Korean Kimchi Soup (Kimchi Jjigae)

Korean Kimchi Soup, or Kimchi Jjigae, is a hearty, spicy, and flavorful stew that’s a staple in Korean cuisine. Made with fermented kimchi, pork or tofu, and savory seasonings, this soup warms the soul and delivers a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and umami flavors. Ideal for chilly evenings or comforting family meals, it’s a dish that’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings authentic Korean flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. You’ll love the rich, tangy broth that develops from fermented kimchi, the tender chunks of pork or tofu, and the bold, comforting flavors that make this soup a staple in Korean households. It’s also versatile, allowing adjustments for spice levels or protein preferences.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Kimchi Jjigae is not only delicious but also nourishing. Packed with protein from pork or tofu, probiotics from kimchi, and fiber from vegetables, this soup offers a balanced, comforting meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.

• Calories: ~250–300
• Protein: 15–20g (with pork or tofu)
• Carbohydrates: 12–15g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2–3g
• Sugar: 3g

(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.)

Time Breakdown

Quick to prepare and cook, this recipe takes under 40 minutes from start to finish. With minimal prep and simmering time, you can enjoy a bowl of authentic Korean soup without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients make all the difference. Well-fermented kimchi, a choice of protein, aromatics like garlic and onion, and a few essential seasonings come together to create a flavorful, umami-rich broth that’s both comforting and satisfying.

• 2 cups well-fermented kimchi, chopped
• 1 cup kimchi juice (optional, for extra flavor)
• 200–300g pork belly or shoulder, thinly sliced (or tofu for vegetarian option)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, optional for extra spice)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cups water or broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Having all your ingredients ready makes cooking seamless. Kimchi, kimchi juice, pork or tofu, aromatics, and seasonings ensure you can recreate the authentic Korean flavors easily and efficiently.

• Kimchi and kimchi juice
• Pork or tofu
• Onion, garlic, green onions
• Soy sauce and sesame oil
• Gochugaru (optional)
• Water or broth
• Salt and pepper

How to Make – Step by Step

Step-by-step instructions make this dish approachable for any cook. From sautéing aromatics to simmering the soup with protein and kimchi, these steps ensure the flavors meld perfectly for a rich and savory broth.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant.
2. Cook the Protein: Add pork slices (or tofu) and cook until slightly browned.
3. Add Kimchi: Stir in chopped kimchi and gochugaru. Cook for 3–4 minutes to release the kimchi flavors.
4. Add Broth: Pour in water or broth and kimchi juice if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
5. Season: Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes for flavors to meld.
6. Finish: Stir in chopped green onions just before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be customized. Swap pork for beef, chicken, or mushrooms, use tofu for a vegetarian option, or adjust spice levels with more or less gochugaru. Each variation allows you to enjoy the soup while tailoring it to your preferences.

• Protein: Use beef, chicken, or mushrooms instead of pork.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit pork and use tofu or mushrooms as the protein.
• Spice Level: Adjust gochugaru or add fresh chili for more heat.
• Broth: Use vegetable, chicken, or beef broth to enhance flavor depth.

Serving Suggestions

Kimchi Jjigae is traditionally served with steamed rice, but it also pairs well with Korean side dishes like pickled radish, seasoned spinach, or seaweed salad. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an authentic presentation.

• Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Pair with Korean side dishes like pickled radish or seasoned spinach.
• Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Storing Tips

Proper storage preserves flavor and texture. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat gently to maintain the soup’s richness. Some ingredients, like tofu, may soften slightly after reheating.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop to retain flavor and texture.
• Freezing: Kimchi soup can be frozen, but tofu may become slightly softer after thawing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple soups can go wrong. Using fresh kimchi instead of fermented kimchi reduces tang and depth, overcooking the protein can make it tough, and skipping kimchi juice or broth lessens the flavor intensity. Following these tips ensures the best results.

• Using Fresh Kimchi: The soup tastes best with well-fermented kimchi for deep, tangy flavor.
• Overcooking Pork: Cut thin slices and cook just until tender to avoid toughness.
• Skipping Broth: Using only water without kimchi juice or broth reduces the depth of flavor.

Chef’s Special Tips

Simmer the soup slowly to allow flavors to meld and season gradually since kimchi can be salty. For added spice, sprinkle extra gochugaru or drizzle chili oil just before serving. Serve hot for maximum flavor and comfort.

• Let the soup simmer slowly to allow flavors to meld.
• Adjust seasoning gradually; kimchi can be quite salty.
• Serve with extra gochugaru or chili oil for those who love spice.

Conclusion

Korean Kimchi Soup (Kimchi Jjigae) is a comforting, flavorful stew that embodies the best of Korean home cooking. With tangy kimchi, tender pork or tofu, and a spicy, savory broth, it’s a meal that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds. Easy to make and full of authentic flavor, this soup is perfect for both weekday dinners and cozy weekend meals.

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