Ingredients:
- 400g assorted mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, oyster)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 400ml coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 heads of pak choi, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean and slice the mushrooms. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and red chilies, and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Red Curry Paste: Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Create the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and gochujang. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 10 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
- Add Pak Choi: Stir in the chopped pak choi and let it wilt in the hot soup for about 2-3 minutes.
- Season and Finish: Add lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spiciness by adding more gochujang or red chilies if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Estimated Nutritional Values (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
This spicy Korean mushroom soup combines the deep umami of mushrooms with the rich, creamy heat of red curry and gochujang. The addition of pak choi provides a fresh, green contrast, both in flavor and color, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Enjoy this warming, hearty soup on a chilly day, or whenever you’re in the mood for a flavorful and nutritious meal.