single brand of won ton wrappers to choose from, which might explain the difference. Despite the visual disparity, their taste and texture were perfectly consistent with any other won ton wrappers I’ve used before. This led me to wonder: are there specific types of flour used that result in varying wrapper colors, or perhaps different bleaching processes? It’s a small detail, but it highlights the diverse range of products available, and how regional availability can influence our cooking experiences. Regardless, the end result was still a triumph!
Print Recipe
Veggie Potstickers with Soy Dipping Sauce

The Art of Homemade Potstickers: From Filling to Folding
Making homemade potstickers might seem daunting, but it’s a wonderfully rewarding process that allows you to control every ingredient, ensuring a fresh and flavorful result. This recipe focuses on a vibrant vegetable filling, perfectly complemented by a classic, savory soy dipping sauce. Let’s gather our ingredients and dive into the steps.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons canola oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 2 cups angel hair coleslaw with carrots (finely shredded cabbage and carrots; a great shortcut for the filling base)
- 1/2 cup water (for steaming the cabbage and then the potstickers)
- 1/3 cup minced green onions (fresh and vibrant, adding a subtle oniony kick)
- 1 tablespoon minced peeled gingerroot (essential for that authentic Asian aroma and flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to season the filling and bring out the vegetable flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil (adds a nutty, aromatic depth to the filling)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (fresh garlic is key for a pungent, delicious taste)
- 30 won ton wrappers (typically found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store; ensure they are fresh and pliable)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for dusting the baking sheet to prevent sticking)
- 4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided (for pan-frying the potstickers to achieve that crispy bottom)
- 1 cup water, divided (for the steaming step of cooking the potstickers)
- Soy Dipping Sauce, recipe below (the perfect accompaniment to your savory potstickers)
Soy Dipping Sauce
No potsticker experience is complete without a delicious dipping sauce. This recipe for a classic soy-based sauce perfectly balances savory, tangy, and fresh notes.
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (opt for low sodium to control saltiness and allow other flavors to shine)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (adds a mild, pleasant tang that cuts through the richness)
- 1/2 tsp chopped ginger (fresh ginger provides a zesty, slightly spicy element)
- 1 clove chopped garlic (adds a subtle pungency and depth)
- 1 green onion, chopped (for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a touch of color)
Directions for Preparing Your Veggie Potstickers:
- Prepare the Cabbage Filling: Begin by heating 2 teaspoons of canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the angel hair coleslaw with carrots. Cook for approximately 9 minutes, or until the cabbage is lightly browned and tender, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. During this process, add the 1/2 cup of water, one tablespoon at a time, as needed to prevent the cabbage from sticking to the pan and to aid in its softening. Once cooked, spoon the cabbage mixture into a medium bowl and allow it to cool completely. Cooling is crucial before mixing in other ingredients, as hot filling can make the wrappers soggy.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: To the completely cooled cabbage mixture, add the minced green onions, fresh minced ginger, salt, dark sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. This creates a beautifully aromatic and flavorful vegetable filling for your potstickers.
- Assemble the Potstickers: This is where the magic happens! Lay out one won ton wrapper at a time on a clean surface. It’s important to keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out, which can make them difficult to work with. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the veggie mixture into the very center of each wrapper.
- Cook the Potstickers: Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place half of the assembled potstickers in a single layer at the bottom of the skillet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook them for about 3 minutes, or until their bottoms are a beautiful golden brown and crispy. This initial fry gives them their signature “potsticker” texture.
- Freezing Potstickers for Later: One of the best things about homemade potstickers is their freezer-friendliness! To freeze uncooked potstickers, simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the potstickers are completely frozen solid (this usually takes a couple of hours). Once frozen, you can transfer them to a Ziploc freezer bag or an airtight container, where they will keep well for several weeks.
To seal, lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your finger. Bring two opposite corners of the wrapper to the center, pinching the points firmly to create a seal. Then, bring the remaining two corners to the center, pinching those points to seal as well. Finally, pinch all four edges together to fully enclose the filling, creating a neat little parcel. The goal is to ensure a tight seal to keep the filling secure during cooking. As you finish each potsticker, place it on a large baking sheet that has been lightly sprinkled with cornstarch. The cornstarch helps prevent the potstickers from sticking to the sheet and to each other. Once again, loosely cover the finished potstickers with a towel to prevent them from drying out while you continue assembling the batch.
