These easy Asian Dumpling Soup is full of flavor, yet takes minutes to make!
It’s the first Monday of March, and that means it’s time for another edition of my monthly series, Motivation Monday.
For me, healthy living is all about motivation. It’s about finding the motivation to cook instead of order takeout , go for a walk, or skip a second helping. Each Motivation Monday features easy tips and a healthy recipe.
Last month, my focus was on developing a consistent exercise routine, and my goal was to exercise 4 days a week. I’m happy to report that, save a missed workout or two, I did really well. I did lots of barre and pilates type workouts, and I’m looking forward to keeping it up in March and beyond (hopefully, spring weather will show up soon so I can get outside!).
For March, my focus is going to be on getting enough sleep (see my tips below). Plus, I’m sharing a recipe for a delicious and easy Asian Dumpling Soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
I’m not entirely sure why, but since moving to New York, my sleeping habits have been absolutely terrible. Not only have I been staying up too late, but when I do finally get to bed, I haven’t been able to fall asleep.
There’s lots of reasons why (stress, staying up too late, a bad shoulder, etc.), but whatever my reason at the moment, I need to make a healthy change.
Tips for Getting Better Sleep
There are a few things that have helped me sleep better in the past, and that I’ll be working into my routine:
- Go to bed at the same time every night. My goal is to have the lights out by midnight on most nights.
- Turn off electronics at least an hour before bedtime. I’ve fallen into the habit of watching TV and/or working on the computer, phone, or iPad right up until bedtime and that needs to stop.
- Get anxiety and stress in check. There is nothing worse than laying down to sleep and having your mind kick in to overdrive. Making a to do list for the next day, writing down the days worries (and then letting them go) , and doing a little stretching before bed all help.
- Wind down before bed with an easy routine. I’m usually really tired before bed, but after washing my face and taking out my contacts, I’m wide awake by the time my head hits the pillow. I’m going to start getting ready for bed a little earlier and then doing a little reading, so I can go directly to bed when I’m tired.
One thing that stresses me out during the week is getting a healthy dinner on the table.
I have a bad habit of waiting until the last minute and then resorting to takeout. And eating a fatty takeout meal late at night is not a great way to prepare for bed!
How to Make Easy Asian Dumpling Soup
My Easy Asian Dumpling Soup is the perfect solution for busy nights. This recipe is so simple that you can have it on the table in 15 minutes. Plus, it’s super light and healthy.
This quick Asian soup uses frozen dumplings to speed things up … you didn’t think I was going to fold my own dumplings on a busy weeknight did you? Ha ha!
Plus, this frozen dumpling soup packed with vegetables. Healthy, easy, and delicious? That’s a recipe for the perfect dinner in my book.
I like to add a little sriracha to spice things up, but it’s totally optional.
Try this easy Asian Dumpling Soup recipe these next time you’re in a pinch at dinner time. Your family won’t be disappointed!
Easy Asian Dumpling Soup
Ingredients
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 head cabbage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- sriracha, to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) package dumplings (I used Trader Joe's Thai Vegetable Gyoza)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only; reserve whites for another use)
Instructions
- Bring vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
- Add carrots and cabbage to broth, then return to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook vegetables are tender, about 5 - 10 minutes.
- When veggies are tender, add soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha to soup. Stir well. Season with additional soy sauce, if necessary.
- While vegetables are cooking, prepare dumplings according to package directions. (I microwaved mine, which took about 5 minutes.)
- To serve, divide dumplings between four large soup bowls. Ladle broth and vegetables over the top and sprinkle with green onions. Enjoy!
Nutrition
If you liked this vegetable Asian soup recipe with dumplings, make sure to check out all of my soup recipes.
From healthy vegetables soups to creamy tomato soups, there is a recipe for everyone!
Loved this Motivation Monday post?
If you enjoyed these easy tips for eating and living healthier, make sure to check out all of my Motivation Monday posts!
- Spicy Chili Pepper Edamame + Healthy Snack Ideas
- Berry Green Smoothie + Tips for Creating an Exercise Routine
- Mango Parfait + Revisiting Goals
- Picnic Recipes + Enjoying the Outdoors
- Greek Quinoa Salad + Tips for Losing Weight
- Chinese Chopped Salad + Tips for Getting Back on Track
What is your best tip for getting a good night’s sleep? Do you have a favorite meal that takes minutes to prepare?
The post Easy Asian Dumpling Soup + Tips for Getting Better Sleep appeared first on Hello Little Home.
