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Spicy Korean Noodle Soup (quick & healthy)

Recipe video above. For all those times you need a spicy Asian noodle fix - FAST! This packs a serious flavour punch. The secret is the juices from the kimchi jar and a good dollop of gochujang, that magical spicy Korean paste you can get "everywhere" these days. To add protein, cook raw prawns/shrimp or fish pieces in the broth (only takes 3 min), or top with slices of BBQ pork. You can also poach chicken in the broth using this foolproof method.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 365 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian , Korean

Ingredients

Spicy Korean Soup Broth
  • 4 cups / 1 litre chicken stock/broth , low-sodium
  • 2/3 cup cabbage kimchi (Note 1)
  • 2 tbsp kimchi juice , from kimchi tub (Note 1)
  • 3 tbsp Gochujang (Note 2)
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce (Note 3)
  • 2 tsp fish sauce (sub more soy)
  • 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine, Note 4)
  • 2 slices ginger , sliced 0.7cm / 1/3" thick (skin on)
  • 1 large garlic clove , smashed (Note 5)
Add-Ins (Note 7):
  • 200g/ 7oz thin fresh egg noodles (or 100g/3.5oz dried - Note 6)
  • 4 stems choi sum or other Asian greens, cut into 7cm / 2.5" lengths, stems separated from leafy part
  • 1 small carrot , peeled, cut into thin matchsticks
  • 2 1/2 tsp sesame oil , toasted (Note 8)
  • 1/4 cup Finely sliced green onions (1 stem)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Broth - Place all broth ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat so it’s simmering gently. Simmer 10 minutes without a lid.
  2. Cook vegetables - Add choi sum stems and carrot to the broth. Simmer for 2 minutes. Add choi sum leaves and simmer for another minute. Stir in sesame oil just before serving.
  3. Noodles - Meanwhile, cook egg noodles in boiling water per packet directions. Drain, give the noodles a quick rinse under tap water. Shake off excess water well.
  4. Assemble - Divide noodles between bowls. Top with the vegetables. Pick the garlic and ginger out of the broth, then broth pour over the noodles. Sprinkle with green onions and serve!

Notes

  • Kimchi is a traditional Korean pickle of fermented vegetables packed in tangy, spicy juice. Widely available in the fridge section of large grocery stores or Asian stores. Extract the juice by squeezing the spoon against the cabbage (there's usually plenty in the jar, just need to extract it!).
  • Gochujang is a spicy Korean rice and bean paste loaded with savory flavour. You’ll need it for one of the signature recipes in my cookbook: Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs! Also for most Korean recipes I've shared.
  • Soy - Use light or all-purpose soy sauce but not dark soy sauce - too strong! More on different soy sauces here.
  • Chinese cooking wine - Substitute with mirin or dry sherry. For a non-alcoholic substitute, use another 1½ teaspoons fish sauce.
  • Smashed garlic - place the side of a knife on the garlic clove, then hit the palm of your hand on it to make the clove burst open but mostly hold together.
  • Noodles - Use any type you want! Try vermicelli or lo mein noodles.
  • Veg - Feel free to sub with anything of your choice.
  • Sesame oil - toasted sesame oil is brown and has more flavour than untoasted (which is yellow). Default sesame oil sold in Australia is toasted, untoasted is harder to find.
  • Leftovers - Store broth and noodles separately for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat separately then put together!
  • Nutrition per serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories 365cal (18%) Carbohydrates 53g (18%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 3g Sodium 2717mg (113%) Potassium 805mg (23%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 5232IU (105%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 77mg (8%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 365

% Daily Value*

Calories 365cal 18%
Carbohydrates 53g 18%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 2717mg 113%
Potassium 805mg 17%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 5232IU 105%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 77mg 8%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.