Today’s recipe is not only flavor-FULL but it gets extra credit for nutrition too! It is bone broth disguised as authentic Chinese Dumpling Soup in an instant pot. Fast, healthy, and delicious! Awesome right?
This is another wonderful recipe courtesy of our Chinese friend, Yulin (James). He is always trying new Asian dishes and generously sharing his love for cooking with us!
At first taste, I was surprised. Though unassuming, this dish has such a unique and distinctive taste; it is so yummy! We gobbled it up. I have since made it myself and could not believe how easy it was.
What’s the difference between Dumpling Soup, Wonton Soup, and Potsticker Soup?
There is really no difference, just personal preference. You can make your own authentic Chinese dumplings, potstickers, or wontons. In fact, I have an amazing recipe for you right HERE.
But, it is much easier and faster to buy them frozen to speed up the process. Woot woot!
There are so many frozen dumpling varieties available, and the ones I’ve tried are really quite good. Frozen dumplings make this easy Asian soup recipe so much easier!
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made when animal bones and vegetables are simmered in water for hours, on the stove, in a crockpot, or in an instant pot.
The meaty bones and connective tissues leave behind a rich, savory liquid that is chock full of goodness, including collagen, minerals; like calcium, zinc, and magnesium and amino acids.
This nutritious stock can be used in soups (like this one!), sauces, and gravies. It is also popular to drink on its own for the high amount of protein and nutrients.
This dish does a bit of double duty. Yes, the recipe is both a yummy dumpling soup, but it is a bone broth too!
Benefits of Bone Broth
Bone broth is not new at all. It goes back generations but has reemerged over the last several years because of the numerous health benefits.
People use it to maintain good health, prevent illness, and strengthen their bones. According to Nutritional Weight & Wellness, in St Paul, Minnesota, other benefits include:
Joint pain relief
Improved gut health
Healthier hair and nails
Reduced wrinkles
Stronger teeth
Faster wound and injury healing
Increased energy
Enhanced immune system
Help reverse visible signs of aging
Where to get bones for Dumpling Soup?
You can find the bones you will need for this recipe at your grocery store, an Asian market, or check with a meat vendor at your local farmer’s market.

Ingredients for Soup
Here is all you’ll need for dumpling (or wonton, or potsticker ) soup.
Beef bones from a free-range animal
Fresh ginger
Daikon radish
Chinese vinegar
Dried red chilis or Crushed red pepper flakes
Light soy sauce also called regular soy sauce
Dark soy sauce
Fresh or Frozen dumplings
Water
Cilantro
Substitute for Daikon Radish
The daikon radish is a root vegetable popular in many Asian countries, such as Japan, China, Vietnam, and India. It looks similar to parsnip but is thicker and whiter in color.
You are most likely to find a daikon radish in an Asian grocery store. It may be hard to find in a typical supermarket. So you may be asking, what is the best substitute for daikon radish?
The white turnip is a pretty good substitute for daikon radish. Both are cruciferous vegetables that are crispy in texture with a mild flavor. Turnips do have a more subtle taste. It is not the perfect replacement, but it is close!
Helpful Tools for Instant Pot Soup
Below is the basic equipment you need for beef bone soup. You probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen!
Soup Ladle
OXO Good Grips Ladle
And finally, here is the delicious recipe!
Print
Instant Pot Dumpling Soup
Ingredients
Instant Pot
2–2.5 lbs. of beef bones from a free range animal (I used beef neck bones)
5 slices of ginger
1 daikon radish, thin skin removed, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon Chinese vinegar
2 dry red chilis or 1/2–1 tsp crushed red pepper
water
Finishing Sauce for 2 bowls
2 teaspoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons dark soy sauce
1 bunch cilantro
Instructions
DUMPLINGS
FROZEN You can buy delicious premade frozen dumplings or wontons at most Asian or mainstream grocery stores. Cook the dumplings according to the package directions so that they are ready at the same time the broth is. Put dumplings into soup or serve on the side.
FROM SCRATCH Make a dumpling recipe with filling of choice. For one of our favorite recipes, click HERE.
SOUP BROTH
In the bowl of an instant pot, combine neck bone, ginger slices, vinegar, daikon radish, dried Sichuan peppers, red chili, and ancho chili. Fill water to the max line on the instant pot. Follow instant pot directions to start your unit. Mine suggests 70-90 minutes of cooking.
FINISHING SAUCE
Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
When bone broth is done, fill soup bowls. Then add the AMAZING finishing sauce. Add approximately 1-3 teaspoons per bowl to suit your taste. Stir until incorporated. Add more bone broth if you need to dilute back down a tad.???? Next, spoon dumplings into each bowl or serve on the side. Sprinkle with a generous amount of cilantro on top. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
- Category: Soups
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.
xo,
Cindy
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We loved this soup. There’s so much flavor with the finishing sauce.
★★★★★
Yes that is what makes it, for sure! Glad you enjoyed it Danielle.