How to Make Classic Korean Soups at Home

Korean cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and comforting dishes, with classic soups playing a central role in many meals. Making these indulgent soups at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a look at how to prepare some popular traditional Korean soups.

1. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

Kimchi Jjigae is a staple in Korean households, known for its spicy and tangy flavors. To make this soup, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups of well-fermented kimchi
  • 1 block of tofu, cut into cubes
  • 200g pork belly or tuna (optional)
  • 4 cups of water or anchovy broth
  • 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, sauté the pork belly until slightly browned.
  2. Add the kimchi and cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the water or anchovy broth, then stir in gochujang and gochugaru.
  4. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Add the tofu and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.

2. Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)

Sundubu Jjigae is a delightful soft tofu stew that’s perfect for a chilly day. The texture of the soft tofu combined with bold flavors makes it a favorite for many. Ingredients required include:

  • 1 tube of soft silken tofu
  • 100g of seafood mix or meat (such as beef or pork)
  • 1 tablespoon of gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • Sliced green onions and an egg for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, heat the sesame oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add your meat or seafood and stir-fry until cooked through.
  3. Stir in the gochujang and sauté for one more minute.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Add the tofu and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Crack an egg into the stew right before serving, and garnish with green onions.

3. Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)

Doenjang Jjigae is a nourishing stew made from fermented soybean paste, making it both flavorful and nutritious. Essential ingredients include:

  • 2 tablespoons of doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 cups of water
  • A handful of mushrooms (shiitake or enoki)
  • Tofu (optional)
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, combine water and doenjang, stirring to dissolve the paste.
  2. Add the vegetables (potatoes, zucchini, onions) and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Incorporate the mushrooms and tofu, then continue to simmer until all vegetables are tender.
  4. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve topped with sliced green onions.

4. Galbitang (Beef Short Rib Soup)

Galbitang is a hearty soup made with tender beef short ribs, perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. Key ingredients include:

  • 600g beef short ribs
  • 10 cups of water
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • Daikon radish, cut into chunks
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Soak