Lucky Potsticker Soup

Ingredients

• 1-2 pkgs yakisoba noodles (or Udon, or noodle of your choice)

• 16 frozen potstickers

• 4 eggs

• 4 cups green cabbage, sliced thin (1/2 a small)

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced thin or julienne

• 3 scallions sliced thin

• ½ medium onion sliced thin

• 3 cloves garlic minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced

• 1 heaping tablespoon Better Than Bouillon (chicken or beef)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

• 2 tsp. Fish sauce (optional but recommended)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil

• 7 cups water

• 1 pho spice packet

NOTE: If you don't have a pho spice packet, do this:  

• Star Anise (3–5 pods): Essential for the signature sweet-licorice aroma.

• Cinnamon Stick (1–2 sticks): Provides warmth.

• Cloves (3–5 whole): Adds depth.

• Coriander Seeds (1–2 tablespoons): Adds a citrusy, nutty flavor.

• Fennel Seeds (1 teaspoon): Adds a refreshing sweetness.

• Optional: Black Cardamom (1 pod): Adds a smoky flavor characteristic of Northern-style pho. 

Put in a spice bag or tea strainer or cheesecloth. If you don't have everything, it's ok!

Directions

🥚 Step 1: Jammy Eggs

Boil eggs 6½–7 minutes → ice bath → peel → set aside.

🍲 Step 2: Build the Broth

In a large pot:

1. Heat oil.

2. Sauté ginger + garlic + onion until fragrant and lightly golden.

3. Add water, Better Than Bouillon, and pho spice packet.

4. Simmer 10–15 minutes.

5. Remove spice packet.

Now season with:

• Soy sauce

• Sugar

• Rice vinegar

• Fish sauce (if using)
  
  

Taste. It should be:
Savory + slightly sweet + aromatic + clean. Adjust but trust.

🥕 Step 3: Veg + Dumplings

Add carrots + cabbage. Simmer 5 minutes.

Add potstickers. Simmer 4–6 minutes until tender.

🍜 Step 4: Noodles

Add yakisoba or other noodles you are using during the last few minutes (or cook separately if you prefer clearer broth).

🌿 Step 5: Finish & Serve

Turn off heat and stir in:

• Sesame oil

• Sliced scallions

Divide into 4 bowls.
Top each with:

• 1 halved jammy egg

• Chili crisp or sriracha (if desired)