• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Hip Foodie Mom
  • Home
  • About Alice
  • Recipes
    • Popular Recipes
    • Quick Meals
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Gluten Free
    • Appetizers
      • Soups
      • Salads
    • Dinner
      • Asian Food
      • Beef
      • Korean Food
      • Pork
      • Poultry
      • Pasta
      • Pizza
      • Sushi
      • Vegetarian
    • Desserts
      • Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Cookies
      • Cupcakes
      • Ice Cream
    • Drinks / Cocktails
    • Browse All
  • Videos
    • Recipe Videos
    • YouTube Channel
  • Press
  • Work With Me
  • Family
  • Meal Planning
  • Contact

Authentic, Spicy Korean Soft Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae)

February 24, 2013 by hipfoodiemom 65 Comments

Facebook
Pinterest129
Twitter
129Shares
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Korean Soft Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae).  Nothing warms my heart (and stomach) as Korean soft tofu soup or soondubu jjigae. 

Korean Soft tofu soup soondubu jjigae main_HipfoodieMom.com

Isn’t it so true that we miss things more once they are gone? I feel like this can be applied to both people and things or, in this case, food.

Many of you know I used to live in Los Angeles. I lived there for over 11 years. In 2001, when my brother and I moved there, we immediately became enamored with the weather, beaches and . .  K-town (Korea town).  We shared an apartment within walking distance to Manhattan Beach, where my brother learned how to surf and I was able to pick up running again. Nothing like running along the beach next to the water. Perfect and freeing. I loved it.

And Korea town. Oh K-town. Not only were we taken with the food, like seriously delicious Korean food on every corner (actually more like 10 awesome Korean restaurants lined up next to each other on every block) but there was the K-town Galleria which had an awesome food court (think: the food court in the mall but only Korean food) and then there was the nightlife. The clubs, yo.

Don’t even ask me how the clubs work now (insert “bookings” here. my Korean homies will know what this means). I have no idea. But we did frequent them (or I tagged along with my older brother and his friends) quite a bit after we moved to LA. After the shiny, newness of it all wore off, we still went to K-town for food (obviously) and patbingsu and anytime we had out-of-town guests or family in town.

I love that we were always minutes away from any kind of Korean food we were craving. Did we go there all the time? No. But it was comforting to know we could if we wanted to. And even after I got married and moved to the valley, about 20-25 miles north of LA. It was still comforting to know we had a Korean market close by and our go-to Korean restaurant for dduk bo ssam, Shik Do Rak. Freaking loved this place. And it was the only good Korean place close to us.

And if we ever wanted Koreasn soft tofu soup (Soondubu Jjigae), we would make the trek to K-town and hit up So Kong Dong or BCD Tofu House (which is like everywhere in LA). Now that we live here in WA, good Korean food, or so I’m told, is either in Lynnwood or Federal Way, both are about 40-50+ minutes away. So, I’m making it at home yo.

If you like Korean food, you’ve probably had this soup before. I love it so much because of the tofu and veggies and it’s just so comforting. There’s something about spicy, hot Korean soft tofu soup (soondubu jjigae) that just makes me feel better and literally warms my body and heart.  My husband is so thrilled now because I am cooking more Korean food at home. I love it too. .  I’m learning and our girls are getting exposed to more Korean food everyday. My 5 year old, Phoebe, actually ate this too- which shocked the hell out of me. But I made a spicy and non-spicy version in hopes that she would at least try it. She ate the entire bowl. Again, warm heart for me.

Korean Soft tofu soup soondubu jjigae aerial_HipfoodieMom.com

There are a few ways to make the soup base/stock for Korean soft tofu soup (soondubu jjigae). Many people use dried anchovies and dried kelp to create the soup. After talking with my mom and brainstorming a little, my mom and I came up with this.  I hope you enjoy. And no dismembering of dried anchovies is involved. Don’t get me wrong. This creates an awesome soup stock too!

