Go Back
Korean Winter Soup Recipe

Korean Winter Soup

Tender beef brisket and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, spicy Korean broth. Perfect comfort food for cold winter nights with gochujang and gochugaru creating layers of warming heat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound beef brisket cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 8 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Korean red pepper paste gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon Korean red pepper powder gochugaru
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cups napa cabbage sliced
  • 14 oz firm tofu cubed (1 block)
  • 1 cup daikon radish sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 stalks green onions sliced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • cooked white rice for serving

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Fine-mesh skimmer
  • Small pan for sauteing
  • ladle

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, add the beef brisket and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer for about 30 minutes until the beef is tender. Keep the lid slightly ajar to prevent overflows and stir occasionally.
  2. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface using a fine-mesh skimmer. Gently skim the top every few minutes until the broth is clear and free of foam.
  3. Add the soy sauce, gochujang, gochugaru, and minced garlic into the pot. Stir well to combine, making sure the chili paste dissolves fully into the broth for an even, rich color.
  4. Add the chopped onion, napa cabbage, tofu cubes, and daikon radish. Continue to simmer the soup for another 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the tofu to absorb the spicy, savory flavors.
  5. In a small pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced green onions and saute until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour this aromatic oil and onion mixture into the soup.
  6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust as necessary - add more soy sauce for depth or a pinch of gochugaru for extra heat.
  7. Serve hot with steamed white rice on the side. Ladle generously into bowls, letting the rice soak up the spicy broth for a satisfying, warming meal.

Notes

Gochujang and gochugaru are key ingredients providing unique heat and depth. The soup can be adjusted for spice preferences. Feel free to add mushrooms or zucchini for variety. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 4 weeks.
QR Code linking back to recipe