Korean Spicy Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae) – Bold, Bubbling, and Comforting

When your soul craves heat and your body needs comfort, a bubbling bowl of Soondubu Jjigae answers the call. This traditional Korean tofu soup is spicy, savory, and full of soft silken tofu, nestled in a chili-rich broth that warms you from the inside out.

It’s fast, filling, and endlessly customizable—perfect for cozy nights or quick weekday meals. Bonus: it all comes together in one pot!

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Quick Recipe Overview:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2–3
• Difficulty: Easy

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Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or avocado)
• 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped kimchi (aged preferred)
• 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), adjust to taste
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for depth)
• 1 cup vegetable or anchovy broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 pack silken tofu (350–400g), spooned in chunks
• 1 egg (optional, cracked directly into the soup)
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Build the flavor base: In a small pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes). Add kimchi and cook for another 2 minutes.
2. Add the heat: Stir in gochugaru (and gochujang if using), letting it toast briefly in the oil for deeper flavor.
3. Simmer the broth: Pour in broth and water. Add soy sauce and sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add tofu and egg: Gently spoon in chunks of silken tofu. Simmer uncovered for another 5–7 minutes. If using, crack an egg into the soup and simmer until just set.
5. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped green onions. Serve bubbling hot with a bowl of steamed rice on the side.

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Tips & Variations:

• No kimchi? Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini for texture and umami.
• Make it heartier with clams, shrimp, or sliced beef.
• Gochugaru varies in heat—taste and adjust as you go!
• For vegan version, skip the egg and use vegetable broth.

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Why You’ll Love It:

Soondubu Jjigae is spicy comfort in a bowl. With its soft tofu, bold flavors, and customizable base, it’s the kind of dish you crave when it’s cold outside—or when you just need something soul-soothing and satisfying fast.

One pot. Big flavor. Minimal effort. Add it to your regular rotation and taste why Korean households swear by it.