These nourishing Korean soups have been my obsession lately! They are just my favorite thing on the planet Earth right now.
These bowls are brothy, drippy, savory, salty, and all around just in your face in the best kind of way. I’ve been making them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all manner of “meals” in between.
1. Korean Spicy Ramen Soup
I just cannot pass up a steaming hot bowl of Korean spicy ramen. It’s umami, spicy, and so carb-satisfying all in one bowl.
This crave-worthy recipe features tender pork belly and soft-boiled eggs swimming in a spicy kimchi and gochujang broth.
Grab those chopsticks and slurp away. This one is just SO good.
2. Korean pumpkin porridge (Hobakjuk)
What’s a better way to enjoy a chilly autumn day than with a thick bowl of Korean pumpkin porridge?
Also known as hobakjuk, this pumpkin soup is just so creamy and has a velvety smooth finish.
To make it, you’ll puree pumpkins and then top it all off with chewy rice cake balls for a Korean twist.
3. Korean Spinach Soup
Not all soups need long cooking times. This Korean spinach soup is SO EASY and fast, coming together in less than 30 minutes.
Fresh spinach balances out browned beef for a simple, heartwarming bowl. Want to spice it up? Add a splash of chili oil or a Sriracha drizzle.
4. Seolleongtang (Ox Bone Soup)
Sip your way to health with seolleongtang. This ox bone soup is as rich in nutrition as it is in taste.
Ox bones are left to boil until they make this amazingly creamy, milky broth.
Pour yourself a piping hot bowl and pair it with a side of rice or glass noodles if you feel like it.
5. Kimchi Soup with Canned Tuna
Not sure what to do with that can of tuna in the pantry? Well, I have the recipe for you!
Kimchi soup with canned tuna is spicy , savory, and just SO tasty. It’s also loaded with probiotics and protein.
Just add your ingredients to a big pot and boil. Dinner is ready in no time flat.
6. Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Samgyetang is a summer favorite that just invigorates the body and soul.
This soup has a whole, small chicken that gets stuffed with sweet rice, garlic cloves, dried jujubes, ginkgo nuts, and Korean ginseng.
For a fresh twist, top your bowl with chopped green onions and a spoonful of kimchi.
7. Kimchi Stew with Tomatoes
You haven’t really lived until you’ve tried this kimchi soup. It’s hearty , cozy, and just bursting with flavor.
The mix of rich tomato sauce and tangy kimchi come together just perfectly.
You can add a hunk of seared pork butt for a heartier stew. Or, just use tofu to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
8. Jeongol (Mushroom Hot Pot)
When I daydream about authentic Korean soup, this is EXACTLY what I’m picturing.
Jeongol, a Korean hot pot, is a total feast of veggies swimming in a tantalizing broth that cooks right at your table.
To build this recipe, you’ll toss all your raw veggies into a shallow pot and pour in steaming vegetable broth.
You can pick from a mix of mushrooms, but I personally prefer oyster mushrooms for their savory taste.
9. Korean Beef Noodle Soup
Slurp-worthy doesn’t even begin to cover this bowl of deliciousness.
This mouthwatering soup is loaded with shredded short rib, glass noodles, chopped bok choy, and sliced shiitake mushrooms.
It also wouldn’t be complete without a drizzle of fish sauce.
It’s protein-rich and packed with veggies, and this rich soup will satisfy all those umami cravings.
10. Kongbiji Jjigae (Ground Soybean Stew)
Kongbiji is a comforting stew that features creamy soybeans. Now, that might not sound like a huge deal, but don’t let this ingredient fool you!
Earthy, nutty soybeans are the perfect base to build deep flavors.
Layers of spicy gochugaru, kimchi, ginger, and pork shoulder all come together beautifully with this legume. It all results in a seriously flavorful stew.
11. Red Bean Soup
This popular Korean dish is traditionally eaten on the winter solstice for good luck.
But you don’t need to wait until the new year to eat this appetizing meal!
This soup features sticky rice cake balls and a red bean mash. For a garnish, a sprinkle of sugar is all you need.
The result is an earthy, sweet, creamy porridge that would be amazing for breakfast or dinner.
12. Kongnamul Guk (Soybean Sprout Soup)
Kongnamul guk is just perfect for when you want a light, gut-healing soup.
This recipe calls for crunchy soybean sprouts and a flavorful anchovy broth. That simplicity gives the soup a clean, nourishing flavor.
You can pair this soup with a heartier meal or just eat it all by itself. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want a nutritious choice.
13. Beef Short Rib Soup
For those times I’m craving a rich, satiating Korean soup, I always go for this recipe.
Thick cuts of beef short ribs are left to simmer with onions and garlic, and they develop such an unbelievable complex flavor.
It’s a flavor so good , you’ll want to make a huge batch just so you can enjoy the leftovers.
14. Dduk Guk (Korean Rice Cake Soup)
Dduk guk is a bowl of umami bliss. This Korean rice cake soup brings together all the flavors you want in one giant yummy bowl.
Ingredients include salty seaweed, melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket, and soft omelette slices.
But the real secret is in the sauce. You’ll want to use Korean soup soy sauce, which is lighter in color and saltier in flavor.
15. Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup
If you have a craving for umami, this cabbage soup is for you. This recipe uses not just Korean soybean paste but miso paste, too.
While miso isn’t a traditional Korean ingredient, it adds a deep layer of salty tanginess.
This creates the ideal umami flavor to complement the lean strips of beef and the mound of mild cabbage.
16. Kimchi Ramen
If you’re not adding kimchi to your ramen, you are missing out! Kimchi is a Korean staple that just takes ramen to a whole new level.
Besides kimchi, this ramen brings together umami mushrooms, firm tofu, and my personal favorite, jammy eggs.
All you have to do is decide whether to use beef, chicken, or veggie broth.
17. Korean Beef and Radish Soup
I know, eating healthy in the winter can feel like a chore. That’s why I am SO into this beef and radish soup.
The daikon radishes are a welcome burst of freshness.
Meanwhile, the beef short ribs satisfy your comfort food cravings. Try this one the next time you want healthy comfort food.
