Spicy and Refreshing Kimchi Bean Sprout Soup: Super Easy with Gomgom Al-Yal Broth Cubes!
Quick & Delicious Kimchi Dried Pollack Bean Sprout Soup with Gomgom Broth Cubes
Hello everyone! As the saying goes, ‘Strength comes from the stomach,’ and a hearty bowl of soup is always welcome. Convenient instant broth enhancers are popular these days. Gomgom Al-Yal (one-pill) broth cubes are especially great because they come in pill form, meaning no waste like tea bags. Plus, a rich broth is ready in just 3 minutes in boiling water, significantly shortening your cooking time. This versatile broth cube can be used in a wide range of dishes, from simple soups and stews to elaborate hot pots, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. Today, we’ll be making a refreshing and spicy ‘Kimchi Dried Pollack Bean Sprout Soup’ using these convenient broth cubes. Warm yourself up on a chilly day with this delicious soup!
Main Ingredients- 3 handfuls fresh bean sprouts (approx. 300g)
- 1 cup well-fermented kimchi, chopped
- 4 Tbsp kimchi brine
- 1/3 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green onion stalk, diagonally sliced
- 1 Korean chili pepper, diagonally sliced (optional)
- 1/2 red chili pepper, diagonally sliced (optional)
- 3 Gomgom Al-Yal broth cubes
- 1 handful dried pollack (dried cod), shredded (approx. 20g)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine or cheongju (rice wine)
- A pinch of salt or soup soy sauce (for seasoning)
- 1.5L cold water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the bean sprouts.
Step 2
Soak 3 handfuls of bean sprouts in cold water for about 10 minutes to enhance their crispiness. Then, rinse them under running water 3-4 times to remove any dirt or impurities. Drain them well in a colander.
Step 3
Finely chop about 1 cup of well-fermented, slightly sour kimchi. Make sure to include about 4 tablespoons of the kimchi brine. Thinly slice the onion. Diagonally slice the green chili peppers, red chili peppers, and green onions for added color and flavor.
Step 4
Tear or cut the dried pollack (dried cod) into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long, using scissors. Briefly moisten them with a little water; don’t soak them completely, as this helps them release their savory flavor into the broth without losing taste.
Step 5
Now for the secret to a refreshing and deep broth! Pour 1.5 liters of cold water into a pot and add 3 Gomgom Al-Yal broth cubes. Starting with cold water allows the flavors from the broth cube to infuse more deeply into the ingredients, creating a richer soup. If you’re short on time, you can simply add the cubes to boiling water for 3 minutes for a delicious broth. You’ll already notice a rich, anchovy-like aroma.
Step 6
Once the broth starts boiling, add the chopped kimchi and kimchi brine, followed by the prepared dried pollack. Simmer until the kimchi has softened and released its flavor. Then, add the sliced onions. Adding onions too early can make the broth cloudy.
Step 7
As the onions begin to turn translucent, add the 3 handfuls of bean sprouts. It’s crucial to add bean sprouts when the broth is vigorously boiling to prevent any unpleasant smell and maintain their crisp texture. Adding 2 tablespoons of cooking wine or cheongju at this stage helps eliminate any raw smells and further refines the broth’s flavor.
Step 8
Now, let’s enhance the soup’s umami and spicy kick. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili powder). If you don’t have fish sauce, soup soy sauce can be used as a substitute. Fish sauce will add an extra layer of savory depth.
Step 9
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onions, red chili peppers, and green chili peppers, and let it simmer for another moment. The chili peppers add a nice spicy touch and vibrant color. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. Be careful not to oversalt it.
Step 10
And there you have it! A refreshing and spicy Kimchi Dried Pollack Bean Sprout Soup, made quickly and easily thanks to the Gomgom Al-Yal broth cubes. Enjoy a satisfying meal with a warm bowl of rice.
