Kimchi Jang Guksu (Noodle Soup with Kimchi)
Warm Up Your Winter: How to Make Hearty Kimchi Jang Guksu
This is a nostalgic noodle soup recipe, reminiscent of childhood winters when my grandmother used to make it for me. By adding well-fermented kimchi to a savory anchovy broth and simmering noodles, you can create a satisfying meal that requires no side dishes. Enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of Kimchi Jang Guksu to beat the winter chill!
Main Ingredients- 1/4 head of well-fermented kimchi
- 200g somyeon (thin wheat noodles, or kal-guksu noodles)
- 30g dried anchovies (for broth)
- 1500cc (approx. 6 cups) water
Seasoning & Garnish- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (fish sauce, e.g., Kkanari brand)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (fish sauce, e.g., Kkanari brand)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a pot, combine 1500cc of water and the dried anchovies for broth. Bring to a boil and let it simmer to create a rich anchovy stock. It’s easier to strain the anchovies later if you place them in a fine-mesh sieve or a tea bag before boiling. Simmer for about 10 minutes to extract the flavors.
Step 2
Once the anchovy broth is ready, remove the anchovies. Add the finely chopped, well-fermented kimchi, minced garlic, and anchovy sauce to the broth. Bring it back to a boil and let it simmer until the kimchi becomes tender and the flavors meld together. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Step 3
When the kimchi has simmered and the broth smells wonderfully fragrant, add the prepared somyeon noodles. To prevent the noodles from sticking together, gently stir them with chopsticks as soon as they are added, separating the strands. Be careful to ensure they don’t clump at the bottom of the pot.
Step 4
The cooking time for the noodles can vary depending on the type of somyeon used. If the broth starts to reduce too much during cooking, gradually add more water to maintain the desired consistency and ensure the noodles are cooked through. Keep an eye on the heat to achieve a perfectly chewy texture.
Step 5
Once the noodles are cooked to a satisfying chewy texture, your delicious Kimchi Jang Guksu is ready! The warm broth, tender noodles, and crisp kimchi create a delightful combination that will warm you from the inside out. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!
