Minji's Table

Korean Bean Sprout Soup

Kongnamul Guk

콩나물국

A light, refreshing Korean soup with bean sprouts and garlic.

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Kongnamul Guk, korean bean sprout soup with minced garlic in a clear broth
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3
Difficulty
Easy
Spice Level
Non-spicy
Accessibility
Everyday Ingredients

What is Kongnamul Guk?

Kongnamul Guk (콩나물국) is a light, refreshing Korean soup with bean sprouts and garlic.

This home-cooking version uses measured ingredients and straightforward stovetop steps so international cooks can understand what each ingredient contributes.

On the Korean Table

Background

Kongnamul guk is a clean, light bean-sprout soup within Korea's everyday guk tradition. Its appeal comes from a clear broth and the fresh texture of sprouts rather than rich stock or many garnishes.

When and for Whom

It can accompany breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is often chosen when a mild, refreshing soup is wanted. Adults may associate bean-sprout soup with the morning after drinking, but families eat it routinely too.

What to Serve With It

Serve it with steamed rice, kimchi, and two or three banchan. Its light broth balances grilled meat, fried food, or spicy sides, and rice may be eaten separately or spooned into the soup.

Ingredients

You Need

  • Bean Sproutsrinsed 8 oz
  • Water 5 cups
  • Garlicminced 1 clove
  • Salt 1 tsp

Nice to Have

  • Green Onionsliced 1 stalk

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the ingredients

    Bring the water and bean sprouts to a boil in a covered pot.

  2. Step 2

    Build the base

    Reduce to a steady simmer and cook until the sprouts are tender and the broth tastes clean, about 10 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Cook gently

    Add garlic and salt, then simmer for 2 more minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Finish and serve

    Taste, adjust the salt, and finish with green onion if using.

Storage

Cool leftovers promptly, refrigerate in a covered container, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Texture is best when served fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kongnamul Guk spicy?

This version is not spicy; black pepper or optional garnishes do not add chile heat.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead?

Yes. Wash and cut the ingredients ahead, keep them refrigerated, and begin the cooking steps close to serving time for the best texture.