Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup (Baechu Doenjang Guk)
Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup (Baechu Doenjang Guk)
Simple and Delicious Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup Recipe
Enjoy a light and comforting Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe creates a clean, refreshing flavor that everyone will love.
Main Ingredients- 10 leaves of Crown Daisy Napa Cabbage (Albaegi Baechu)
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 2/3 stalk of green onion
Broth Ingredients- 2 sheets of dried kelp (approx. 10cm x 10cm)
- 4 dried anchovies (for broth)
- 1 L water
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soup soy sauce)
- 2 sheets of dried kelp (approx. 10cm x 10cm)
- 4 dried anchovies (for broth)
- 1 L water
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soup soy sauce)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all your ingredients. Wash the crown daisy napa cabbage thoroughly. Cut each leaf in half, and then into bite-sized pieces about one finger-joint length. Dice the firm tofu into similar-sized cubes. Thinly slice the green onion diagonally.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the broth for a delicious soup. In a pot, combine 1 L of water, the dried kelp, and the dried anchovies (make sure to remove their guts). Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes to extract the savory flavors. Remove and discard the kelp and anchovies.
Step 3
Add 2 Tbsp of soybean paste and 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic to the broth. Whisk thoroughly with a whisk or spoon until the soybean paste is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. Ensuring the paste is well-dissolved is key for a smooth soup.
Step 4
Once the soybean paste is dissolved, add the prepared crown daisy napa cabbage to the pot and bring it to a boil. Cook over medium heat until the cabbage softens and wilts. When the cabbage starts to become tender, add the diced tofu.
Step 5
Let the soup simmer for a moment after adding the tofu, then add the sliced green onions and continue to simmer for about 5 more minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as the tofu might break apart. The goal is to let the fresh flavor of the cabbage and the softness of the tofu meld beautifully.
Step 6
Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed with 1 Tbsp of fish sauce (or soup soy sauce). Adding fish sauce enhances the umami, creating an even richer flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!
