The Heartiest Korean Tofu Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Bubbling with rich flavors, this hearty korean tofu soup promises comfort in every spoonful.

Warmth radiates from its steaming broth, carrying delicate soft tofu cubes.

Spicy undertones dance alongside earthy vegetables, creating a symphony of taste.

Authentic recipes passed through generations infuse each ingredient with cultural depth.

Chili peppers and fragrant herbs weave a complex narrative of korean culinary traditions.

My grandmother’s memories whisper through this soul-warming dish.

Dive into this nourishing bowl and let its magic transport you to korean kitchen tables.

Korean Tofu Soup That Warms To The Core

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this Korean tofu soup in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy individuals craving a delicious, hassle-free meal after a long day.
• Nutrition-Packed Comfort: Packed with protein from tofu, this soup delivers a healthy, warming dish that satisfies hunger while providing essential nutrients for your body.
• Flavor Explosion: Gochujang and soy sauce create a bold, spicy-umami taste profile that transforms simple ingredients into an exciting culinary experience that tingles your taste buds.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customizable for vegetarians, can be adjusted for spice levels, and pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What’s in Korean Tofu Soup

• Tofu: Soft, silky protein base that absorbs flavors and provides a delicate texture. Extra-firm or soft tofu works best for this soup.

• Garlic, Onion, Ginger: Foundational flavor boosters that create a robust and aromatic base. Fresh ingredients preferred for maximum taste.
• Gochujang: Korean red chili paste that adds spicy and slightly sweet complexity. Look for authentic Korean brands for best flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and salty depth. Choose low-sodium version if watching salt intake.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall soup flavor.

• Broth, Water: Creates the soup's liquid foundation. Chicken or vegetable broth recommended for richer taste.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, rich flavor. Use toasted sesame oil for deeper taste profile.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and mild onion flavor. Thinly sliced for best presentation.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch and visual appeal. Lightly toast for enhanced flavor.

Soup Prep Instructions for Korean Tofu

Step 1: Warm Up The Aromatic Base

Heat sesame oil in a spacious pot over medium warmth.

This initial step builds a flavor foundation for your Korean tofu soup.

Step 2: Sauté Fragrant Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Diced onion
• Freshly grated ginger

Stir these ingredients until they release their tantalizing aroma and become slightly translucent.

Step 3: Golden Tofu Transformation

Carefully add soft tofu cubes to the pot.

Gently move them around, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior without breaking apart.

Step 4: Create Flavor Symphony

• Vegetable broth
• Water
• Spicy gochujang paste
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients and create a harmonious liquid base.

Step 5: Simmer And Develop Depth

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Allow the soup to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, letting flavors meld and intensify.

Step 6: Final Flourish

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Stir to distribute these garnishes evenly and add a fresh, crunchy texture.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Accompany with steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete, comforting meal.

Korean Soup Cooking Hints

• Toast whole spices or garlic before adding liquid to enhance the depth and richness of the Korean tofu soup.
• Pat tofu dry with paper towels before cubing to ensure golden-brown edges and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
• Adjust gochujang quantity to match your personal heat tolerance, adding gradually and tasting as you go.
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth and replace regular soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free, lower-sodium alternative.
• Garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, and a drizzle of sesame oil for a restaurant-quality finish.

Tofu Soup You Can Warm Without Losing Texture

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Comforting Sides For Tofu Soup

• Pair with Crisp Soju: Enjoy a chilled glass of Korean soju alongside the spicy, warming soup to balance its heat and complement the rich flavors.
• Complement with Pickled Banchan: Serve alongside tangy kimchi or pickled radishes to add a bright, acidic contrast that cuts through the soup's richness.
• Match with Steamed White Rice: The mild, fluffy rice helps absorb the soup's intense gochujang spiciness and provides a perfect textural counterpoint.
• Enhance with Light Lager: A cold Korean beer like Hite or Cass refreshes the palate and provides a smooth backdrop to the soup's robust taste.

Tofu Soup Broth Variations

• Vegan Protein Power: Replace tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different protein source. Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Swap gochujang with sriracha or mild red pepper paste for those who prefer less heat. Adjust spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chili sauce.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. Choose gluten-free broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Sodium Friendly: Reduce salt and use low-sodium broth. Include more herbs like fresh cilantro or parsley to enhance flavor without adding extra sodium.

FAQs

• What makes gochujang special in this Korean tofu soup?

Gochujang is a fermented Korean red chili paste that adds deep, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor to the soup, creating a unique and authentic taste profile characteristic of Korean cuisine.

• Is tofu a good protein source for this recipe?

Absolutely! Tofu is an excellent plant-based protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a soft, silky texture to the soup while delivering essential nutrients like calcium and amino acids.

• Can I use firm or soft tofu for this recipe?

Soft or silken tofu works best for this Korean soup as it creates a delicate, smooth texture that melts in your mouth and absorbs the spicy broth more effectively compared to firm tofu.

• How spicy is this Korean tofu soup?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang used. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less gochujang, allowing you to customize the soup’s spiciness to your personal preference.

Korean Tofu Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Korean Tofu Soup delivers pure comfort with fiery broth and silky protein. Rich flavors dance across palates, inviting hearty spoonfuls that warm souls and spark culinary adventures you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 block firm tofu (cut into small cubes)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce

Aromatic Vegetables:

• 1 garlic clove (chopped)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped green onions

Liquid Base:

• 2 cups (470 ml) beef or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (470 ml) water

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (30 g) toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel with aromatic sesame oil over moderate temperature, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Introduce minced garlic, diced onion, and freshly grated ginger, sautéing until the kitchen fills with an enticing fragrance and ingredients become translucent.
3. Carefully fold delicate tofu cubes into the simmering mixture, gently rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
4. Cascade broth, water, fiery gochujang, umami-rich soy sauce, salt, and black pepper into the pot, ensuring a harmonious blend of robust flavors.
5. Thoroughly integrate all ingredients, allowing the liquid to meld with the aromatics and spices.
6. Elevate the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, letting the soup develop depth for approximately 12 minutes.
7. Scatter vibrant green onion slices and toasted sesame seeds across the surface, creating a visually appealing and textural garnish.
8. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, accompanying with fluffy steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Select silken tofu for a creamy, delicate texture that melts in your mouth during cooking.
• Adjust gochujang amount to control spice level, making the soup milder or more intense based on personal preference.
• Toast sesame seeds separately in a dry pan for enhanced nutty flavor and extra aromatic dimension to the soup.
• Prepare this dish as a vegetarian option by using vegetable broth and ensuring all ingredients are plant-based, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg