Light Korean soybean sprout soup
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2
2 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
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
(Updated )
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.
Place soybean sprouts in a pot and cover with water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover tightly with a lid.
Simmer for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
Remove lid, add soy sauce, garlic, and salt. Simmer 2 more minutes.
Ladle into bowls and top with sliced scallions and a pinch of gochugaru if desired.
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
Thinner and milder but work in a lighter version
Adds umami depth for a more robust soup
Test Kitchen Pick
Soy Sauce
Helpful Pantry Staple
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.
A better soy sauce is one of the easiest pantry upgrades for Asian cooking.
Shop soy sauce for this recipeNever 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.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Per serving (0mg) · 2 servings
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
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.
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