If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, a hearty Korean soup might just be what you need. Korean soups (or jjigae) are a staple in many Korean households, offering rich flavors and a variety of textures. Whether you’re familiar with Korean cuisine or a newcomer eager to try something new, there’s a soup for every occasion.
Today, we’re diving into a simple yet delicious Korean soup recipe that’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that’ll warm you up from the inside out. This dish is perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike, offering a balance of savory, spicy, and umami-rich flavors that make Korean food so iconic.
So, if you’re ready to spice up your dinner routine and give your taste buds a treat, let’s dive in!
Easy Korean Soup Recipe
This easy-to-make Korean soup recipe is all about bringing together a handful of pantry staples, fresh ingredients, and a few simple steps. It’s ideal for a cozy weeknight meal or even a casual dinner party. The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility – you can tailor it to your preferences, whether you like it spicier or milder.
Recipe Overview
- Type of soup: Korean-style, savory, and spicy
- Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Level of difficulty: Easy
Let’s go over the ingredients and cooking process to help you bring this dish to life.
Ingredients Needed
To create this easy Korean soup, you’ll need a mix of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make sure your soup comes out full of flavor:
- Kimchi – 1 cup (fermented and spicy cabbage that adds a tangy kick to the soup)
- Tofu – 1 block (firm tofu works best for a hearty texture)
- Pork belly – 200g (or beef, if preferred, for a richer soup)
- Onion – 1 medium-sized (adds sweetness and depth)
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced (brings in a fragrant, savory base)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) – 1 tablespoon (adds heat and depth of flavor)
- Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) – 1 teaspoon (for that signature spicy Korean kick)
- Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons (for umami and saltiness)
- Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon (adds richness and a toasted aroma)
- Vegetable or chicken broth – 4 cups (for the soup base)
- Scallions – 2, chopped (for garnish and fresh flavor)
- Zucchini – 1 small, sliced (adds a mild sweetness and texture)
- Salt – to taste
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to put them together. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a steaming bowl of Korean soup ready in no time!
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Prep The Ingredients
- Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the tofu into cubes.
- Slice the onion and zucchini.
- Mince the garlic.
- If you haven’t already, chop up the scallions for garnish.
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Cook The Pork Belly
- Heat a pot over medium heat and add the sesame oil.
- Add the pork belly pieces and sauté them until golden brown and slightly crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Add The Vegetables
- Toss in the minced garlic, onion, and zucchini, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
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Build The Broth
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Add The Kimchi And Seasonings
- Stir in the kimchi, gochujang, gochugaru, and soy sauce.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes to fully integrate the flavors.
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Add Tofu
- Carefully add the tofu cubes to the pot and let them warm through, simmering for another 5 minutes.
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Final Adjustments
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed – add a pinch of salt or more soy sauce if it’s not salty enough.
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Garnish & Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with fresh chopped scallions.
Enjoy with steamed rice, or simply as a standalone meal!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this Korean soup serves a specific purpose, adding its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the key components:
- Kimchi: Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbage, with chili pepper and other seasonings. It’s tangy, spicy, and has a complex umami flavor. Its fermentation adds a healthy dose of probiotics, making it a great gut-friendly addition to the soup.
- Gochujang: This thick, spicy-sweet paste is a staple in Korean kitchens. It’s made from fermented soybeans, rice, and chili peppers, and it adds heat, depth, and a slight sweetness to the dish. It’s what gives the soup that signature Korean flavor profile.
- Tofu: Tofu provides a soft, creamy texture that absorbs the flavors of the broth. It’s also a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making the dish not only filling but also healthy.
- Pork Belly: Pork belly adds richness to the soup. It’s fatty, tender, and provides a deep savory flavor that balances out the spiciness of the gochujang and the tanginess of the kimchi.
- Sesame Oil: This oil is used for its toasty aroma and adds a layer of richness to the soup. It’s a key ingredient in many Korean dishes and gives the soup its characteristic nutty finish.
Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to elevate this Korean soup:
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, making your own broth can significantly elevate the flavor of this dish. Homemade chicken or vegetable broth will give your soup a fuller, more complex taste.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of very spicy food, you can adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce or omit the chili flakes entirely.
- Use Extra Firm Tofu: If you want the tofu to hold up better during cooking, opt for extra firm tofu. It won’t break down as easily in the broth.
- Let it Rest: Soups often taste even better the next day! If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge, and allow the flavors to develop further.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of Korean soups is their adaptability. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Spicy Seafood Soup: Swap out the pork belly for seafood like shrimp, mussels, or squid. Add a bit of fish sauce for extra umami.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and go entirely plant-based. Replace the pork belly with extra vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or spinach. You can also add some shiitake mushrooms for a more earthy flavor.
- Kimchi-Free: If you’re not a fan of kimchi or don’t have any on hand, you can make a simplified version of this soup by using just gochujang and adding extra vegetables like napa cabbage.
Final Words
This easy Korean soup recipe is an absolute winner if you’re looking for something that’s both quick and deeply satisfying. With minimal effort, you can have a bowl of flavorful, rich soup on the table in no time. It’s a great dish for beginners to try, yet it packs enough depth for seasoned cooks to appreciate. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your tastes and dietary needs.