Description
This kimchi soup for weight loss delivers rich probiotic-packed flavor in under 280 calories per bowl. Made with well-fermented kimchi, silken tofu, gochujang, and fresh ginger, this Korean kimchi-guk recipe supports gut health, reduces belly fat, and keeps you full for hours. Pork-free, gluten-free, and ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
2 cups chopped napa cabbage kimchi, well fermented and sour
1/2 cup kimchi brine from the jar
1 package (14 oz / 396g) extra firm tofu, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
1 teaspoon sugar or honey
5 cups water or light vegetable broth
2 stalks green onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
1. Build your base. In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the chopped kimchi, kimchi brine, gochujang, minced garlic, and sugar. Stir over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add water and boil. Pour in 5 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Do not rush this step.
3. Add tofu. Lower the heat to medium-low. Gently add the tofu cubes. Cook for another 10 minutes without stirring too aggressively or the tofu will break apart.
4. Add ginger and green onion. Stir in the grated ginger and chopped green onion. Remove from heat immediately.
5. Finish and serve. Drizzle with sesame oil if using. Serve hot on its own or with a small portion of brown rice or cauliflower rice.
Notes
Always use old, sour kimchi (2 to 3 weeks fermented minimum) for maximum probiotic density and deeper flavor.
Never discard the kimchi brine. It is the most nutrient-dense and probiotic-rich part of the jar.
For the turkey version: brown 1/2 pound ground turkey in Step 1 before adding water.
For kimchi soup no tofu: substitute with shiitake mushrooms, chickpeas, or crack 1 to 2 eggs directly into the simmering broth.
Kimchi soup improves overnight. Make a large batch and store up to 4 days in the fridge.
Pair with our Natural Mounjaro Drink or Ginger Tea for Weight Loss for a full gut-health day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Weight Loss Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400ml)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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