Korean Kimchi Soup
Tofu and Dumplings

A hearty, rustic Korean-style kimchi soup featuring well-fermented cabbage, soft tofu, savory dumplings, and a gently cooked egg in a rich, spicy broth.

Ingredients

• 1 packet aged kimchi
• 1 piece pork fat stuffing
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp spicy sauce
• 1 tbsp soybean paste
• 1 pinch sugar
• 500 ml pure water
• 1 portion enoki mushrooms
• 0.5 block soft tofu
• several dumplings
• 1 egg
• to taste scallions
• to taste chili peppers

Instructions

1. 1Add Sesame Oil

   

   Pour sesame oil into an empty earthenware pot placed on a stove burner to heat up the base.

   Tip: Sesame oil provides a fragrant aromatic base ideal for spicy stir-fried cabbage dishes.
2. 2Add Minced Pork

   

   Drop a piece of minced pork fat stuffing into the pot containing the heated sesame oil.

   Tip: You can use frozen pork fat directly without thawing if you are short on time.
3. 3Add Kimchi

   

   Pour kimchi straight from a red packet into the pot along with the browned minced meat.

   Tip: Slightly older, well-fermented sour cabbage yields a much tastier kimchi soup.
4. 4Add Pastes

   

   Stir-fry the kimchi mixture until it becomes relatively dry, then add a spoonful of spicy sauce and a spoonful of soybean paste.

   Tip: Combining spicy sauce and soybean paste builds a rich, deep flavor profile.
5. 5Add Sugar

   

   Sprinkle a little sugar directly into the bubbling mixture to enhance the overall flavor.

   Tip: A small touch of sugar balances out the sharp acidity of the fermented cabbage.
6. 6Pour Water

   

   Pour pure water from a measuring cup into the pot over the seasoned ingredients.

   Tip: Using warm water helps the pot come to a boil much faster.
7. 7Add Enoki Mushrooms

   

   Place a portion of fresh enoki mushrooms directly into the simmering red soup base, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors of the broth.

   Tip: Enoki mushrooms cook very quickly, so add them towards the end of simmering.
8. 8Add Soft Tofu

   

   Gently slide half a block of soft tofu into the boiling soup using a wooden spatula to maintain its shape while incorporating it into the dish.

   Tip: Be careful not to break the tofu too much so it stays chunky in the soup.
9. 9Garnish with Scallions

   

   Chop green onions or scallions directly over the bubbling pot using kitchen scissors to add a fresh aroma and vibrant color to the soup.

   Tip: Fresh scallions add a wonderful aromatic finish right before serving.
10. 10Add Fresh Chili Peppers

    

    Snip fresh red and green chili peppers directly into the simmering pot to enhance both the spicy flavor profile and the visual appeal of the dish.

    Tip: Adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your preferred heat level.
11. 11Crack an Egg

    

    Turn off the heat and crack a fresh egg directly into the bubbling soup, using the residual heat of the pot to gently cook it.

    Tip: Sterilized eggs are recommended if you prefer the yolk to remain soft and runny.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions