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Korean Bean Sprout Soup Recipe

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Korean Bean Sprout Soup, or 콩나물국, is a quick and comforting Korean soup made with crunchy soybean sprouts in a savory, garlicky dashi broth with a hint of chili heat. Ready in just 10 minutes, this nutritious soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a soothing meal when you’re feeling under the weather. Its light and gut-friendly flavors make it a staple in Korean home cooking and an excellent companion to dishes like Kimchi Tuna Stew.

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 2 cups dashi stock
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru)
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 200 g bean sprouts (about 1 bag)
  • 23 stalks green onion, chopped (separate white and green parts)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Aromatics: Heat a small pot over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Add the white parts of the chopped green onion and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, just until softened and fragrant, being careful not to let them brown.
  2. Simmer Broth: Pour in 2 cups of dashi stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add Bean Sprouts: Once the broth is simmering, add 200 grams of bean sprouts. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sprouts are tender but remain slightly crisp.
  4. Season Soup: Add minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of Korean red chili flakes to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Finish and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Finally, add the green parts of the green onions, give a gentle stir, and serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute fish sauce with mushroom powder and replace the dashi broth with kombu or mushroom-based broth.
  • Do not overcook bean sprouts to maintain their crunch.
  • The soup can be paired beautifully with other Korean dishes like Kimchi Tuna Stew for a balanced meal.
  • Adjust the amount of Korean red chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.