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Soft Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae)

For a non-spicy version, just omit the gochugaru.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Total Time55 minutes mins
Course: Main
Cuisine: Korean
Servings: 4
Author: Hip Foodie Mom

Ingredients

  • 1-2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 cup of pork pork shoulder or pork loin (whatever you have, thinly sliced
  • salt and pepper
  • 2-3 cloves garlic finely chopped or minced
  • 1/2 onion sliced
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups ripe kimchi chopped (with kimchi juice)
  • 1-2 tablespoons red pepper powder gochugaru; optional. Use this if you want your soup spicy.
  • 1 cup vegetable mushroom or beef stock
  • 1-2 cups water
  • 2-3 packages soft tofu; depending on how much tofu you want
  • 2 medium sized zucchini chopped and cut in half
  • 1 cup fresh cremini baby portobello or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 -3 scallions sliced + more for garnish; diced
  • 2-3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; to taste

Instructions

  • In a soup pot, over high heat, add the sesame oil. After a few minutes so the pot can get hot, add the pork, season with salt and pepper and stir-fry until all sides are browned. Add the garlic, onion, kimchi and gochugaru (if using). Mix well and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the vegetable or beef stock and water to the pot. You want to add enough liquid to cover your pork and then some. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
  • Add the soft tofu, zucchini, mushrooms and scallions and turn the heat up to medium-high; season with the soy sauce. Taste and add more soy sauce if needed. Cook for another 8-10 minutes. Serve and garnish with more diced scallions if desired.

For a more traditional way of making Korean soft tofu soup (soondubu jjigae), check out Maangchi’s post.

Korean Soft tofu soup soondubu jjigae

Sunday Supper

Today, we are bringing all kinds of soup to the table! I don’t know about you but I always love having soup recipes on hand.  Check out all of these amazing soups from our Sunday Supper Family:

 

Do The Chicken Dance (chicken {or other poultry} soups)

  • Chicken Tortellini & White Bean Soup at Flour On My Face
  • Chicken Gnocchi at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
  • Chicken Cheese Soup by There and Back Again
  • Chicken Tortellini Soup by Country Girl In The Village
  • Chicken Soup with Leeks, Onions and Fennel by Shockingly Delicious
  • Family Style Tablescape featuring Chicken Tortilla Soup by An Appealing Plan
  • Yucatan Chicken Lime Soup (Sopa de Lima) by The Weekend Gourmet
  • Chicken Meatball, Spinach and Orzo Soup from  Gourmet Drizzles
  • Ground Turkey and Vegetable Soup at The Messy Baker
  • Cheesy Chipotle Chicken Sausage Chowder by Cupcakes and Kale Chips
  • Chick-Fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup by Family Foodie
  • Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup at Cupcakes and Pearls
  • Healthy Bean and Sausage Soup by Momma’s Meals
  • Smoked Sausage and Wild Rice Soup at Mama, Mommy, Mom

 

Where’s The Beef (Beef Soups)

  • Chili with Black Beans by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
  • Vegetable and Beef Soup by Supper For a Steal
  • Swabian Beef Spaetzle +1 Soup (Gaisburger Marsch) at Galactosemia in PDX
  • Bacon Cheeseburger Soup by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
  • Beef Pho Soup by No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
  • Frijol con Carne by MarocMama
  • Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef and Noodle Soup)  by Neighborfood

 

Pass The Pork. Please (Pork or Sausage Soups)

  • Louisiana Caldo by Catholic Foodie
  • Sweet potato and Spanish chorizo soup at My Cute Bride
  • Korean Soft Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae) by Hip Foodie Mom

 

Under The Sea (Seafood Soups)

  • Shrimp Miso Noodle Soup at Pescetarian Journal
  • Szechuan Fish Soup by The Urban Mrs.
  • New England Clam Chowder at Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
  • Hearty Okra Shrimp Gumbo Laced with Coconut Oil by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
  • Bacon and Shrimp Bisque at Big Bear’s Wife
  • Lobster Bisque by Peanut Butter and Peppers
  • Chinese Fish Maw Soup by My Trials in The Kitchen
  • Thai Curry Coconut Mussel Soup by Noshing With The Nolands

 

Eat Your Veggies (Chock Full o’ Vegetables Soups)

