(Dwaeji Gukbap–Inspired)
Part of our Korean Comfort Food for One series
There’s a particular kind of hunger that shows up on cold days — not the dramatic, snack-drawer-raiding kind, but the quieter one that just wants something warm, filling, and deeply comforting. The kind of meal that feels like it’s doing you a favour.
This Busan-Style Pork & Rice Soup for One is inspired by Dwaeji Gukbap, a much-loved Korean pork and rice soup that originated as affordable, nourishing food for everyday people. Traditionally, it’s made with long-simmered pork bones and served bubbling hot, often eaten at any hour of the day. It’s humble, hearty, and built to warm you from the inside out.
For Plan4One, we keep the soul of the dish but simplify the method. Instead of hours of simmering and specialty cuts, this version uses easy-to-find pork, a quicker broth, and a single bowl format that works beautifully for solo cooking. It’s practical, budget-aware, and satisfying without being heavy — exactly the kind of food that fits the healthy solo cooking made simple philosophy. One pot, one bowl, and a meal that genuinely feels like comfort rather than compromise.
Meal Goals
✔ Deep comfort and warmth
✔ High-protein, filling dinner
✔ One-pot, low-effort cooking
✔ Budget-friendly winter nourishment
This is a meal for cold evenings, tired days, or anytime you want dinner to feel steady and reliable rather than exciting and exhausting.
Why This Dish Works for Solo Eaters
Soup and rice are a perfect pairing for cooking for one — especially when they’re combined into a single bowl. This dish:
- Uses affordable pork cuts
- Scales naturally to one serve
- Keeps well for leftovers
- Feels generous without overdoing it
It’s also a great “reset meal” — grounding, warm, and not reliant on heavy sauces or sugar.
Nutrition Snapshot (Approx.)
- Calories: 500–550 kcal
- Protein: 35–40g
- Fat: Moderate (satiating, not greasy)
- Carbohydrates: Balanced
- Hero nutrients: Protein, collagen, iron, B vitamins
Add kimchi or greens on the side and you’ve got gut health covered too.
Ingredients (Single Serve)
Soup Base
- 150–180g pork shoulder, pork mince, or pork scotch fillet
- 1 tsp neutral oil
- 1 small onion, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp grated ginger (optional but lovely)
Broth
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- ½ tsp soy sauce or light salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
Rice & Finish
- ½–¾ cup cooked white rice
- Spring onions, sliced
- Sesame oil (a few drops)
Optional Add-Ins
- Napa cabbage or wombok
- Zucchini slices
- Soft tofu cubes
- Kimchi (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions (Beginner Friendly)
1. Prepare the pork
If using pork shoulder or fillet, slice thinly. If using mince, keep it loose and unseasoned.
2. Build flavour
Heat oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the pork
Add pork to the pot. Cook until just coloured — don’t rush this, but don’t brown aggressively either. Gentle is the goal.
4. Add broth
Pour in stock, soy sauce, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, uncovered.
5. Add rice
Stir cooked rice directly into the soup. Let it warm through and slightly thicken the broth.
6. Finish
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a few drops of sesame oil and top with spring onions.
Serve piping hot.
How to Eat It (Very Important)
This isn’t a “delicate spoonful” soup.
This is a big-spoon, lean-over-the-bowl situation.
If you’re adding kimchi, take alternating bites — soup, kimchi, soup. That contrast is part of the joy.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Keeps up to 2 days refrigerated
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave
- Add a splash of water or stock when reheating
- Rice will continue to absorb liquid — that’s normal
This soup actually improves overnight.
Easy Swaps & Variations
- No pork?
Use chicken thigh or firm tofu. - Want it lighter?
Use less rice and add more vegetables. - Extra comfort mode:
Crack an egg into the simmering soup and stir gently for ribbons. - Spice lover:
Add chilli oil or gochugaru at the table.
Why This Recipe Belongs in the Series
This Korean comfort food inspired dish is practical, warming, and designed to look after you. It doesn’t try to impress. It just does its job quietly and well.
For solo eaters, that’s exactly the kind of recipe worth keeping.
If you make this Busan-Style Pork & Rice Soup for One, let me know how you customise it.
Extra rice? More broth? Egg or no egg?
👉 Leave a comment, share it with a fellow soup lover, or bookmark it for your next cold night in.
