Spicy Tuna Tofu Kimchi Soup

A quick, soul-warming Korean-inspired soup. Featuring tender tofu, crisp bean sprouts, and savory canned tuna in a spicy, umami-rich kimchi broth.

Ingredients

• 1 block tofu
• 1 can tuna in oil
• 2 tbsp kimchi
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 pinch chicken essence
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• to taste onion
• to taste green onion
• to taste chili
• to taste salt

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the Tofu

   

   Place a block of tofu on a cutting board and carefully slice it into small, uniform cubes. These bite-sized pieces will absorb the flavors of the soup broth and provide a soft texture.

   Tip: Use a sharp knife and gentle pressure to ensure the tofu cubes hold their shape without crumbling.
2. 2Prepare the Pot

   

   Pour a small amount of oil from the canned tuna into a white pot. This flavorful oil serves as the base for the soup, adding depth to the aromatics.

   Tip: Save the remaining tuna meat for later in the recipe; using the infused oil first helps build the soups base flavor.
3. 3Stir-fry Aromatics

   

   Add the sliced onion and green onion to the pot with the tuna oil. Stir-fry over medium heat until the vegetables become fragrant and translucent.

   Tip: Keep the heat moderate to prevent the green onions from burning, which can turn the soup base bitter.
4. 4Add Kimchi and Spices

   

   Add two spoonfuls of kimchi and a pinch of chili powder to the aromatics. Stir-fry everything together to release the spicy and tangy flavors of the kimchi into the oil.

   Tip: Stir-frying the kimchi briefly before adding water helps caramelize it and deepens the overall flavor profile of the broth.
5. 5Add Water

   

   Pour fresh water into the pot to create the soup broth. Ensure there is enough liquid to cover the later additions of tuna, tofu, and bean sprouts.

   Tip: Adding the water after stir-frying the kimchi creates a rich, flavorful foundation for the soup.
6. 6Season the Broth

   

   Season the broth by adding a spoonful of light soy sauce and a pinch of chicken essence. These ingredients provide the necessary savory umami notes to balance the tanginess of the kimchi.

   Tip: Adjust the seasoning to taste; the kimchi also provides saltiness, so taste the broth before adding any extra salt later.
7. 7Add Canned Tuna

   

   Gently add the drained canned tuna meat into the simmering, aromatic kimchi broth.

   Tip: Be sure to add the tuna gently so it remains in chunky pieces rather than breaking apart completely.
8. 8Add Tofu and Bean Sprouts

   

   Carefully drop the prepared tofu cubes and fresh bean sprouts into the pot. These ingredients provide a wonderful contrast of tender and crisp textures.

   Tip: Add the bean sprouts just before serving to maintain their signature crunch.
9. 9Add the Egg

   

   Carefully crack an egg directly into the center of the simmering soup.

   Tip: Do not stir the soup after adding the egg if you prefer to keep the yolk intact as a poached element.
10. 10Final Seasoning and Garnish

    

    Finish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions, sliced chili, and a final pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

    Tip: Adjust the salt according to your taste preference, keeping in mind the saltiness of the kimchi and canned tuna.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions