Korean Ground Beef & Cabbage Soup (Asian-Style Beef Vegetable Soup)

Preparation Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 30–35 minutes

• Total time: 45–50 minutes

• Servings: 5–6

• Difficulty: Easy

• Cooking method: Stovetop

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef

• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped

• 1 medium carrot, diced or sliced

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cups fresh spinach or leafy greens

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil

• 5 cups beef broth

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes

• Salt to taste

For Extra Flavor

• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste), optional

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnishing

• 3 green onions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes

• A little sesame oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash the cabbage thoroughly.

2. Cut it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Peel and dice the carrot.

4. Chop the onion.

5. Mince the garlic.

6. Grate the fresh ginger.

7. Wash and roughly chop the spinach.

8. Slice the green onions and set aside for garnish.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

2. Add the ground beef.

3. Break the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon.

4. Cook for 6–8 minutes until completely browned.

5. Drain excess grease if necessary.

6. Add chopped onions and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

1. Add minced garlic to the beef.

2. Add freshly grated ginger.

3. Stir continuously for approximately 30–45 seconds.

4. Add black pepper, chili flakes, paprika, and garlic powder.

Cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Flavorful Broth

1. Pour beef broth into the pot.

2. Add soy sauce.

3. Add rice vinegar.

4. Stir in brown sugar.

5. Add gochujang if you prefer a spicy Korean-style flavor.

6. Mix everything thoroughly.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage and Carrots

1. Add chopped cabbage.

2. Add diced carrots.

3. Stir well to distribute the vegetables.

4. Cover the pot partially.

5. Reduce heat to medium-low.

Simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender and the carrots soften.

Step 6: Add the Spinach

1. Add fresh spinach or leafy greens.

2. Stir gently into the hot broth.

3. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.

4. Taste the broth.

5. Adjust salt, pepper, soy sauce, and chili according to preference.

Step 7: Finish with Sesame Oil

1. Turn off the heat.

2. Add 1 teaspoon sesame oil.

3. Stir gently.

4. Allow the soup to rest for 2 minutes so the flavors blend together.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.

2. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top.

3. Add toasted sesame seeds.

4. Finish with a few chili flakes.

5. Add a tiny drizzle of sesame oil.

Serve immediately while hot!

Helpful Tips for the Best Soup

• Use lean ground beef for a lighter soup.

• Fresh ginger gives the broth a wonderful Asian-inspired aroma.

• Do not overcook the cabbage; it should become tender while retaining some texture.

• Add gochujang gradually to control the spice level.

• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt.

• Add mushrooms or bok choy for extra vegetables.

• For a more filling meal, add cooked rice or noodles.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.

Nut Information (Q/S)

Important allergen information:

• This recipe contains sesame seeds and sesame oil.

• Soy sauce contains soy and may contain wheat.

• Gochujang may contain soy, wheat, or other allergens depending on the brand.

• No tree nuts are intentionally added.

• Check ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious soup with:

1. Steamed white rice.

2. Korean kimchi.

3. Garlic bread.

4. Vegetable spring rolls.

5. Steamed dumplings.

6. Asian cucumber salad.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until thoroughly hot.

• Meal prep: Divide into individual containers for convenient lunches and dinners.

Final Result

Enjoy a rich, savory bowl of Korean-inspired ground beef and cabbage soup filled with tender vegetables, delicious beef, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a flavorful broth.

The finishing touch of fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds makes every spoonful extra special!

A comforting, healthy, budget-friendly one-pot meal the whole family can enjoy.