Discover the heartwarming comfort of Korean cuisine with Kongnamul Guk, a delightful soybean sprout soup that promises to warm your soul! This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 30 minutes, is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Packed with fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients, this traditional dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body. Curious to learn how to whip up this delicious soup that will have everyone asking for seconds? Keep reading for the full recipe and tips to make your Kongnamul Guk unforgettable!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups soybean sprouts
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the soybean sprouts under cold water, removing any discolored or damaged sprouts. Drain well and set aside.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely. Chop the green onion into small rings, separating the white and green parts.
- In a medium-sized pot, add water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. The water should be clear and fresh.
- Add the minced garlic to the boiling water and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to release its aromatic flavors.
- Carefully add the cleaned soybean sprouts to the boiling water. Reduce heat to medium and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they become slightly tender but still maintain a crisp texture.
- Pour in the soy sauce, stirring gently to distribute the flavor throughout the soup. The soy sauce will add depth and a subtle umami taste.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Remember that soy sauce already contains salt, so add sparingly.
- Add the chopped white part of the green onion to the soup and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and garnish with the remaining green parts of the green onion.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, preferably accompanied by steamed rice for a complete Korean meal experience.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Sprouts: When selecting soybean sprouts, look for ones that are firm and crisp. Avoid any that appear slimy or have an off smell, as these can affect the soup's flavor.
- Adjust the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce and salt according to your taste preference. Start with less and gradually add more to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the sprouts.
- Add Extra Ingredients: For a heartier soup, consider adding tofu or sliced mushrooms. These additions can enhance the texture and nutritional value of the dish.
- Perfect the Texture: Keep an eye on the cooking time for the soybean sprouts. You want them tender yet still crunchy, so avoid overcooking them to maintain that delightful bite.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an appealing presentation, garnish your soup with sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil before serving. This adds an aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
- Serve with Rice: Kongnamul Guk is best enjoyed with a side of steamed rice. The combination makes for a satisfying and complete meal that embodies the essence of Korean dining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
