What’s better than takeout on a cold night? A steaming bowl of Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or simply when you need a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with rich flavors from the beef and aromatic ingredients, this soup is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it suitable for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- How to Make Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
- Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- Step 2: Simmer the Ingredients
- Step 3: Add Seasonings
- Step 4: Final Touches
- Step 5: Serve Hot
- How to Serve Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Pair with Rice
- Add Kimchi
- Enjoy with Banchan
- Serve with Side Noodles
- How to Perfect Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
- Best Side Dishes for Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
- Reheating Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other meats instead of beef?
- How can I customize this Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe?
- Is this soup gluten-free?
- What is guk ganjang used for?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Warmth: This soup provides the perfect warmth on cold days, making it a go-to comfort food.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef short ribs and aromatic ingredients creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning.
- Great for Sharing: Serves 4, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy get-togethers with friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, let’s gather the essential tools you’ll need to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: This is essential to hold all ingredients and allow for proper simmering to develop flavors.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurements for water and ingredients, which is key to achieving the right taste.
Ingredients
For this Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef short ribs
- 10 cups water
- 1 whole yellow onion, with skin (if organic)
- 2 green onions or 1 Korean leek (for broth)
- 2 green onions or 1 Korean leek, sliced for topping
- 2 thick ginger slices
- 3-4 dried or fresh green onion roots (optional)
- 1/2 medium radish, quartered into thin slices
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic or 5-6 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce for soup (guk ganjang)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 105 minutes
How to Make Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by rinsing the beef short ribs under cold water. Place them in a large pot along with 10 cups of water. Add the whole yellow onion (with skin if organic), green onions or Korean leek for broth, ginger slices, and optional green onion roots.
Step 2: Simmer the Ingredients
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for about 90 minutes. This slow cooking process allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
After simmering, add sea salt and soy sauce (guk ganjang) to enhance the flavor. Stir well to combine all seasonings throughout the broth.
Step 4: Final Touches
Remove any impurities that rise to the surface while simmering. Then add quartered radish slices and cook them until tender.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Ladle your hot soup into bowls and top with sliced green onions or Korean leeks. Enjoy your Tasty Korean Winter Soup as a hearty meal that warms both body and soul!
How to Serve Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
Serving your Tasty Korean Winter Soup is a delightful experience that warms both the body and soul. Here are some suggestions to enhance your meal.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and texture.
Pair with Rice
- Steamed White Rice: A classic choice, it balances the rich flavors of the soup.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients.
Add Kimchi
- Spicy Napa Cabbage Kimchi: The tangy and spicy notes complement the savory soup perfectly.
- Cucumber Kimchi: For a refreshing twist, this mild version adds a nice contrast.
Enjoy with Banchan
- Pickled Radish: This sweet and tangy dish cleanses the palate between bites.
- Marinated Bean Sprouts: These add a crunchy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Serve with Side Noodles
- Korean Glass Noodles (Japchae): Their chewy texture pairs wonderfully with the soup.
- Udon Noodles: Thick udon noodles soak up the broth for a hearty addition.

How to Perfect Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
Making the perfect Tasty Korean Winter Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality beef short ribs will enhance the flavor of your broth.
- Simmer Slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer for at least 90 minutes extracts maximum flavor from the ingredients.
- Skim Fat Regularly: Removing excess fat during cooking leads to a clearer broth with less greasiness.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: Taste before adding more salt or soy sauce; it’s easier to add than to fix over-seasoning.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps meld all flavors together.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your soup piping hot for the best experience, especially on cold nights.
Best Side Dishes for Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
To complement your Tasty Korean Winter Soup, consider these delicious side dishes. They complete your meal beautifully.
- Kimchi Fried Rice: This flavorful dish is made by stir-frying leftover rice with kimchi and vegetables.
- Korean Pancakes (Pajeon): Crispy pancakes filled with green onions make a perfect pairing.
- Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim): Sweet and savory braised potatoes provide a comforting side.
- Spicy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim): A refreshing salad that contrasts well with hot soup.
- Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae): Soft tofu in spicy broth adds an extra layer of warmth.
- Seaweed Salad (Miyeok Muchim): Light and nutritious, this salad offers great textural variety.
- Steamed Dumplings (Mandu): These can be served steamed or pan-fried for added crunch.
- Ginger Tea (Saenggang-cha): A warm drink that aids digestion and complements the meal nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Always choose fresh and high-quality beef short ribs and vegetables for the best flavor.
- Not simmering long enough: To extract maximum flavor from the bones, ensure you simmer the soup for the full 90 minutes.
- Skipping the onion skin: If using organic onions, don’t peel them! The skin adds depth to the broth.
- Over-seasoning too early: Add salt and soy sauce gradually; you can always adjust at the end, but it’s hard to fix if it’s too salty.
- Ignoring the optional ingredients: Using green onion roots or ginger slices can enhance your soup’s flavor significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers: Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids for best results.
- Duration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
- Freeze in portions: Divide the soup into smaller containers for easy thawing and reheating.
- Duration: It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adjusting heat as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe.
Can I use other meats instead of beef?
Yes, you can use chicken or Beef as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I customize this Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The recipe is not gluten-free due to soy sauce. You can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
What is guk ganjang used for?
Guk ganjang is a traditional Korean soy sauce used specifically for soups, enhancing their flavor profile without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
This Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe is not only warming but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different meats or vegetables based on your preferences. Give it a try this winter, and enjoy a comforting homemade dish that will keep you cozy!
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Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Warm up this winter with our Tasty Korean Winter Soup Recipe, a delightful and hearty dish that promises to envelop you in comfort on the coldest of nights. This traditional Korean soup features tender beef short ribs simmered to perfection, creating a rich and savory broth infused with aromatic ingredients. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to prepare and allows for customization based on your preferences. Serve it hot alongside your favorite sides for a fulfilling meal that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef short ribs
- 10 cups water
- 1 whole yellow onion (with skin if organic)
- 2 green onions or 1 Korean leek (for broth)
- 2 green onions or 1 Korean leek (sliced for topping)
- 2 thick slices of ginger
- 3–4 dried or fresh green onion roots (optional)
- 1/2 medium radish (quartered into thin slices)
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic or 5–6 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (guk ganjang)
- 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
- Rinse the beef short ribs under cold water and place them in a large pot with water.
- Add the yellow onion, green onions or Korean leek, ginger slices, and optional green onion roots.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for about 90 minutes.
- After simmering, stir in sea salt and soy sauce to taste.
- Remove impurities from the surface, then add radish slices and cook until tender.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with sliced green onions or leeks, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg





