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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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Spicy Kimchi Soup, or Kimchi Jjigae, holds a special place in my culinary heart. Its bold flavors, comforting warmth, and the way it effortlessly brings people together make it an irressitible dish. This Keto version brings all the traditional flavours without the carbs!
One evening, a friend was sharing the story of his grandmother's love for kimchi jjigae. He described how she’d customize each batch, carefully balancing spice and tang to create a soup that spoke of home and heritage. Inspired, I dove into creating my own keto-friendly version, aiming to capture that essence while keeping the carb count low. This recipe is a testament to that journey, a tribute to tradition with a modern twist.
Now, some people might be intimidated by the idea of making kimchi soup from scratch, thinking it's too complex or time-consuming. I get it! But trust me, this recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward. The key is to gather good-quality ingredients and follow the steps carefully. Plus, the end result is so worth it – a bowl of steaming, spicy, and utterly satisfying soup that will warm you from the inside out.
Required Equipments
- Large Pot
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Stirring Spoon
Keto Spicy Kimchi Soup: Frequently Asked Questions
Keto Spicy Kimchi Soup
This Keto Spicy Kimchi Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It combines the tangy spice of kimchi with savory pork belly and a rich broth, all while keeping the carb count low for a keto-friendly meal.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the pork belly into small, bite-sized pieces. Slice the kimchi into roughly 1-inch pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger. Chop the onion. Slice the green onions diagonally for garnish. Prepare any other vegetables you plan to use, such as mushrooms or zucchini.
- Sauté the Pork Belly: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the diced pork belly. Cook over medium heat until the pork is browned and has rendered some of its fat. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you keep an eye on it so it doesnt burn.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot with the pork belly. Sauté for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Incorporate Kimchi: Add the sliced kimchi to the pot and stir it in with the pork and aromatics. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the kimchi to soften slightly and its flavors to meld with the pork. This step is where the magic starts to happen!
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or beef broth (or a combination of both). Add the gochujang, gochugaru (Korean chili powder), and soy sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop and deepen. Keep the pot partially covered to prevent too much liquid from evaporating.
- Add Additional Vegetables (Optional): If you're using additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, add them to the soup during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. This ensures they cook through but don't become mushy. I personally love adding shiitake mushrooms for that umami boost!
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more gochujang for extra spice, soy sauce for saltiness, or a touch of sweetener (like erythritol or a keto-friendly alternative) to balance the flavors. Remember, its all about personal preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot kimchi soup into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. If you like, you can also add a poached or fried egg on top for added richness. I find that a sprinkle of sesame seeds also adds a nice touch.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful, spicy, and comforting Keto Spicy Kimchi Soup! This soup is fantastic on its own or paired with a side of cauliflower rice.
📝 Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru based on your spice preference.
- Add other keto-friendly vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Calcium: 80mg
