How to Make the Best Korean Soups for a Crowd

Korean cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and hearty dishes, and soup is an integral part of it. If you're planning to entertain a group and want to impress them with delicious Korean soups, you’re in for a treat. Here’s how to make the best Korean soups for a crowd, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied and full.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Popular Korean soups often feature fresh vegetables, proteins, and traditional seasonings. Here’s a simple list for you:

  • Meat options: beef, pork, or chicken
  • Vegetables: daikon radish, scallions, mushrooms, zucchini, and napa cabbage
  • Tofu
  • Noodles: udon or glass noodles
  • Korean chili paste (gochujang) or chili flakes (gochugaru)
  • Garlic, ginger, and sesame oil
  • Broth: beef bone broth or chicken stock

2. Choose the Right Soup

Decide on the type of Korean soup you’d like to make. Here are a few popular options:

  • Kimchi Jjigae: A spicy stew made with kimchi, tofu, and pork or beef.
  • Galbitang: A hearty beef rib soup that is perfect for gatherings.
  • Doenjang Jjigae: A fermented soy bean paste stew that includes vegetables and tofu.
  • Samgyetang: A traditional ginseng chicken soup, perfect for hot summer days.

3. Preparation Steps

Now that you’ve chosen your soup, here’s a general preparation guide:

For Kimchi Jjigae:

  1. Sauté diced pork or beef in sesame oil until browned.
  2. Add chopped kimchi and continue to stir-fry for a few minutes.
  3. Pour in your broth and bring it to a boil.
  4. Add tofu cubes and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with scallions on top.

For Galbitang:

  1. Begin by boiling beef ribs to remove impurities, then drain and rinse.
  2. In a large pot, cover the ribs with water, add ginger and garlic, and simmer for at least two hours.
  3. Add daikon, scallions, and other vegetables, and continue cooking until tender.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

For Doenjang Jjigae:

  1. In a pot, heat water and mix in doenjang until dissolved.
  2. Add in your preferred vegetables and tofu.
  3. Simmer until vegetables are cooked through.
  4. Adjust seasoning as necessary and serve with rice.

4. Serving Suggestions

When serving Korean soup, presentation and sides matter. Here are some ideas:

  • Serve your soup in individual stone bowls for an authentic touch.
  • Pair each soup with steamed rice and a variety of banchan (side dishes) such as pickled radish, seasoned spinach, and Korean pancakes (jeon).
  • Don’t forget to provide some kimchi on the side!

5. Tips for Making Soups for a Crowd

Cooking for a large group has its challenges. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Make a large batch: Increase the ingredient quantities based on the number of guests.
  • Prep in advance: Chop vegetables and marinate meat the night before.
  • Consider a buffet setup: Set up a self-service station where guests can ladle their own soup and add toppings.
  • Keep it warm: Use a slow cooker or a large pot on a low flame to keep the soup warm for longer.

Making the best Korean soups for a crowd is not only about the flavors but also