Kimchi Noodle Soup with Dumplings 3 scaled

Kimchi Noodle Soup with Dumplings

Kimchi Noodle Soup with Dumplings 2

When the craving for something spicy, hearty, and soul-soothing hits, this Kimchi Noodle Soup with Dumplings is exactly what you need. Packed with umami-rich flavors from fermented kimchi, earthy mushrooms, and punchy spices, this dish is a winter essential—but honestly, I could eat it year-round! Inspired by bold Korean flavors, this one-pot wonder is quick to prepare and hits all the right notes of comfort and satisfaction.

I first fell in love with kimchi soup while visiting Seoul, where every meal felt like an event. The combination of noodles and dumplings (mandu) simmered in a flavorful broth brought a whole new meaning to comfort food. Today’s recipe is my go-to when I want something warming but easy to whip up in just about 20 minutes.

Kimchi Noodle Soup with Dumplings 1

Why You’ll Love This Kimchi Noodle Soup with Dumplings

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
  • Flavor-Packed: Deep, umami flavor from kimchi, mushrooms, and miso.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, maximum comfort.
  • Customizable: Easily made vegan or adjusted to your spice tolerance.

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • ¾ cup vegan kimchi (check out my homemade kimchi recipe)
  • 3½ cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 3 dried shiitake mushrooms (or fresh mushrooms), sliced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp miso paste
  • 1 tsp gochujang (adjust based on desired heat)
  • Salt, to taste

Noodle Soup

  • 1 dry instant ramen noodle cake (or noodles of choice)
  • Handful of enoki mushrooms (or other mushrooms, optional)
  • Bok choy or other greens
  • 5 frozen vegan dumplings (feel free to add more!)

To Serve

  • Toasted sesame seeds and black sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Extra vegan kimchi

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Mushrooms

If you’re using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them overnight or place them in a bowl of boiling water, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Slice into ½-inch thick pieces. Save the soaking liquid—it’s pure umami gold and can be added to the soup base.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

  1. Heat a medium pot over medium heat.
  2. Add sesame oil and sauté the vegan kimchi for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water + mushroom soaking liquid).
  4. Add garlic, mushrooms, soy sauce, miso paste, gochujang, and salt to taste.
  5. Cover and let it come to a boil (about 5 minutes).

Step 3: Add Dumplings & Veggies

  1. Once the soup is boiling, add enoki mushrooms (if using), bok choy, and frozen dumplings.
  2. Let them cook until the dumplings float and the greens are tender. This usually takes just a few minutes.
  3. Remove the veggies and dumplings from the pot once cooked to prevent overcooking. Set aside in your serving bowl.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

  1. Add your ramen or noodles of choice to the boiling soup. Cook for 2-3 minutes less than package instructions to keep them pleasantly chewy.
  2. Once ready, turn off the heat.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

  1. Transfer the noodles and soup into your serving bowl with the veggies and dumplings.
  2. Top with sesame seeds, green onions, and extra kimchi if desired.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!
Kimchi Noodle Soup with Dumplings 3 scaled

Pro Tips

  • Spice Level: Add more gochujang if you love heat, or tone it down for a milder broth.
  • Protein Boost: Add tofu cubes or tempeh for extra protein.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers (separately if possible) in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat: Gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup.

More Cozy Recipes to Try

Final Thoughts

This Kimchi Noodle Soup with Dumplings is everything you could ask for in a bowl—spicy, savory, and utterly comforting. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re in need of a flavor-packed pick-me-up. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so feel free to make it your own!

Kimchi Noodle Soup with Dumplings pinterest

Kimchi Noodle Soup with Dumplings

Flavor-packed kimchi noodle soup with dumplings—spicy, hearty, and ready in 20 minutes. A must-try Asian comfort dish!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

Soup Base:

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • ¾ cup vegan kimchi check out my homemade kimchi recipe
  • cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 3 dried shiitake mushrooms or fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or to taste
  • 1 tbsp miso paste
  • 1 tsp gochujang adjust based on desired heat
  • Salt to taste

Noodle Soup:

  • 1 dry instant ramen noodle cake or noodles of choice
  • Handful of enoki mushrooms or other mushrooms, optional
  • Bok choy or other greens
  • 5 frozen vegan dumplings feel free to add more!

To Serve:

  • Toasted sesame seeds and black sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Extra vegan kimchi

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Mushrooms

  • If you’re using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them overnight or place them in a bowl of boiling water, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Slice into ½-inch thick pieces. Save the soaking liquid—it’s pure umami gold and can be added to the soup base.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

  • Heat a medium pot over medium heat.
  • Add sesame oil and sauté the vegan kimchi for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth (or water + mushroom soaking liquid).
  • Add garlic, mushrooms, soy sauce, miso paste, gochujang, and salt to taste.
  • Cover and let it come to a boil (about 5 minutes).

Step 3: Add Dumplings & Veggies

  • Once the soup is boiling, add enoki mushrooms (if using), bok choy, and frozen dumplings.
  • Let them cook until the dumplings float and the greens are tender. This usually takes just a few minutes.
  • Remove the veggies and dumplings from the pot once cooked to prevent overcooking. Set aside in your serving bowl.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

  • Add your ramen or noodles of choice to the boiling soup. Cook for 2-3 minutes less than package instructions to keep them pleasantly chewy.
  • Once ready, turn off the heat.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

  • Transfer the noodles and soup into your serving bowl with the veggies and dumplings.
  • Top with sesame seeds, green onions, and extra kimchi if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy immediately!