Next, carefully add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the potstickers are tender and cooked through. The steaming process cooks the filling and softens the wrapper. Once done, transfer the cooked potstickers to a serving platter, keep them warm, and wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Repeat this entire procedure with the remaining vegetable oil, the second batch of potstickers, and the remaining 1/2 cup of water.
When you’re ready to cook them, you have a couple of options: You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the cooking procedure as outlined in step 4. Alternatively, you can cook them directly from a frozen state. If cooking from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the initial browning time and the steaming time (typically an additional 2-4 minutes) to ensure they are cooked through and piping hot.
Soy Dipping Sauce – The Perfect Accompaniment
This simple yet flavorful sauce is the ideal partner for your crispy, tender potstickers. Its balance of savory and tangy notes enhances the overall experience.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, simply combine all the ingredients for the Soy Dipping Sauce: low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, chopped ginger, chopped garlic, and chopped green onion. Whisk them together until well blended. Serve the sauce in individual small bowls alongside your freshly cooked potstickers. You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Tips for Perfect Potstickers and Creative Variations
Achieving potsticker perfection involves a few key details and opportunities for creativity. Here are some additional tips to make your homemade potstickers truly stand out:
- Wrapper Quality Matters: The type and freshness of your won ton wrappers can significantly impact the final texture. Look for wrappers that are thin, pliable, and fresh. If they feel dry or brittle, they might crack during folding. As for color, variations are common due to different flour types (e.g., all-purpose, bleached, unbleached) or even egg content. Don’t worry too much about the color as long as the taste and texture are good.
- Folding Techniques: While our recipe uses a simple four-corner pinch, you can experiment with different folds for a more traditional look or a tighter seal. Popular methods include the classic crescent shape with pleats along one edge, or a simple half-moon fold. Practice makes perfect, and even imperfectly folded potstickers taste delicious!
- Don’t Overfill: A common mistake is to put too much filling in each wrapper. This makes it difficult to seal them properly and can cause them to burst during cooking. Stick to about 1 tablespoon for standard-sized wrappers.
- Vary Your Filling: This veggie potsticker recipe is just the beginning! Feel free to customize the filling. You could add finely chopped mushrooms for umami, shredded tofu or tempeh for added protein, or other vegetables like water chestnuts for crunch, or spinach for extra greens. Just ensure all ingredients are finely minced and excess moisture is squeezed out to prevent a soggy filling.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: While the pan-fry-then-steam method is classic for potstickers, you can also:
- Steam Only: For a healthier option, steam the potstickers in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Deep-Fry: For a super crispy treat, deep-fry the potstickers in hot oil (around 350°F / 175°C) until golden brown and cooked through.
Elevate Your Dipping Sauce Game
The provided soy dipping sauce is a fantastic starting point, but don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste. Here are some ideas to make it even more exciting:
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili oil, sriracha, or finely minced fresh chilies (like bird’s eye chilies) for heat.
- Sweet & Savory: A tiny pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey can balance the saltiness and tang.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can add an extra layer of zing.
- Nutty Flavor: A hint of peanut butter (thinned with a little water) can transform it into a creamy peanut dipping sauce.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh cilantro or basil, finely chopped, can add an aromatic freshness.
Why Homemade Potstickers Are Always the Best Choice
Beyond the simple joy of cooking, making potstickers at home offers numerous benefits:
- Healthier Options: You control the amount of oil, salt, and the quality of your ingredients, making them a much healthier alternative to store-bought or restaurant versions.
- Freshness You Can Taste: The vibrancy of fresh vegetables, ginger, and garlic truly shines through in homemade potstickers, something often lost in mass-produced options.
- Cost-Effective: Making them from scratch is often more economical than buying pre-made frozen potstickers or ordering them from a restaurant.
- Fun Family Activity: The assembly process can be a wonderful, interactive activity for the whole family, especially for children who love to help in the kitchen.
- Customization Galore: As discussed, the ability to tailor fillings and sauces to your exact preferences or dietary needs is unmatched.
Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a party, a light lunch, or a side dish for an Asian-themed dinner, these homemade veggie potstickers are sure to impress. Don’t let the initial perceived complexity deter you; once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making them sooner. Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and savor the delicious results!
Recipe adapted from Meet Me in the Kitchen
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(for a printable version of this recipe click here)