How to Make the Best Korean Soups from Scratch

Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, nutritious ingredients, and hearty soups. Making the best Korean soups from scratch might seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create authentic, flavorful dishes right in your kitchen. Here’s a guide to help you get started on your journey to soup perfection.

1. Essential Ingredients for Korean Soups

Before diving into specific recipes, it’s essential to gather some key ingredients common in Korean cooking:

  • Gochoo-garu (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • Miso paste or Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
  • Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • Korean spices such as sesame oil and soy sauce
  • Fresh vegetables like napa cabbage, scallions, and mushrooms
  • Bone broth or dashi for depth of flavor

2. Classic Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

Kimchi jjigae is a beloved Korean stew made with kimchi, tofu, and pork or tuna. It embodies the essence of Korean flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of aged kimchi
  • 100g pork belly or tuna
  • 1 block of tofu, cubed
  • 4 cups of broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • 1 tablespoon of gochujang
  • 1 teaspoon of gochoo-garu
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, sauté the pork belly until browned.
  2. Add kimchi and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in gochujang and gochoo-garu, mixing well.
  4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Add tofu and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Garnish with green onions before serving.

3. Tofu and Mushroom Soup (Sundubu Jjigae)

This soft tofu soup is perfect for comfort food lovers and can be adapted to be vegan-friendly.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block of soft tofu (sundubu)
  • 1 cup of mixed mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, etc.)
  • 1 tablespoon of gochugaru
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a pot and add mushrooms, cooking until soft.
  2. Stir in gochugaru and cook for another minute.
  3. Add vegetable broth and soy sauce; bring to a boil.
  4. Carefully add the soft tofu, breaking it into chunks.
  5. Simmer for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions.

4. Spicy Korean Chicken Soup (Dak Guksoo)

This hearty chicken soup is perfect for chilly days and is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken, cleaned
  • 5 cups of water
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 tablespoon of gochujang
  • 2 cups of sliced vegetables (carrots, zucchini)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine chicken, water, garlic, and onion. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked.