Begin by heating the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Sauté these aromatics for about 1 minute until the kitchen is filled with their enticing aroma.
Add the chopped white parts of the green onions to the pot, continuing to sauté for an additional 2 minutes. This will enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once the broth is simmering, introduce the frozen potstickers into the pot, ensuring they're submerged in the liquid. Cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
With 3 minutes remaining in the potsticker cooking time, add the chopped bok choy, sliced mushrooms, and julienned carrot. Stir the contents gently to ensure even cooking and combine flavors.
Season the bubbling soup with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste (if using), then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Allow the soup to heat through fully, making sure the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Once ready, carefully remove the pot from the heat.
Serve the potsticker soup hot, ladling it into bowls. Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to elevate the dish with color and freshness.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili paste.