While you might think that this is a Korean soup, it isn’t. In many ways, this is a “what do I have in the refrigerator that I can pull together for dinner” kind of dish. And it turned out to be something we enjoy eating.
While there is some Korean influence, it would be an insult to compare this to soondubu jigae (Korean soft tofu stew) but if you want to learn how to make an authentic dish, see Maangchi’s recipe. While not authentic, this soup is delicious and made with ingredients that are easy to get in local Hawaii grocery stores.
Work smarter not harder
Kim chee is the flavor hero of this soup. Its umami-rich, fermented goodness provides the backbone to the soup and is fortified with gochujang. Use your favorite cabbage kim chee at the spice level you like (mild, medium, or hot).
All the other ingredients (kalua pork, tofu, onions, broth) go into the pot to absorb the delicious flavors. This is a great dish to use Instant Pot Kalua Pork but if you don’t have any on hand, you could substitute ground pork or thinly sliced pork belly (you may just need a bit more seasoning to compensate). A finish of sesame oil and scallions complete the dish.
To serve
The soup is hearty enough to be served on its own. Or you can serve it with white rice.
Kim Chee, Tofu, and Kalua Pork Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This spicy, comforting soup gets much of its flavor from kim chee. Tofu and kalua pork make this a satisfying one-pot dish.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cabbage kim chee, about 6 ounces*
1 cup kalua pork**
1 pound medium firm tofu cut into ½” dice
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon gochujang
2 teaspoons sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sliced scallions, for garnish
Instructions
Heat oil in a pot. Add sliced onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened but not browned. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
Add the kim chee, kalua pork, tofu, chicken broth, and gochujang to the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the sesame oil. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Top with sliced scallions and serve.
Notes
*Use mild, medium, or hot kim chee, to taste.
**Can substitute with ground pork or thinly sliced pork belly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Cuisine: Korean – Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Calories: 218
- Sugar: 1 g.
- Sodium: 448 mg.
- Fat: 15 g.
- Saturated Fat: 4 g.
- Carbohydrates: 4 g.
- Fiber: 1 g.
- Protein: 15 g.
- Cholesterol: 28 mg.
Keywords: kim chee, kalua pork, tofu
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