Winter is here, and what better way to stay warm than with a bowl of delicious, comforting Korean soup? From spicy stews to savory broths, Korean soups are packed with flavor and warmth. Today, we’re sharing some of the best traditional Korean soup recipes to keep you cozy all winter long. Let’s get started!
1. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Kimchi jigae is the typical Korean comfort food, even more appreciated during cool weather. This hearty stew is made with kimchi, pork (or tofu for a vegetarian option), as well as some various vegetables, simmered in a rich broth that’s both spicy and savoury.
Recipe :
Ingredients :
2 cups of chopped fermented kimchi
200g of pork or tofu (veggie option)
1 tablespoon of gochujang, Korean chili paste
1 teaspoon of gochugaru, Korean chili flakes
1 teaspoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
4 cups of anchovy stock or water
1 block of firm cubed tofu
1 sliced green onion
2 minced garlic cloves
Instructions :
Heat the sesame oil in a pot and sauté the pork belly or tofu until it is slightly brown
Add the garlic and sauté until it is fragrant
Stir in the kimchi, gochujang and gochugaru and let it cook for about 5 minutes
Pour in the anchovy stock or water and let it simmer for 20 minutes
Add the tofu and green onions and cook it for about 5 minutes more
Finally you can adjust the seasoning with some soy sauce.
Then serve it hot and enjoy!
Kimchi jjigae is not just tasty and warming but is also full of probiotics from the kimchi which is perfect for boosting your immune system during winter.
2. Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Samgyetang is a classic Korean winter dish, known for its health properties and its ability to restore energy. It features a whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic and ginseng, simmered in a rich aromatic broth. The ginseng is believed to enhance vitality and strength, making this soup a go-to for restoring energy during the colder months.
Recipe :
Ingredients :
1 small whole chicken
¼ cup of glutinous rice soaked in water for an hour
3 cloves of garlic
2 small ginseng roots or tea bags
4 jujube (Korean dates)
6-7 cups of water
Salt and pepper
Green onions
Instructions :
First of all, clean the chicken and stuff it with the rice, the garlic, the ginseng and the jujube
Place the chicken in a large pot then cover it with water and bring it to a boil
Reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook for about an hour and a half until the chicker is tender
Season the broth with salt and pepper and garnish with green onions
Then serve it hot and enjoy!
This tasty dish is a complete meal in itself, full of flavors and perfect for warming you up from the inside out.
Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)
Doenjang jjigae is a must-try if you’re looking for a heartier and more savoury soup. Made with doenjang (fermented soybean paste), tofu and some vegetables, this comforting soup pairs wonderfully with rice and is enjoyed for its rich umami flavor.
Recipe :
Ingredients :
3 tablespoons of deonjang (fermented soybean paste)
1 tablespoon of gochujang for spiciness (optional)
half of a block of cubed firm tofu
1 sliced zucchini
1 small diced potato
half of a chopped onion
1 cup of sliced mushrooms (enoki or shiitake)
4 cups of anchovy stock or water
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
Some green onions and chili for garnish
Instructions :
Heat the sesame oil in a pot and sauté the onions until translucent
Add the zucchini, potato, and mushrooms and stir it for 2 to 3 minutes
Mix in doenjang (and gojuchang if you want some spiciness)
Pour in the anchovy stock or water and bring to a boil
Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender
Add the tofu, garnish with green onion and chili
Then serve it hot and enjoy!
The deep, earthy flavor of the soybean paste combined with tofu and vegetables makes this soup the ultimate comfort food during winter.
4. Bulgogi Jjigae (Bulgogi Stew)
Bulgogi jjigae is a fusion of the classic Korean bulgogi which is marinated beef, with stew. This dish combines the sweet and savoury flavours of bulgogi with the rich and warming broth of a stew, making it an excellent choice for a winter meal.
Recipe :
Ingredients :
200g of bulgogi beef that you will pre marinate with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil
1 cup of chopped kimchi
half of a sliced onion
half of a cup of sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon of gochujang
1 teaspoon of gochugaru
4 cups of beef broth or water
1 sliced green onion
Instructions :
Sauté the beef in a pot until browned
Add the onions, mushrooms and kimchi and cook for 5 minutes
Stir in the gochujang and gochugaru
Pour in beef broth and simmer for 20 minutes
Garnish with some green onions
Then serve it hot and enjoy!
Bulgogi jjigae combines the iconic Korean BBQ with the comforting qualities of a hot stew, ideal for warming you up after a cold day
Miyeok Guk (Seaweed Soup)
Miyeok guk is a staple in Korean cuisine, it is especially enjoyed on birthdays and post-partum recovery, but is also a perfect winter dish. Made with miyeok which is dried seaweed and beef or tofu, this soup is light yet nourishing providing both falvours and health benefits.
Recipe :
Ingredients :
15g of dried miyeok which is seaweed, soaked in water for 10 minutes and then drained
100g of thinly sliced beef
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 teaspoon of soy sauce
1 minced glove of garlic
5 cups or beef broth or water
Salt and pepper
Instructions :
Sauté the seaweed and beef in sesame oil for 2 to 3 minutes
Add the garlic and soy sauce before stirring well
Pour in beef broth or water and bring to a boil
Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes
Season with salt and pepper
Then serve it hot and enjoy!
This soup is packed with minerals from the seaweed and is perfect for a lighter but equally warming meal
Korean soups are an essential part of the winter food culture, offering warmth, comfort and health benefits all in one bowl. So, if you’re looking to try something new this season, give these soups a try!