Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that will surprise your taste buds. With a hint of spiciness from caramelized gochujang and creaminess from coconut milk, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. Easy to prepare and ready in just 45 minutes, it stands out as one of the best tomato soups you can make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of caramelized gochujang and fresh tomatoes creates a rich and complex taste.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, it’s a healthy choice for everyone.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, with rice, or alongside crusty bread—perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite herbs or chili crisp to personalize each bowl to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for even cooking and simmering the soup to perfection.
• Immersion blender: Allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot for easy cleanup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results every time.

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Ingredients

This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is unlike any you’ve had before – it’s slightly spicy from a hit of caramelized gochujang paste and is deeply rich from slowly simmered tomatoes and just a touch of coconut milk. It’s fully plant-based, easy to make, and ready in minutes, making it one of the best tomato soups out there.

For the Soup Base

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (thinly sliced or chopped)
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons gochujang
• 1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes or vine tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice apple vinegar
• 1 cup vegetable stock

For Creaminess

• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (plus extra for serving)

For Garnishing

• Assorted tender herbs (dill, mint, cilantro, scallions, for serving)
• Chili crisp (for serving)

How to Make Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a medium dutch oven over medium heat:
1. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute.
2. Introduce the diced onion; cook until slightly softened (about 5-6 minutes).
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger; combine well.
4. Add the gochujang; cook while stirring often until it turns darker (around 5-6 minutes).

Step 2: Cook Tomatoes

Add in:
1. The halved cherry tomatoes.
2. Soy sauce and rice apple vinegar; stir well.
3. Cook while stirring occasionally until tomatoes burst and become jammy (around 10-11 minutes).
4. Pour in the vegetable stock; stir to combine.

Step 3: Simmer & Blend

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer for about 8-10 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to low; blend using an immersion blender until mostly smooth but leave some tomato skins whole.

Step 4: Finish with Coconut Milk

Stir in:
1. The coconut milk; mix well.
2. Taste the soup and season with additional soy sauce if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Portion into bowls:
1. Top with assorted tender herbs and chili crisp.
2. Serve hot alongside steamed white rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Enjoy your deliciously unique Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup!

How to Serve Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enhance your dining experience with various serving suggestions that complement its rich and spicy flavors.

With Fresh Herbs

• Dill – Add a sprinkle of fresh dill for a bright, herbal note.
• Cilantro – This brings a fresh, slightly citrus flavor that balances the soup’s richness.
• Mint – A touch of mint adds a refreshing twist that contrasts beautifully with the spice.

Accompanying Side Dishes

• Steamed White Rice – A simple base that soaks up the soup’s flavors perfectly.
• Crusty Bread – Ideal for dipping; choose a sourdough or baguette for the best texture.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic comfort food pairing that adds creamy goodness.

Drizzled with Coconut Milk

• Coconut Milk Swirl – Top each bowl with extra coconut milk for creaminess and visual appeal.

Topped with Chili Crisp

• Chili Crisp Garnish – Adds crunch and an extra kick of heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

To make your Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavor Development – Allow the gochujang to caramelize fully; this enhances its natural sweetness and depth.
• Use Quality Tomatoes – Choose ripe cherry or vine tomatoes for maximum flavor and sweetness in your soup.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Feel free to modify the amount of gochujang based on your heat preference.
• Blend for Texture – Use an immersion blender to achieve your desired consistency, leaving some chunks for bite.
• Taste Before Serving – Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure perfect balance.

Best Side Dishes for Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

Complement your Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup with these tasty side dishes that enhance the meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy slices of bread topped with garlic butter make an irresistible pairing.
2. Simple Salad – A fresh salad with mixed greens can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
3. Quinoa Salad – Nutty quinoa mixed with veggies makes for a nutritious side that fills you up.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add texture and flavor while being healthy.
5. Cheesy Quesadillas – These are quick to make, and their gooey cheese complements the soup’s spice nicely.
6. Vegetable Spring Rolls – Light and crispy, they offer a delightful crunch alongside the smooth soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Neglecting the caramelization: Skipping the caramelization of gochujang can lead to a flat flavor. Make sure to cook it until it darkens slightly for a richer taste.
• Using unripe tomatoes: Unripe tomatoes can affect the soup’s sweetness and overall flavor. Opt for ripe cherry or vine tomatoes for the best results.
• Over-blending the soup: Blending too much can make the soup overly smooth and lose texture. Blend just enough to incorporate most of the tomatoes while leaving some skins intact.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning before serving can result in a bland dish. Always sample your soup and tweak the soy sauce or vinegar if needed.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness and depth to your soup. Don’t skip this step; they enhance both flavor and presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Will last for up to 4 days.

Freezing Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

• Allow soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup?

Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is a fusion dish that combines sweet caramelized gochujang with rich, simmered tomatoes, resulting in a slightly spicy and creamy soup.

How can I customize Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup?

You can customize this soup by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini, or swapping out coconut milk for another non-dairy alternative.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to serve.

What should I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with steamed white rice or crusty bread, which adds heartiness to your meal.

Is Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup vegan?

Yes, this recipe is fully plant-based and does not include any animal products.

Final Thoughts

Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup offers a unique blend of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. Its versatility allows for customization based on personal preferences or seasonal ingredients. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!