When the weather gets cold and you want some comfort, a nice bowl of soup can work wonders.
But if you are looking for a soup recipe that is a bit different from your usual go-to dishes, why not try some Korean recipes?
In Korea, soup is a staple part of the country’s cuisine, and there are so many variations that you can try.
If you are in the mood for some authentic Korean soup dishes, stick with us. We have compiled a list of 11 of the best Korean soup recipes that you can make at home.
Popular Korean Soup Recipes
From floury Kalguksu all the way to spicy Gochujang Jjigae, Korea is home to some of the most delicious soups in the world.
If you don’t know where to start when it comes to Korean soup recipes, we suggest starting with some of the most well-known dishes to get you started.
To kick things off, we have included some of the most popular Korean soup recipes below.
Also known as Korean Knife-Cut Soup, Kalguksu is a light and refreshing type of noodle soup that will warm your heart and soul!
This is arguably the most popular soup dish in all of Korea, so it’s also the perfect recipe to kick things off.
Made using handmade knife-cut noodles, prawns, shiitake mushrooms, and a variety of other ingredients, Kalguksu is a refreshing seafood soup that will warm you up on colder nights.
This is a spiceless soup, but if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, add a spoonful of gochujang to heat things up.
Made using Gochujang, a type of Korean red chili paste, Anchovy Fish Sauce, Kalguksu noodles, and more, this recipe will wake up your taste buds and give them a firey kick.
Gochujang Jjigae is also known as ‘Spicy Korean Stew’, and it is a filling dish that looks just as good as it tastes.
If you want to bulk the stew up further, serve with some of your favorite vegetables.
Also known simply as Korean Dumpling Soup, this recipe is made using mandu (dumplings) as the main ingredient.
You can buy dumplings ready-made from an Asian supermarket, but if you are feeling confident, have a go at making them for yourself.
Made with a delicious beef broth, Manduguk is one Korean soup that you don’t want to miss out on. You can make this soup with whatever broth or stock you want though, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
If you want to make a vegan version of Manduguk, use vegan dumplings with vegetable broth instead.
Korean Soup Recipes With Meat
From tender beef all the way to crispy pork belly, there are plenty of meaty Korean soup recipes out there that will suit your tastes.
We have included our picks for the best Korean soup recipes with meat below.
Known more simply as Korean Chicken Soup, Dak Gomtang is the ultimate comfort food.
What makes this recipe so good is that it is full of taste but so simple to make. All you need is a handful of ingredients and an hour in the kitchen to bring it to life.
To experience this recipe fully, make sure you include green onions or scallions, but there is plenty of room to include some extra veggies if you want to experiment.
Serve with goghujang if you want your Dak Gomtang to have an extra kick.
Another popular recipe in Korea, Seolleongtang is also known as Ox Bone Soup.
It is a milky beef bone soup that is made by boiling the ox leg bones for hours until they make the classic broth. It does take a bit of time to make this recipe, but it’s so worth it for the results.
If you plan on making this soup again, we recommend saving the bones. When used more than once, the broth comes out milker the second time around.
This nourishing beef short rib soup recipe is one you will want to make again and again.
Comforting and heartwarming, Galbitang is a meat lover’s dream. The short ribs are slowly simmered for 1 hour to bring out the juicy flavors and are mixed with tangy soy sauce to create a dish that is bursting with flavor.
The ribs are also simmered with radishes, green onions, garlic, and herbs to add a refreshing and aromatic flavor you won’t be able to get enough of.
Serve with extra soy sauce if you like your soup with added tang.
Meatless Korean Soup Recipes
Not everyone enjoys meat, and that’s okay. When it comes to Korean soup, lots of recipes are strictly vegetable and tofu-based.
Whether you are following a vegetarian diet or just want something a little healthier, check out our picks for the best meatless Korean soup recipes below.
Potato soup is popular all over the world, but the Korean version is something really special.
This particular recipe is made using simple ingredients such as potatoes, seaweed, dried anchovies, and Dasida beef soup stock powder, but if you want to make it more vegan-friendly, swap out the beef stock for a vegan alternative.
While the recipe calls for specific vegetables, you are free to experiment and serve the soup with whatever veggies you want, so play around with the flavors a bit.
Made using soybean sprouts as the main ingredient, Kongamul Guk is another light and refreshing soup you can enjoy at any time of day.
You can make Kongamul Guk with any stock or even just water, and each variation is just as nutty and flavorful as the last.
With only a handful of ingredients, you can bring this soup to life in no time at all. Because you won’t be using too many ingredients, you can really play around with the flavors and add any extras if you are feeling adventurous.
Serve with kimchi or gochujang if you want the flavor to be more intense.
Korean Seafood Soup Recipes
Seafood can be found in abundance in Korea, and it pairs wonderfully with soup.
Briney and refreshing, these soups aren’t as intense as the meat options, but they are still absolutely bursting with flavor.
Below, we have included our favorite Korean seafood soup recipes.
Also known as Beef and Seaweed Soup, Miyeok Guk is light, healthy, and nutritious.
The soup is predominantly made with sea mustard (more commonly known as brown seaweed), and some form of protein, with the most popular choice being beef.
This is another simple soup that comes together with minimal ingredients in absolutely no time at all.
Serve with extra soy sauce or even kimchi if you want more tangy flavors.
Conclusion
Soup is ubiquitous in Korean culture, and with this list, you can make the best recipes at home.
You can enjoy each of these soups as a main course or a side dish, so don’t be afraid to pair them with other dishes if you get the chance.
Try some of the recipes we have included here today and see which ones you enjoy the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Koreans Eat A Lot Of Soup?
Yes, soups are a common part of any Korean meal. There are many well-known soup recipes found throughout the country. In Korean culture, soups are served as part of the main course rather than at the beginning or the end of a meal.
What Is The Famous Soup In Korea?
There are lots of contenders for the most famous soup in Korea, but the most well-known one is Kalguksu. It is a summery type of soup that is usually served during the rainy season and on windy summer days.
Do Koreans Use Spoons For Eating Soup?
Yes, they do. When it comes to soups, stews, and even rice dishes, Koreans typically use wooden spoons to eat them.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
