Here’s a spicy, tangy, and deeply comforting Kimchi & Dumpling Soup that’s bursting with umami flavors, chewy dumplings, and the perfect kick of fermentation. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
For the Broth:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup ripe kimchi (with juices), chopped (use more for extra tang)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for extra heat)
- 4 cups anchovy or vegetable broth (or water + 1 tsp dashida)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce (or 1 more tsp soy sauce for vegan)
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
For the Dumplings & Extras:
- 10-12 frozen or fresh dumplings (mandu, any filling—pork, veggie, or kimchi!)
- ½ block soft tofu, cubed
- 2 green onions, sliced (white parts for cooking, green for garnish)
- 1 cup enoki or shiitake mushrooms (optional)
- 1 egg (optional, stirred in at the end for egg ribbons)
Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Extra kimchi on the side
- Nori strips (optional)
Instructions:
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic, white parts of green onions, and gochugaru for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add kimchi and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Simmer the Broth:
- Pour in broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add gochujang if using, stirring to dissolve.
- Cook Dumplings & Tofu:
- Drop in dumplings and simmer for 5-6 minutes (or per package instructions).
- Gently add tofu and mushrooms (if using). Simmer 2 more minutes.
- Optional Egg Ribbons:
- Beat 1 egg and drizzle it slowly into the bubbling soup, stirring gently.
- Serve Hot:
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and nori.
- Serve with extra kimchi and steamed rice on the side!
Flavor Twists:
- Cheesy Kick: Add a slice of American cheese on top (Korean-style!).
- Seafood Boost: Toss in shrimp or clams with the dumplings.
- Ramen Upgrade: Add instant ramen noodles for a carb-loaded twist.
Why It’s Awesome:
✅ Quick (25 mins max!)
✅ Customizable (use any dumplings or protein)
✅ Fermented Gut Boost (thanks to kimchi!)
Perfect for cold days, hangovers, or whenever you crave spicy, savory comfort! 🔥🥟