  • Not-So-Mini-Strone at The Foodie Army Wife
  • French Onion Soup by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
  • Spicy Sweet Potato and Corn Soup at Magnolia Days
  • Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup at Daily Dish Recipes
  • Rather French Onion Soup by What Smells So Good?
  • Broccoli Cheddar Soup by Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks
  • Cream of Ancho Chile Soup from La Cocina de Leslie
  • Pasta e Fagoli Soup at Cravings of a Lunatic
  • Miso Soup by Crazy Foodie Stunts
  • Vegetable Consommé with Semolina Dumplings – Grießknödel at Masala Herb
  • Vegetable Medley Soup with Broccoli and Leeks at Chattering Kitchen
  • Smoky Kale and Tomato Soup with Garlic Croutons by The Wimpy Vegetarian
  • Coconut Corn Chowder at Mangoes and Chutney
  • Make Your Own (Gluten Free) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup at The Meltaways
  • Ital Carrot & Sweet Potato Soup at The Lovely Pantry
  • Chunky Vegetable and Barley Soup at Curious Cuisiniere
  • Corn Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips at Ninja Baking
  • Jalapeno Beer Cheese Soup by The Hand That Rocks The Ladle
  • Wild Mushroom Soup at Food Lust People Love
  • Creamy Carrot Soup at Cookistry
  • Vermicelli Soup by Damn Delicious
  • Country Split Pea Soup with Bacon and Potatoes at girlichef

 

Some Don’t Like It Hot (Chilled Soups)

  • Chilled Strawberry Soup at Juanita’s Cocina
  • Bread and Tomato Soup – Gazpacho Style at Vintage Kitchen Notes

 

Once you have seen all of the recipes for the day, you won’t want to miss our  #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. This week we will be sharing out special soup recipes! Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun.

 

Follow the#SundaySupper hash tag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Don’t forget to check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos. Join us Around the Family Table this Sunday at 7pm Eastern Time and share your favorite soup, stew, chowder or bisque recipes with us!

 

 

 

 

You might also like...

  • Beef Taquitos! So easy to make and you simply bake these in the oven! Have these for lunch or dinner, and have your kids help make them! Enjoy!

    Beef Taquitos

  • Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs

    Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs

  • Vietnamese-Style Beef and Soba Noodle Soup

    Vietnamese-Style Beef and Soba Noodle Soup

Facebook
Pinterest129
Twitter
129Shares

Related

Filed Under: Asian, Korean Food, Meals, Soup

Previous Post: « Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Pecans and Avocado.
Next Post: Conquering the World with Almond Brioche Sticky Buns »

Primary Sidebar

  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Facebook

Meet Alice

Alice Choi from Hip Foodie MomHello! My name is Alice. Here, at Hip Foodie Mom, you will find fresh food recipes using local, seasonal ingredients. From meat dishes to vegetarian to Asian inspired dishes, you are sure to find something you like. Thank you for stopping by!

Popular Posts

Kimchi Udon with scallions and butter, kimchi, gochujang and kewpie mayo, this is a umami rich recipe that you have to try!
Dalgona Coffee + Whipped Matcha! The coffee sensation that is all over the internet! Dalgona coffee and I also made a Matcha Dalgona!
Super Moist and Delicious Banana Bread!!! This banana bread is so good! Take a look at the recipe card to see my secret ingredient! This banana bread can be the foundation for different variations: add walnuts, chocolate chips, or both! 
Tuna Mousse sandwich, totally inspired by the Tunacado from Joe and the Juice. Have you had one before? It's sooooo good!
High Protein Viral Cottage Cheese Wrap! I can't believe so incredibly easy this was to make and only from cottage cheese and eggs!
Coconut Shrimp Curry served over jasmine rice. Flavorful, delicious and with just the right amount of heat. You can also use this for chicken or veggies! You are going to love this!
The best Turkey Meatballs! So flavorful and delicious! Filled with parmesan, panko, eggs and more and a secret ingredient!



Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 Hip Foodie Mom. All content, recipes and photographs are copyrighted to Alice Choi and are the property of Hip Foodie Mom. They may not be republished in part or whole without permission and proper credit. Contact me to seek republishing and syndication rights.

Copyright © 2025 Hip Foodie Mom on the Foodie Pro Theme

JOIN THOUSANDS OF FOOD LOVERS!!

Get a weekly newsletter with RECIPES delivered straight to your inbox for FREE!

Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party, nor will we spam your inbox.