Authentic Korean Gukbap: A Hearty Soup Rice Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g beef brisket
  • 10 cups water
  • 10 cloves garlic
  • 2 onions
  • 1 piece kelp (about 10cm)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 green onions
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • Kimchi, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the beef brisket in a large pot and add the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
  2. Add the garlic, onions, and kelp to the pot. Simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
  3. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Strain the broth, discarding the garlic, onions, and kelp.
  4. Return the broth to the pot and add the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, green onions, salt, and pepper.
  5. Shred the beef and return it to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup and beef over the rice.
  7. Serve with kimchi on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with tofu or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Gukbap: Add red chili flakes or gochujang to the broth for a spicy kick.
  • Seafood Gukbap: Add shrimp, clams, or other seafood to the broth along with the beef.
  • Vegetable Gukbap: Add various vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach to the broth for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Kimchi Gukbap: Mix kimchi into the broth to give it a tangy and spicy taste.
  • Custom Broth: Experiment with different types of broth such as chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for a different flavor profile.
  • Additional Toppings: Add sliced boiled eggs, crispy seaweed, or sesame seeds as toppings for extra texture and flavor.
  • Ramen Gukbap: Replace the cooked rice with instant ramen noodles for a fusion twist.

Recipe overview

Gukbap is a comforting and hearty Korean dish that consists of rice served in a flavorful beef soup. This recipe guides you through the process of creating a delicious Gukbap from scratch. You'll start by simmering beef brisket with garlic, onions, and kelp to develop a rich and savory broth. The broth is then seasoned with soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, green onions, salt, and pepper for extra depth of flavor. The cooked rice and shredded beef are added to the soup, making for a satisfying meal that's perfect for any time of the day. Served with a side of tangy kimchi, this Gukbap is the ultimate comfort food that will warm you up from the inside.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the beef brisket? The beef brisket should be simmered for about 1 hour, or until it becomes tender.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef brisket? Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck roast or beef shank if you prefer.
  3. Can I use vegetable broth instead of water? Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
  4. Is there a vegetarian version of Gukbap? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and omitting the beef.
  5. Do I have to use fish sauce? If you prefer not to use fish sauce, you can substitute it with additional soy sauce for a vegetarian option or with Worcestershire sauce for a different flavor.
  6. Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, salt, and pepper according to your personal preference.
  7. How should I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Gukbap is a beloved comfort food from South Korea, a deceptively simple dish that's steeped in history. It dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, a time when street vendors catered to weary travelers with bowls of this nourishing soup. Over time, Gukbap evolved from a quick meal for the road into a staple food at home, in restaurants, and still on the streets. Its hearty broth, traditionally made by simmering beef bones for hours, is a testament to the Korean philosophy of patience in cooking. The end result, a bowl of steaming Gukbap, is more than just a meal – it's a rhythmic dance of flavors, a symbol of home, and homage to Korea's culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.