Savory Napa Cabbage Doenjang Guk (Korean Soybean Paste Soup)
Hearty and Flavorful Napa Cabbage Doenjang Guk Recipe
This Doenjang Guk (Korean soybean paste soup) is made with fresh, crisp Napa cabbage and soft tofu, creating a wonderfully savory and comforting broth. It’s perfect for a hearty start to a crisp autumn morning, preparing you for your commute. Enjoy this simple yet deeply flavorful soup for a taste of home.
Soup Ingredients- 6 leaves of young Napa cabbage
- 1 block of tofu
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (Cheongyang chili)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 2 sheets of dried kelp (dashima, 10x10cm)
- 9 cleaned anchovies (for broth)
- 1L water
- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1.5 Tbsp tuna extract (Chamchi-aek)
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a pot, pour 1L of water. Add 2 sheets of kelp and 9 cleaned anchovies to make a broth. Bring to a boil, then remove the kelp after about 5 minutes to prevent bitterness. Continue simmering the anchovies for another 10 minutes, then strain to get a clear broth. (Be careful not to overcook the kelp, as it can become bitter.)
Step 2
Cut the young Napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm long). Slice the tofu into approximately 1.5 cm thick pieces. Finely chop the green and red chili peppers. Prepping the ingredients like this will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 3
Once the broth is boiling, place 2 Tbsp of soybean paste in a fine-mesh sieve and dissolve it into the hot broth. Stir gently until it’s fully incorporated. Using a sieve ensures a smooth and clear soup.
Step 4
When the soybean paste broth comes back to a boil, add the prepared Napa cabbage and cook until the leaves are tender. The natural sweetness of the cabbage will infuse the soup, adding depth to the flavor.
Step 5
Once the cabbage is tender, add the sliced tofu, 0.5 Tbsp of red pepper flakes, and 1.5 Tbsp of tuna extract. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes. The tuna extract adds a wonderful umami boost to the soup.
Step 6
When the soup returns to a boil, add the chopped green and red chili peppers and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. The chilies add a pleasant spiciness and a vibrant color to the soup.
Step 7
Finally, taste the soup and add a tiny pinch of salt if needed to adjust the seasoning. For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a little minced garlic if you like. Serve hot with a bowl of rice for a satisfying meal.
