Spicy Korean Kimchi Dumpling Soup (Mandu-guk)
A comforting, fiery Korean dumpling soup featuring plump mandu, soft tofu, and tangy kimchi simmered in a rich, savory broth with fresh bean sprouts.
Kimchi dumpling soup, or kimchi mandu-guk, is a beloved staple of Korean home cooking that transforms pantry staples into a deeply satisfying meal. By briefly sautéing the kimchi with garlic before adding liquid, the soup builds a rich, complex flavor base that balances spicy, savory, and tangy notes. It is especially popular on cold days when you need a quick, warming bowl packed with texture from tender tofu, crisp bean sprouts, and plump dumplings.
Ingredients
- 200 g kimchi
- 8 pieces dumplings
- 200 g soft tofu
- 100 g bean sprouts
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Korean hot sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cups water
- to taste chopped green onions
- to taste white sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1Sauté minced garlic
Add minced garlic into a white pot and sauté using a wooden spatula until fragrant and lightly golden.
Tip: Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the garlic, which can make the base bitter. - 2Add and stir chopped kimchi
Add chopped kimchi directly into the pot with the sautéed garlic and stir well to combine the flavors.
Tip: Sautéing the kimchi briefly helps release its rich flavor before adding liquids. - 3Add bean sprouts
Layer fresh bean sprouts on top of the kimchi mixture inside the pot.
Tip: Bean sprouts add a crisp texture to balance the soft and tender ingredients later. - 4Pour in water
Pour an appropriate amount of water into the pot over the kimchi and bean sprouts to form the soup base.
Tip: Use warm or room temperature water to start bringing the soup to a boil quickly. - 5Season the broth
Pour in white sugar, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and Korean hot sauce using a spoon, mixing them thoroughly into the broth.
Tip: Adjust the amount of Korean hot sauce depending on your preferred level of spiciness. - 6Add soft tofu
Gently add chunks of soft tofu into the simmering soup using a spoon to prevent them from breaking apart.
Tip: Add the tofu gently so it stays in nice chunks as it absorbs the spicy broth. - 7Add Dumplings to Soup
Using a wooden spoon, carefully lower fresh dumplings into the bubbling kimchi and tofu soup. Ensure they are submerged in the rich, savory broth so they cook evenly and absorb all the robust flavors of the soup base.
Tip: Add the dumplings gently to avoid breaking their wrappers as they settle into the simmering broth. - 8Garnish the Finished Soup
Finish the bubbling stew by evenly sprinkling white sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions across the top. This final touch adds a fragrant aroma and a subtle crunch that balances the rich and spicy flavors of the dish.
Tip: Add the green onions right before serving to keep their bright color and fresh crunch intact.
