Plant-Based Cooking • 7 min read

Plant-Based K-Food: How to Replace Fish Sauce & Beef Broth Authentically

Making Korean Classics Fully Vegan Without Sacrificing Umami Depth

By Han-Easy Culinary Team • 2026-07-29

1. Plant-Based Umami Boosters in Korean Cooking

To achieve deep, satisfying savoriness in vegan Bulgogi, Tteokbokki, or Kimchi Jjigae, rely on fermented plant glutamates:

• Mushroom Seasoning Powder / Dried Shiitake Broth: Provides rich savory notes identical to beef stock.

• Yondu or Liquid Vegetable Seasoning: Fermented soybean condiment that mimics fish sauce depth without fishiness.

• White Miso & Soy Sauce: Creates complex savory base notes for stews.

2. Vegan Kimchi & Stew Tips

When making vegan Kimchi or Kimchi Jjigae, replace fish sauce with light soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) or Yondu and add a small teaspoon of nutritional yeast or miso paste for extra body.

For vegan Bibimbap, pan-sear extra-firm tofu or mushrooms in soy sauce and garlic to replace beef.

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