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Bowl of kongnamul guk soybean sprout soup with scallions

Light Korean soybean sprout soup

Kongnamul Guk

Kongnamul Guk

20 minEasy

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

20 min

Servings

2

2 servings

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Kongnamul Guk

Light Korean soybean sprout soup

A clean, refreshing soup made from soybean sprouts simmered in a light, garlic-scented broth. Kongnamul guk is one of the most common Korean home-cooked soups, beloved for its simplicity and soothing qualities.

5m

Prep Time

15m

Cook Time

20m

Total Time

2

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Korean CuisineSoup & StewSide DishVeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

November 3, 2024(Updated April 12, 2026)

Kongnamul guk is the soup of everyday Korean life. Its light, clean flavor and soothing warmth make it the default accompaniment to a bowl of rice, and it is famously effective as a hangover remedy.

Why This Recipe Works

Keeping the lid on during cooking preserves the delicate flavor and prevents the bean sprouts from developing a strong, beany taste. Adding the garlic at the end keeps the broth clean and fresh.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups soybean sprouts, washed
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 scallion, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place soybean sprouts in a pot and cover with water.

  2. 2

    Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover tightly with a lid.

  3. 3

    Simmer for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.

  4. 4

    Remove lid, add soy sauce, garlic, and salt. Simmer 2 more minutes.

  5. 5

    Ladle into bowls and top with sliced scallions and a pinch of gochugaru if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice

  • Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi

  • Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor

Substitutions

Soybean sproutsMung bean sprouts

Thinner and milder but work in a lighter version

WaterAnchovy-kelp broth

Adds umami depth for a more robust soup

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Soy Sauce

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the soy sauce matters

This is doing more than adding salt. The right soy sauce gives the recipe a rounder, more savory base than a thin generic bottle.

This pantry choice affects depth more than most seasonings here.

  • Builds savory backbone quickly
  • Useful across stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces

A better soy sauce is one of the easiest pantry upgrades for Asian cooking.

Shop soy sauce for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Never lift the lid during the initial cooking; this prevents the sprouts from developing an unpleasant smell.

  • Use soybean sprouts, not mung bean sprouts; they have a fuller flavor and firmer texture.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (0mg) · 2 servings

Calories60
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein5g
Carbohydrates1g
Fat8g
Fiber380mg
Sugar2g
Sodium2g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soybean sprouts vs mung bean sprouts?
Soybean sprouts have yellow heads and thicker stems. Mung bean sprouts are thinner with small green heads.
Can I add protein?
Add an egg or diced tofu during the last 2 minutes for a heartier soup.

Explore More

More Korean RecipesMore Soup & StewMore Side DishVegan RecipesGluten-Free RecipesDairy-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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