Soup
Kimchi Sujebi (Kimchi Hand-Pulled Noodle Soup)
Original name: Kimchi Sujebi

About this dish
Kimchi sujebi is a rustic Korean comfort food that combines chewy, hand-torn wheat flour dumplings with a deeply savory broth made from aged kimchi and its tangy juice. Originating as a frugal home dish, it transforms humble pantry staples into a hearty, soul-warming bowl that's perfect for cold days.
The dough is pulled directly into the simmering pot, creating irregular, tender pieces that soak up the spicy, umami-rich broth. With a balance of heat, sourness, and earthy depth, this one-pot meal is both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
all-purpose flour
grain2 cups (240g)
Imperial measurement: 2 cups
water
liquid1/2 cup (120ml)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
salt
seasoning1/2 teaspoon
vegetable oil
fat1 tablespoon
aged kimchi
vegetable2 cups (300g)
Imperial measurement: 2 cups
kimchi juice
liquid1/2 cup (120ml)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
garlic
herb4 cloves, minced
Imperial measurement: 4 cloves
gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
spice1 tablespoon
toasted sesame oil
fat1 tablespoon
soy sauce
seasoning2 tablespoons
dried kelp (dashima)
other1 piece, about 3-inch square
Imperial measurement: 1 piece
onion
vegetable1/2 medium, thinly sliced
Imperial measurement: 1/2 medium
zucchini
vegetable1 small, thinly sliced
Imperial measurement: 1 small
water
liquid6 cups (1.4 liters)
Imperial measurement: 6 cups
green onions
vegetable2, chopped
Imperial measurement: 2
toasted sesame seeds
spice1 teaspoon
Method
Make the dough
20 minutesIn a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and water. Mix with your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
Prepare the broth base
10 minutesMeanwhile, in a large pot, combine the water and dried kelp. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the kelp and discard, keeping the broth on low heat.
Sauté the aromatics and kimchi
5 minutesIn a separate skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and sliced kimchi. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the kimchi starts to soften. Stir in the gochugaru and cook for another minute until the chili flakes release their color and aroma.
Combine and simmer the broth
10 minutesTransfer the sautéed kimchi mixture to the pot with the kelp broth. Add the kimchi juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the vegetables
2 minutesAdd the sliced zucchini and onion to the broth and cook for 2 minutes, just until slightly tender.
Tear the dough into the pot
5 minutesOn a floured surface, roll the rested dough into a large thin circle, about 1/4-inch thick. With floured hands, pinch off pieces of dough and stretch them slightly with your fingers. Drop each piece directly into the simmering broth. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
Cook the sujebi
7 minutesLet the sujebi cook in the gently simmering broth for 5-7 minutes, until the dough pieces float to the surface and are cooked through. They should be chewy and slightly translucent.
Finish and serve
0 minutesTaste and adjust seasoning with salt or soy sauce if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot, with a side of kimchi or banchan if desired.
Equipment
- Large pot (Dutch oven)
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Skillet
- Floured surface
Nutrition facts
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use well-fermented, aged kimchi. The extra sourness enhances the broth.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add more gochugaru to taste, or include a touch of gochujang.
- To make the dough easier to handle, rest it longer (up to 30 minutes) and keep your hands lightly floured while pulling.
- The sujebi pieces should be irregular—that's the charm. Don't worry about perfect shapes.
Serving suggestions
- Serve immediately as a main dish with a side of fresh kimchi or other banchan.
- For.
- For a complete meal, add a bowl of steamed rice on the side.
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Recipe by
Hyunwoo Kim
Specialises in Korean cuisineHyunwoo makes kimchi by hand in a traditional onggi pot. He speaks to it like a pet.
Describe yourself in three words: Devoted, fermented, kimchi whisperer.