Delicious Kim Chee Soup Recipe: Warm Up with This Spicy Korean Comfort Food

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of kim chee soup. This Korean classic bursts with flavor and has a delightful kick that warms you from the inside out.

I love how it perfectly blends the tangy, spicy notes of kimchi with savory broth, making it a go-to dish for chilly evenings or when I need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients

To make a delicious kim chee soup, I gather a mix of essential ingredients that bring out the flavors and warmth of this comforting dish.

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups kimchi (chopped)
• 1 cup firm tofu (cubed)
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 medium carrot (julienned)
• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 1 egg (for garnish)
• Additional green onions (for garnish)
• Extra kimchi (for serving)

Instructions

In this section, I will guide you through the steps to make a delicious bowl of kim chee soup, starting with prepping your ingredients and moving on to the cooking process.

Prep

1. Chop the Vegetables: Dice one onion finely and slice two green onions thinly. Peel and slice a medium carrot into thin rounds. Mince three cloves of garlic and one tablespoon of ginger.
2. Prepare the Tofu: Cut 1 block of firm tofu into small cubes and set aside.
3. Gather Ingredients: Have your cooked kimchi ready, and measure out two cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Keep the gochugaru and miso paste handy for later.

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion along with the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about three to five minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. Add Carrots and Kimchi: Toss in the sliced carrots and 1-2 cups of kimchi. Stir and cook for an additional five minutes, allowing the kimchi to release its flavors.
3. Pour in the Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Incorporate Tofu and Season: Carefully add the cubed tofu to the pot. Stir in one tablespoon of soy sauce, one teaspoon of sugar, and one tablespoon of miso paste. Mix well.
5. Add Gochugaru: Depending on your heat preference, add one to two teaspoons of gochugaru for that spicy kick.
6. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld together.
7. Plate and Garnish: Serve hot in bowls, garnishing with the sliced green onions and an egg if desired. Add extra kimchi on the side for those who want more spice. Enjoy your comforting kim chee soup!

Equipment Needed

To make my delicious kim chee soup, I need a few key pieces of equipment that help streamline the cooking process. Here’s what I typically use:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is essential for sautéing the ingredients and simmering the soup. I love using a Dutch oven as it distributes heat evenly.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides me with a safe surface to chop my vegetables and tofu.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes it easy to quickly and cleanly chop onions, carrots, and other ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: I use these for stirring the soup and ensuring everything cooks evenly without scratching my pot.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for flavors, especially when adding soy sauce, sesame oil, and miso paste.
• Measuring Cups: I need these for portioning out liquids like vegetable or chicken broth.
• Ladle: This helps me serve the soup into bowls without spilling.
• Serving Bowls: I like to use deep bowls that can hold a generous portion of soup and toppings.

This simple equipment list allows me to efficiently create a flavorful and hearty kim chee soup.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving my kim chee soup, I love to keep it simple yet satisfying. Here’s how I like to present it for maximum enjoyment:

1. Hot and Fresh: I always serve the soup hot. This enhances the flavors and aromas that greet you when you take your first sip. The warmth of the broth is incredibly comforting.
2. Garnishing Delight: I like to garnish each bowl with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch and an extra touch of color. If I’m feeling indulgent, I add a soft-boiled egg on top for richness. Sometimes, I even drizzle a little sesame oil for an added nutty flavor.
3. Extra Kick with Kimchi: I always provide a side of additional kimchi for those who crave more heat. The tangy and spicy elements really enhance the overall experience of the soup.
4. Pairing Options: I enjoy pairing the soup with steamed rice or Korean-style rice cakes. This not only balances the meal but also offers a great way to soak up those delicious flavors.
5. Beverage Match: To complement the meal, I often serve my favorite Korean beverages. A cold glass of Korean rice wine or barley tea does the trick perfectly.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try making kim chee soup as I am. This dish isn’t just about warming up on a chilly day; it’s a burst of flavors that can brighten any meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, the process is simple and rewarding.

Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. And remember to enjoy it hot with all those delicious garnishes.

I can’t wait to hear how your kim chee soup turns out. Happy cooking!

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