Korean Soups to Pair with Your Favorite Side Dishes

Korean cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors and diverse dishes, with soups playing a significant role in many home-cooked meals. Pairing these comforting soups with an array of side dishes enhances the dining experience. Here, we explore some traditional Korean soups that synergize beautifully with popular banchan (side dishes).

1. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Kimchi jjigae is a staple in Korean households, boasting a robust and spicy flavor profile from fermented kimchi. This hearty stew often includes tofu, pork, or tuna and is served bubbling hot. It pairs excellently with simple rice and sides like pickled radish or seasoned spinach, allowing the spiciness of the stew to balance out the more muted flavors of the sides.

2. Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)
This savory stew made with doenjang (fermented soybean paste) has a rich, umami flavor that is both comforting and nutritious. Common additions include zucchini, potatoes, and mushrooms. Serve it alongside crispy fried fish or a fresh salad of seasoned cucumbers to complement the savory notes of the stew, creating a perfect harmony.

3. Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Samgyetang is a delicately flavored soup featuring a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, and ginseng. Known for its health benefits, this dish is ideal for a nourishing meal. Pair it with traditional sides like kimchi or lightly braised vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. The lightness of the soup combined with the tanginess of kimchi offers a delightful contrast.

4. Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
Sundubu jjigae showcases silky soft tofu in a spicy broth, often featuring seafood or vegetables. It’s typically served with a raw egg, which cooks to perfection in the hot soup. This dish tastes amazing with a side of steamed rice and assorted banchan like pickled vegetables or marinated bean sprouts, balancing the richness of the stew with refreshing bites.

5. Miyeok-guk (Seaweed Soup)
Miyeok-guk is traditionally eaten on birthdays and post-partum recovery, made from seaweed and often flavored with beef or seafood. This light, nutritious soup is great with simple side dishes like boiled eggs or a spicy cucumber salad, adding a refreshing element to the meal.

6. Galbitang (Short Rib Soup)
Rich in flavor, galbitang features tender short ribs cooked in a clear broth with clear radish and vegetables. The sumptuousness of this dish works well with sides such as Korean-style potato salad or seasoned bean sprouts, balancing the savory taste with something light and crispy.

7. Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup)
Traditionally eaten during Lunar New Year, tteokguk consists of sliced rice cakes in a beef broth, symbolizing the gain of a year in age. It pairs well with banchan like seasoned garlic chives or golden fried dumplings, making for a delightful festive meal.

Korean soups offer a wonderful way to experience traditional flavors. By pairing these soups with the right side dishes, you can create a balanced and satisfying dining experience that highlights the best of Korean cuisine.