Bokguk–Inspired Gentle Comfort Soup – Part of our Korean Comfort Food for One series
Some meals are about flavour fireworks. Others are about slowing things down, settling your stomach, and giving your body a quiet reset. This is very much the second kind.
This Clear Fish, Tofu & Radish Soup for One is inspired by Bokguk, a traditional Korean soup most famously made with pufferfish and valued for its clean, delicate flavour. In Korea, it’s often associated with recovery — eaten when you’re run down, feeling off, or just need something gentle and restorative. It’s light, nourishing, and intentionally uncluttered.
For Plan4One, we take that same calming intention and adapt it into a safe, accessible, home-cook-friendly version using readily available white fish, tofu, and radish. No specialist ingredients, no long simmering, and no culinary bravado required. This is food that looks after you — a core part of the healthy solo cooking made simple philosophy. It’s ideal for reset days, low-energy evenings, or anytime you want dinner to feel soothing rather than demanding.
Meal Goals
✔ Gentle nourishment and hydration
✔ Light protein without heaviness
✔ Digestive-friendly comfort
✔ Calm, restorative eating
This is the meal you make when you want to feel better — not fuller.
Why This Dish Works for Solo Eaters
Not every night calls for a big, bold dinner. Sometimes you just want:
- Something warm
- Something easy to digest
- Something that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down
This soup delivers all of that in a single bowl. It’s naturally portion-controlled, quick to prepare, and made with ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. It’s also a great option if you’re cooking for one while feeling under the weather, overtired, or simply not in the mood for anything rich or spicy.
Nutrition Snapshot (Approx.)
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Protein: 25–30g
- Fat: Low
- Hero nutrients: Lean protein, iodine, hydration
- Digestive load: Very gentle
A quietly powerful meal with minimal strain on the system.
Ingredients (Single Serve)
Soup Base
- 1 tsp neutral oil
- 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ small onion, sliced
- 2 cups water or light chicken/vegetable stock
Main Ingredients
- 120g white fish (whiting, flathead, barramundi, or hoki)
- 100g firm tofu, cubed
- ½ cup daikon radish (or white radish), thinly sliced
Finish
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional)
- Salt or soy sauce, to taste
- White or black pepper
- Spring onions, sliced
- Optional: steamed rice, to serve
Step-by-Step Instructions (Beginner Friendly)
1. Start the base
Heat oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook gently until soft and fragrant, without browning.
2. Build the broth
Add water or stock and radish slices. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, until radish is just tender.
3. Add fish and tofu
Add fish pieces and tofu cubes. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until the fish is just cooked and flakes easily.
4. Optional egg ribbons
If using egg, slowly pour it into the gently simmering soup while stirring lightly to create soft strands.
5. Season and finish
Season with salt or soy sauce and a little pepper. Taste and adjust gently — this soup should be subtle, not bold.
Top with spring onions and serve hot.
How to Eat It
Take your time.
Small spoonfuls.
Steam rising.
If serving with rice, alternate bites rather than mixing it in — this keeps the soup light and clear.
This is a sit-down, breathe, reset kind of meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Best eaten fresh
- Can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours
- Reheat gently on the stove
- Avoid boiling when reheating to keep fish tender
Easy Swaps & Variations
- No fish?
Use extra tofu and add mushrooms for depth. - More warmth:
Add a pinch of grated ginger to the broth. - Low appetite:
Skip the rice and keep it purely as a soup. - More protein:
Add an extra egg or slightly more fish.
Cost-Per-Serve Estimate (Australia)
Approx. $5–$7 per serve, depending on fish choice — simple, affordable, and nourishing.
Why This Recipe Belongs in the Series
Korean comfort food isn’t always about bold spice or rich broths. There’s a quieter side to it — food designed to restore rather than impress. This soup captures that side beautifully, while fitting perfectly into a solo cooking lifestyle.
It’s calm food. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
If you make this Clear Fish, Tofu & Radish Soup for One, let me know when you choose it.
Is it a reset day meal? A cold-night dinner? A “nothing else sounds right” option?
👉 Leave a comment, share it, or save it for the days you need something gentle.
