Savory Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup
Savory Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup
How to Make Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup / Baechu Doenjang Guk Recipe / Delicious Doenjang Baechu Guk
Napa cabbage is abundant in this season, and it’s the perfect time for warm, comforting soup dishes. Let’s enjoy the sweet and delicious napa cabbage in a hearty soybean paste soup. This soup is perfect for a chilly day and will surely become a favorite.
Ingredients- 1 handful Napa cabbage (blanched)
- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 3 Cheongyang chili peppers
- 3 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 cups Anchovy-Kelp Broth
- 2 cups Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh autumn napa cabbage. Trim any tough outer leaves and wash them thoroughly.
Step 2
Blanch the napa cabbage before adding it to the soup. For a simpler method, you can boil water in an electric kettle and pour it over the cabbage to blanch it.
Step 3
Once blanched, rinse the napa cabbage in cold water twice to cool it down. Gently squeeze out excess water, then tear the cabbage into bite-sized pieces lengthwise.
Step 4
Next, cut the lengthwise torn pieces into about 2-3 cm segments for easier eating in the soup.
Step 5
Finely chop 3 Cheongyang chili peppers for a touch of spice. Adjust the amount based on your preference or substitute with regular chili peppers if you prefer less heat.
Step 6
Prepare the broth, which is key to the soup’s flavor. Combine 3 cups of anchovy-kelp broth with 2 cups of water, totaling 1 liter. You can use other broths like rice water or vegetable broth if preferred. A flavorful broth makes the soybean paste soup even more delicious.
Step 7
Dissolve 2 tablespoons of doenjang (soybean paste) into the broth. It’s important to dissolve it thoroughly to avoid lumps. Since doenjang brands vary in flavor and saltiness, taste and adjust the amount as needed.
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to enhance the soup’s aroma and depth of flavor.
Step 9
Add 3 tablespoons of finely chopped scallions for a fresh, aromatic touch. The natural sweetness of the scallions complements the soup well. Feel free to add more if you love scallions!
Step 10
When you start boiling the soup after adding all ingredients, use high heat and cover the pot. This helps all the flavors meld together initially.
Step 11
Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer covered for about 20 minutes. This slow simmering allows the sweetness of the cabbage and the savory depth of the doenjang to fully infuse into the broth, creating a perfectly balanced and delicious soup.
Step 12
Making this savory Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup is truly simple, isn’t it? It tastes even better on a cool day, served with a warm bowl of rice. This hearty soup is highly recommended for the whole family!
