Spicy and Refreshing Kimchi Bean Sprout Soup
The Perfect Comforting Kimchi Bean Sprout Soup for Chilly Days
As the weather fluctuates, it seems many people are catching colds, right? When you feel a chill in your body, nothing beats a hearty bowl of spicy kimchi and bean sprout soup. This soup is known for its invigoratingly spicy broth and the refreshing crunch of bean sprouts, perfectly balanced with the tang of fermented kimchi. It’s a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out. Let’s learn how to make this comforting soup.
Main Ingredients- 200g Bean Sprouts (about 1 large handful)
- 1.5 cups Kimchi (well-fermented)
- 4 cups Rice Water (approx. 800ml)
- 1 stalk Green Onion (thinly sliced)
Seasoning & Aromatics- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce or Soy Sauce for Soup
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce or Soy Sauce for Soup
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces, about 1-1.5 cm wide. Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under cold running water and drain them. Tip: Be gentle when washing the bean sprouts to avoid removing their heads.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it softens slightly. Pour in the rice water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for another 5 minutes to let the kimchi flavor infuse into the broth. Tip: Stir-frying the kimchi removes any harshness and deepens the soup’s flavor.
Step 3
Once the kimchi flavor has developed in the broth, add the rinsed bean sprouts and cook them together. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bean sprouts are tender-crisp. Tip: Avoid overcooking the bean sprouts, as they can become mushy and lose their refreshing taste.
Step 4
When the bean sprouts are cooked, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, and 2 tablespoons of fish sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your preference. Finally, stir in the sliced green onions, bring to a brief boil, and then turn off the heat. Your spicy and refreshing kimchi bean sprout soup is ready!
Step 5
On days with significant temperature changes like these, a hot bowl of kimchi bean sprout soup will warm your body and lift your spirits. It’s delicious served over rice or enjoyed on its own as a satisfying meal. Enjoy your cooking!
