Easy Homemade Potstickers are crispy on the bottom, juicy in the middle, and packed with flavor in every bite. These pan-fried dumplings taste just like your favorite takeout—but they’re surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a party, this potstickers recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with everyday ingredients.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make potstickers at home without fancy tools or complicated steps, you’re in the right place. These are beginner-friendly, freezer-friendly, and totally customizable.
Let’s make crispy, golden potstickers that disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Homemade Potstickers
- Crispy bottoms + juicy filling in every bite
- Better than takeout and way more budget-friendly
- Perfect for busy nights or weekend meal prep
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead dinners
- Kid-approved and customizable for picky eaters
If you love recipes that feel special without being complicated, this one’s a keeper.
What Are Potstickers?
Potstickers are pan-fried dumplings that get their name from the cooking method: first seared in a skillet for a crispy bottom, then lightly steamed to cook the filling. The result? That irresistible combo of golden crunch on the outside and tender, juicy filling inside.
They’re popular in Chinese-inspired cooking, often filled with ground meat, cabbage, green onions, garlic, and ginger—then served with a simple dipping sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
For the Potstickers
- Ground pork or turkey
- Garlic , minced or garlic paste
- Green onions , thinly sliced
- Hoisin sauce
- Freshly grated ginger or ginger paste
- Sesame oil
- Sriracha
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Round wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil
- Water, for steaming
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended)
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Optional: honey, chili oil, or sriracha
Simple ingredients. Big flavor.
How to Make Homemade Potstickers
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine ground meat, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork it.
Step 2: Fill and Fold
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. Lightly wet the edges with water, fold in half, and press to seal. You can pleat if you want to be fancy, but a simple seal works great.
Step 3: Pan-Fry Until Crispy
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange potstickers in a single layer and cook until the bottoms are golden brown.
Step 4: Steam to Finish
Carefully add water to the pan and cover with a lid. Let the potstickers steam until the filling is fully cooked and the wrappers are tender.
Step 5: Serve and Dip
Remove the lid and let any remaining liquid evaporate. Serve hot with dipping sauce and watch them vanish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Potstickers
- Don’t overfill—too much filling makes sealing harder.
- Use a non-stick skillet for the best crispy bottoms.
- Freeze before cooking for easy make-ahead meals.
- Try parchment rounds in the pan if sticking is an issue.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions
These homemade potstickers are perfect for meal prep.
To Freeze:
Arrange uncooked potstickers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
To Cook From Frozen:
Cook exactly the same way—no thawing needed. Just add 1–2 extra minutes of steaming time.
Busy-night dinner? Solved.
Serving Ideas
These easy potstickers are amazing on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:
- Steamed rice or fried rice
- Simple cucumber salad
- Asian-inspired slaw
- Stir-fried vegetables
- A warm bowl of soup
They also make the ultimate party appetizer. Set out a platter and let everyone dip.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about homemade potstickers? You can make them your way.
- Chicken Potstickers: Use ground chicken for a lighter option
- Pork Potstickers: Classic and ultra-juicy
- Vegetable Potstickers: Swap meat for mushrooms, carrots, and extra cabbage
- Spicy Potstickers: Add chili garlic sauce to the filling
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free wrappers and tamari
You can keep this base recipe and switch things up endlessly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the pan: Leads to steaming instead of crisping
- Too much water: Can make wrappers soggy
- Skipping the sear: That crispy bottom is the magic
- Overmixing the filling: Keeps the texture tender
Frequently Asked Questions About Potstickers
What is the difference between potstickers and dumplings?
Potstickers are a type of dumpling, but they’re cooked using a specific method: pan-fried first, then steamed. That’s what gives them their signature crispy bottom.
Can I bake potstickers instead of pan-frying?
You can, but they won’t have the same crispy-bottom texture. Pan-frying is what makes them classic potstickers.
Can I use store-bought wrappers?
Yes! Dumpling or potsticker wrappers from the refrigerated section work perfectly and save time.
Are potstickers freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze them uncooked and cook directly from frozen for quick meals.
What meat is best for potstickers?
Pork is traditional, chicken is lighter, and both work beautifully. You can also make vegetarian versions.
Why This Potstickers Recipe Works
This method delivers the best of both worlds: crispy texture + juicy filling without complicated steps. It’s approachable for beginners but still feels special enough for guests. And because it’s freezer-friendly, it’s a go-to for busy nights.
If you’ve been searching for:
- easy homemade potstickers
- how to make potstickers at home
- crispy pan fried dumplings
- freezer friendly potstickers
…this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Final Thoughts
These easy homemade potstickers are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, one skillet, and a few easy steps, you get crispy, golden dumplings that taste as if they came from your favorite restaurant.
Make a batch tonight… and maybe another for the freezer. You’re going to want them again.
Easy Homemade Potstickers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork or turkey
- 2 cloves garlic , minced or garlic paste
- 2 green onions , thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger or ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 40 2- inch round won ton wrappers
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pork, garlic, green onions, hoisin, ginger, sesame oil, Sriracha and white pepper.
- To assemble the dumplings, place wrappers on a work surface lined with a dry lint free tea towel. I find this help me keep the wontons from sticking to my work space.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture into the center of each wrapper. Using your finger, rub the edges of the wrappers with water. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal. If you’re feeling fancy, try making tiny pleats in the wrapper to make a “fan”. It’s a little extra time, but so eye appealing to dinner guests.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pot stickers in a single layer and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. If you prefer to steam them, add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan and cook through about 2-3 minutes. When the water evaporates, the wonton skins will crisp up.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love easy homemade potstickers, you might also enjoy more recipes from our Asian-Inspired Meals collection. Looking for even more ideas? Browse our full set of recipe group boards to find your next favorite meal.
Love potstickers and these are great made at home
OMG! I love pot stickers. Never thought to make them myself. How economical.
Indeed! For the cost of one pre-packaged bag you can probably make 4 times as many (if not more) at home. They freeze well, use basic pantry items and taste great!
My friend shared your recipe with me at lunch. Amazing. Thanks!
You are so sweet to come by and comment. I am so glad you enjoyed them.
Wish I hadn’t stumbled across your blog today – am fasting and sooooo hungry. Would love a plate of pot stickers – they look amazing.
Thanks for stopping in and saying “hello.” I dropped by your blog, I love your chai bundt cake!! Looks wonderful!
Living in such a rural area, I just don’t have any access to decent Potstickers. I will have to follow your recipe, and just make them at home!
Hi Kris, they really are super easy to make and all the ingredients are generally available in the grocery store. If round wonton wrappers are not available, substitute for the square ones. Sesame oil is usually on the international foods aisle of my market around the soy sauce and other Asian ingredients or can be purchased on a site like Amazon. I think once you make them at home, you will be craving them, too!!