Vegetarian & Vegan Gukbap — A Complete Guide
Can gukbap be vegetarian? Yes! Discover plant-based versions and how to enjoy Korean soup rice without meat.
Table of Contents
The Short Answer
Yes, gukbap can absolutely be vegetarian and even vegan. While traditional gukbap is built on meat-based broths, Korea has a strong temple food tradition and a growing plant-based food scene that has produced excellent meatless versions of classic soups.
Natural Vegetarian Gukbap Types
Kongnamul Gukbap (Bean Sprout Soup Rice)
The most naturally vegetarian-friendly gukbap. The traditional version uses anchovy broth, but it’s easily made vegan by substituting with:
- Dashima (kelp) broth — Adds natural umami without any animal products
- Mushroom broth — Dried shiitake mushrooms create an incredibly savory base
- Bean sprout water — The water used to blanch the sprouts becomes a light, flavorful broth on its own
Vegetable Gukbap (Yachae-gukbap)
Some Korean restaurants serve a dedicated vegetable-based gukbap, made with:
- Assorted vegetables (zucchini, onion, carrot, radish)
- Mushrooms for depth
- Soybean paste (doenjang) for seasoning
- Tofu for protein
Temple-Style (Sachal)
Korean temple food (sachal eumsik) is entirely plant-based, and many temples serve soup rice as part of their meals. These are the most authentic vegan gukbap options.
How to Make Any Gukbap Vegetarian
Substitute the Broth
| Traditional | Vegetarian Alternative |
|---|---|
| Pork bone broth | Shiitake + kelp broth |
| Beef bone broth | Roasted vegetable broth |
| Anchovy broth | Dashima (kelp) broth |
| Chicken broth | Soybean paste (doenjang) broth |
Add Plant-Based Protein
- Tofu — Soft tofu cubes work beautifully in any gukbap
- Tempeh — A great substitute for sliced pork in dwaeji gukbap
- Jackfruit — Young green jackfruit has a pulled-pork texture
- Korean rice cakes (tteok) — Adds chewy texture and substance
Use the Right Seasonings
- Doenjang (soybean paste) — Replaces the depth of meat-based broths
- Gochujang (chili paste) — Adds heat and complexity
- Ganjang (soy sauce) — For saltiness and umami
- Deulkkae (perilla seed) — Nutty, savory, and entirely plant-based
Where to Find Vegetarian Gukbap
In Seoul
| Restaurant | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sanchon | Insa-dong | Temple food, set meals with soup rice |
| Balwoo Gongyang | Jongno | Temple food, reservation required |
| Osek | Hongdae | Modern plant-based Korean |
| Vege Bibim | Hongdae | Casual vegan Korean, includes soup options |
In the US
- L.A. — Many Korean restaurants in Koreatown offer vegetable-based soups upon request
- NYC — Franchia (vegan Korean) and Hangawi (vegetarian-friendly) have soup rice options
Vegan Gukbap Recipe Idea
Simple Mushroom Kongnamul Gukbap
- Broth: Simmer dried shiitake mushrooms (4-5) + a sheet of kelp (3×3") in 6 cups of water for 15 minutes
- Remove solids: Discard kelp, slice mushrooms thinly and set aside
- Cook sprouts: Add 4 cups of bean sprouts to the broth, cook 3 minutes
- Season: Add 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp gochugaru, and the sliced mushrooms
- Serve: Over rice, topped with scallions and sesame oil
This version is entirely plant-based but has the same comforting depth as the original.
Verdict
Vegetarian gukbap is not only possible — it’s delicious. Kongnamul gukbap is particularly easy to adapt, and Korea’s temple food tradition offers some of the most refined plant-based soup experiences you can find anywhere. Don’t let the meat-heavy reputation of Korean cuisine stop you from enjoying gukbap.