Quick Tomato Bacon Noodle Soup
A comforting, flavor-packed noodle soup built on a rich broth of rendered bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a kick of Korean hot sauce, ready in under 20 minutes.
This dish is a brilliant fusion of everyday comfort and bold flavors. The smoky richness of rendered bacon pairs perfectly with the tartness of fresh tomatoes, creating a robust base for the broth. A spoonful of Korean hot sauce adds depth and warmth, making this an ideal quick meal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tomato
- 100 g bacon
- 1 serving noodles
- 1 small bunch enoki mushrooms
- 1 small bunch bok choy
- 400 ml water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Korean hot sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- to taste green onion
- to taste chili pepper
- to taste salt
- to garnish cilantro
Instructions
- 1Chop the tomato
Begin by washing the tomato, then use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized chunks on a cutting board. This will help the tomato break down quickly and create a rich, flavorful broth.
Tip: Cut the chunks relatively uniform in size so they cook down at the same rate. - 2Chop the green onions
Place the fresh green onions on a cutting board and chop them into small, even pieces. This will release their flavor and prepare them for stir-frying with the bacon.
Tip: Make sure to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate in the pan. - 3Stir-fry bacon and aromatics
Heat a pan and stir-fry the bacon pieces until they become fragrant and release their fat. Add the chopped green onions and chili pepper to the pan, cooking them together until aromatic.
Tip: Let the bacon render its fat slowly before adding the vegetables for the best flavor. - 4Add the tomatoes and seasoning
Pour the freshly chopped tomato chunks into the pan with the cooked bacon and aromatics. Stir well, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices to form a rich base, then mix in the soy sauce and Korean hot sauce.
Tip: Let the tomatoes cook down for a couple of minutes until they turn mushy; this creates a thicker, more flavorful broth base. - 5Pour in the water
After stirring the tomatoes and seasonings, pour a bowl of water into the pan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil to create a flavorful and rich broth base.
Tip: Use hot water to bring the broth to a boil faster and maintain an even cooking temperature. - 6Add mushrooms and noodles
Once the broth is boiling, gently place the enoki mushrooms and noodles into the pot. Let them submerge in the flavorful liquid so they can absorb all the rich seasonings as they cook.
Tip: Gently push the mushrooms down into the broth so they cook evenly alongside the noodles. - 7Stir the noodles
Gently stir the noodles a few times while they cook in the boiling broth. This prevents them from clumping together and ensures they cook through perfectly.
Tip: Dont over-stir; move them just enough to loosen the noodles in the hot broth. - 8Add greens and finishing touches
Finish the dish by adding the fresh bok choy leaves and cilantro into the pot. Season with a little minced garlic and salt to taste, letting the residual heat gently wilt the greens.
Tip: Add delicate greens at the very end so they retain their bright color and slight crunch.
