Easy Tofu Kimchi Soup Recipe

This Tofu Kimchi Soup recipe is a tasty and plant-based. It's easy to make, super healthy, and you can customize it. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles. This recipe combines tradition, simplicity, and modern plant-based living all in one delicious bowl.
A bowl of vibrant red kimchi stew with tofu cubes, rice, and green onions is placed on a white surface. Beside the bowl are two small dishes: one with a piece of kimchi and the other with a dollop of red paste on a wooden spoon resting on the edge.

About this recipe

Kimchi soup, or Kimchi Jjigae, is a popular Korean dish loved for its rich, tangy flavors and comforting warmth. I learned to make it one winter when I was cold, lazy, and in the mood for something delicious. So, I came across this easy tofu kimchi soup recipe. It was just what I needed. You will love this recipe because:

  • Packed with flavor: The tangy, fermented kimchi combines beautifully with the tofu, chili paste, and sesame oil.
  • Nutrient-dense: Loaded with probiotics from the kimchi and plant-based protein from tofu.
  • Quick & easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe takes under 20 minutes from start to finish.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add extra veggies for a heartier dish.

How to make Kimchi soup with tofu

Close-up of a white pot on a stovetop with diced onions sautéing. A wooden spoon is stirring the onions, and some tomato paste or sauce is visible in the pot, perfect for an easy Tofu Kimchi Soup recipe. The pot has started to develop a light brown fond at the bottom.

To make this tofu kimchi soup, start by sautéing sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Then add the gochugaru and then the kimchi. Add water, letting everything simmer to create a rich, savory base. Spoon the soft tofu into the soup, the soy sauce, and salt to taste. Once the soup is well-combined and heated, garnish it with chopped scallions for a fresh, vibrant touch and drizzle it with toasted sesame oil.

Tips for the best kimchi soup

  • Use well-fermented kimchi: The older the kimchi, the more complex and tangy the flavors will make the soup even more delicious. If you are vegan, make sure it doesn’t contain shrimp or fish.
  • Soft tofu: Using sof tofu is very easy, you don’t have to press it to remove the excess liquid. Just open the container and remove the extra liquid.
  • Adjust spice level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the gochugaru or omit them entirely for a milder broth. You can always add spice later.
  • Add more veggies: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms (any type) for a more nutrient-packed meal.

Benefits of tofu and kimchi

This tofu kimchi soup is not only delicious and fantastic on a cold winter day and packed with nutrients and health benefits. Kimchi is known for being rich in probiotics, which support gut health, aid digestion, and boost the immune system. Tofu provides a significant source of plant-based protein, making this dish a perfect option for vegetarians and vegans. I love to serve it with steamed brown or white rice.

Best ways to serve this soup

This soup pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed rice, which helps balance out the spicy and tangy flavors. You can also serve it with noodles or even instant noodles.

Frequently asked questions

A bowl of vibrant red kimchi stew with tofu cubes, rice, and green onions is placed on a white surface. Beside the bowl are two small dishes: one with a piece of kimchi and the other with a dollop of red paste on a wooden spoon resting on the edge.

Easy Tofu Kimchi Soup Recipe: A Flavorful and Comforting Dish

Alejandra Graf
This Tofu Kimchi Soup recipe is a tasty and plant-based. It's easy to make, super healthy, and you can customize it. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles. This recipe combines tradition, simplicity, and modern plant-based living all in one delicious bowl.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine korean
Servings 4 people
Calories 76 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Soup pot

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Start by warming the vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger until they release their aromatic flavors, about 2 minutes. Make sure they do not burn.
  • Add the gochugaru and suté for 30 seconds to a minute, then add the kimchi.
  • Add the vegetable broth and let the ingredients simmer, for about 5 minutes. Gently spoon the soft tofu to the soup, add the soy sauce, finish with the chopped scallions and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 5gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gSodium: 1839mgPotassium: 321mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1251IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 3mg
Keyword kimchi

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.
Alejandra Graf
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