Lucky Sesame Dumpling Soup
February 17, 2026
A beef and cabbage dumpling soup finished with sesame and green onions for a little extra luck!
Lucky Sesame Dumpling Soup is a festive soup that’s just as perfect for Lunar New Year as it is for a weeknight dinner. It’s brothy, savory, loaded with dumplings, and honestly tastes like you grabbed takeout without leaving the house. The cabbage cooks down into the garlicky beef base, the dumplings puff up right in the broth, and the sesame finish pulls everything together in the most satisfying way. It feels special enough for Chinese New Year, but easy enough for a completely random Tuesday when you just want something warm and comforting.
Flavor Profile
This soup is deeply savory with a rich beef broth base. The soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. Fresh ginger brings a subtle warmth without overpowering the bowl. The cabbage softens and absorbs all that flavor while adding texture. The sesame oil gives it that unmistakable nutty finish that makes it taste restaurant-level without actually being complicated. Every bite is soft dumpling, tender beef, silky broth, and just enough crunch from the sesame seeds and green onions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It uses frozen dumplings so there’s zero dumpling drama. No folding. No sealing edges.
- It’s hearty without being heavy. The broth keeps it light while the beef and dumplings make it filling.
- The cabbage stretches the meal. It adds volume, texture, and nutrition without changing the vibe.
- It comes together in about 20 minutes. Real weeknight timing.
- It works for holidays and regular life. It feels intentional for Lunar New Year but doesn’t scream “theme dinner.”
The Twist
The twist is the shredded cabbage cooked directly with the garlic and ginger before the broth goes in. Instead of floating around raw or added at the end, it softens into the beef base and absorbs all that savory flavor first. That step gives the broth more depth and makes the whole soup feel layered instead of one-note.
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground beef: Use lean beef so the broth doesn’t get greasy. You want rich, not oily.
- Shredded cabbage: Green cabbage works best. It softens beautifully and holds up in hot broth without disappearing.
- Fresh ginger: Fresh makes a difference here. It adds brightness that balances the beef.
- Soy sauce: This builds the backbone of the flavor. Use regular or low sodium depending on preference.
- Sesame oil: Don’t skip this. It’s added in a small amount but gives that nutty finish that makes the soup taste complete.
- Frozen dumplings: Any variety works. Pork, chicken, or vegetable all fit.
Lucky Sesame Dumpling Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 (12–14 oz) bag frozen dumplings
- Black pepper, to taste
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, and shredded cabbage. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cabbage begins to soften and everything smells incredible.
- Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a few cracks of black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the frozen dumplings and cook according to package directions, usually 4 to 6 minutes, until heated through and tender.
- Ladle into bowls and finish with sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds.
FAQ
Can I use a different protein?
Yes. Ground pork is very traditional and works beautifully. Thin-sliced steak also works if you want something slightly more elevated.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the broth and beef base ahead, but add the dumplings fresh when reheating so they don’t get overly soft.
What kind of dumplings should I buy?
Any frozen potstickers or soup dumplings work. Just follow the package timing and add them straight to the simmering broth.
Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely. A drizzle of chili oil or chili crisp at the end is perfect.
Can I make it gluten free?
Use gluten-free dumplings and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Sprinkle of Fun
Serve this in big bowls during Lunar New Year with a few fortune cookies on the side for dessert. It’s a warm, festive way to celebrate and makes dinner feel extra special.
Suggested Recipes
If you like Lucky Sesame Dumpling Soup, then you’ll love the recipes below.
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