Korean Kimchi Beef Tofu Soup
A vibrant, spicy Kimchi Beef Tofu Soup that's low-calorie, fragrant, and perfectly satisfying. Recreate this restaurant-favorite comfort dish at home in minutes.
This Korean-inspired soup captures the addictive, tangy, and spicy depth of authentic kimchi stew. With tender beef, soft tofu, and chewy glass noodles, it creates a perfectly balanced meal that is as nutritious as it is flavorful. It is an ideal, guilt-free dinner for those seeking something hearty yet light on the weight-loss journey.
Ingredients
- 200 g beef, thinly sliced
- 150 g kimchi
- 200 g tofu, cubed
- 50 g glass noodles
- 100 g enoki mushrooms
- 1 tbsp starch
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Korean spicy paste (gochujang)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 0.5 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp onion, sliced
- to taste green and red chili peppers
- to taste water
Instructions
- 1Soak the glass noodles
Place the dry glass noodles into a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak until they are soft and ready for use in the soup.
Tip: Ensure the water is hot enough to soften the noodles quickly, but not boiling, to maintain their texture. - 2Prepare the beef
Thinly slice the beef and place it on a plate. Add a spoonful of starch, which helps keep the beef tender during cooking.
Tip: Coating the beef in starch creates a protective layer that keeps it juicy. - 3Marinate the beef
Add a spoonful of light soy sauce and a spoonful of oyster sauce to the beef. Mix well and let it marinate for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Tip: Marinating for at least 20 minutes is key to ensuring the beef is flavorful. - 4Prepare the signature sauce
In a small bowl or gravy boat, combine a spoonful of Korean spicy paste, a spoonful of chili powder, half a spoonful of sugar, a spoonful of light soy sauce, and a large spoonful of water. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Tip: The sugar helps balance the heat from the spicy paste and chili powder. - 5Sauté the onions
Heat a pan with oil and add the sliced red onions. Stir-fry over medium heat until they become fragrant and start to soften.
Tip: Sautéing the onions first builds a sweet, aromatic base for the soup. - 6Add kimchi and sauce
Add the kimchi to the pan with the sautéed onions, then pour in the prepared red sauce. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients.
Tip: Combining the kimchi and sauce early allows their flavors to meld thoroughly before adding liquid. - 7Add ingredients to the broth
Once the kimchi and sauce broth has reached a boil, incorporate the prepared ingredients in order. Add the enoki mushrooms, tofu cubes, marinated beef slices, and the softened glass noodles into the pan, ensuring they are well-distributed in the bubbling broth.
Tip: Add ingredients in stages if needed, but ensure the beef is cooked through while keeping the tofu intact. - 8Garnish with fresh chili
For the final touch, add the freshly sliced green and red chili peppers to the simmering soup. This adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh spicy kick just before serving.
Tip: Adjust the amount of chili based on your spice preference, but dont skip it as it enhances the overall flavor profile.
