Spicy Kimchi Beef Tofu Soup
A refreshing and savory Korean-inspired stew perfect for summer. This tangy kimchi-based broth is packed with tender beef, silken tofu, and mushrooms.
When the summer heat makes it hard to find your appetite, this Kimchi Beef Tofu Soup is the perfect restorative meal. The fermented kimchi provides a tangy, spicy base that awakens the palate, while the combination of tender beef and silky tofu makes the dish both substantial and easy on the stomach. It is a quick, vibrant, and non-greasy soup that pairs beautifully with a steaming bowl of rice.
Ingredients
- 200 g beef slices
- 200 g fermented kimchi
- 1 block silken tofu
- 100 g enoki mushrooms
- 1/2 onion
- 1 tbsp Korean chili paste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp starch
- 1 tsp chili powder
- to taste fresh green chili
- to taste fresh red chili
Instructions
- 1Season the beef
Place the raw beef slices into a shallow tray. Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce over the beef, then sprinkle with starch to ensure a tender texture.
Tip: Adding starch helps keep the beef slices tender and succulent during the simmering process. - 2Marinate the beef
Using your hands, thoroughly massage the sauces and starch into the raw beef slices. Allow the beef to marinate for 20 minutes so the flavors can penetrate.
Tip: A thorough massage ensures every slice is evenly coated and seasoned. - 3Sauté the onions
Heat a small amount of oil in a pot. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry until they become fragrant and start to soften.
Tip: Sautéing onions first builds a sweet, flavorful base for the soup. - 4Add the kimchi
Add the fermented kimchi to the pot with the onions. Continue to sauté the mixture to release the tangy, spicy flavors of the kimchi.
Tip: Sautéing the kimchi helps to mellow its acidity and deepen its savory flavor. - 5Add the seasoning mixture
Pour the prepared mixture of Korean chili paste, tomato paste, soy sauce, and chili powder into the pot.
Tip: The combination of chili paste and tomato paste creates a rich, complex, and vibrant red broth. - 6Stir-fry the base
Stir-fry the kimchi, onions, and seasoning mixture together in the pot until well combined and the flavors are fully developed.
Tip: Ensure the ingredients are well incorporated before adding water or broth to the soup. - 7Prepare the soup base
Pour fresh water into the pot containing the sautéed kimchi and aromatics to create the soup base for your beef and tofu stew.
Tip: Using warm water can help bring the soup to a boil faster. - 8Add tofu and mushrooms
Gently add the enoki mushrooms and cubes of silken tofu into the bubbling kimchi broth. Be careful when adding the tofu to keep the cubes intact.
Tip: Silken tofu is delicate, so stir gently to avoid breaking it apart. - 9Cook the beef
Add the marinated beef slices into the pot with the soup. Cook until the beef changes color, indicating it is cooked through, then serve immediately.
Tip: Do not overcook the beef to ensure it remains tender and juicy.
