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Instant Pot Spicy Kimchi Tofu Soup, instant pot soup recipes
Front Porch Recipe

Instant Pot Spicy Kimchi Tofu Soup

Kimchi, soft tofu, and gochujang pressure cook into a bold Korean-inspired soup with savory depth and a gentle heat. It is weeknight-fast and deeply satisfying with a bowl of rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil such as avocado or vegetable
  • 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cups napa cabbage kimchi roughly chopped, plus 1/4 cup kimchi juice
  • 1 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 1 tsp gochugaru Korean chili flakes, optional for extra heat
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth low-sodium
  • 1 package (14 oz) soft or silken tofu cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for serving
  • cooked short-grain rice for serving

Equipment

  • 6-quart Instant Pot

Method
 

  1. Set the Instant Pot to Saute. Add sesame oil and neutral oil. Cook the onion 3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the chopped kimchi and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until it smells fragrant and slightly caramelized at the edges.
  3. Stir in gochujang, gochugaru if using, soy sauce, sugar, and kimchi juice. Pour in the broth and scrape the bottom clean.
  4. Press Cancel. Lock the lid, valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on High for 5 minutes. Quick release carefully.
  5. Open the lid. Gently add the tofu cubes. Saute 2 to 3 minutes just until the tofu is heated through. Do not stir hard or the tofu will break apart.
  6. Taste and add a pinch of salt or a splash more soy sauce if needed. Ladle into bowls over rice. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Use well-fermented kimchi for the best tang. Soft or silken tofu holds up best; firm tofu works if you prefer larger cubes.