Ever since I started working from home, lunch has always been the easiest thing to neglect. Most days, I relied on leftovers, a bowl of oatmeal with raisins and nuts, or nothing at all if a nap felt like the better choice. It wasn’t ideal, but it was convenient, and convenience usually won.

Then one aimless scroll on TikTok changed that. I came across the soup kit recipes of Joe x Fitness, a Korean fitness content creator who shares simple, health-focused meals. I tried one out on a whim. Now, making soup kits has become part of my weekly routine, especially for lunch. They fit neatly into my day, right when I need something warm, filling, and easy to pull together.

The Ingredients I Keep Reaching For

In Joe’s recipe, the base is simple and well thought out: tofu, thinly sliced meat, mushrooms, cabbage, scallions, Korean pastes, and bone broth. I followed almost everything, except the bone broth. Making it from scratch takes time and patience, and most days, I don’t have either. I use beef stock instead, finish it with a little sesame oil, and add a splash of soy sauce. It gets the job done without turning lunch into a long cooking session.

Enoki mushrooms cook fast and add a light crunch. Tofu softens the broth and makes the soup feel more filling. Cabbage brings in a mild sweetness as it cooks, while thinly sliced meat adds richness without needing much time on the stove. Scallions go in at the end for a fresh bite that brightens the whole bowl.

I just pile them up on the glass container, no need to make them pretty 😂

The Korean pastes are what pull everything together. Doenjang, a fermented soybean paste, gives the soup its deep, savory base. It makes the broth taste like it took hours, even when it didn’t. Gochujang, a red chili paste, adds gentle heat and a touch of sweetness. Used together, they create balance—comforting, warm, and just interesting enough to keep me coming back to it.

I buy these at the Korean store near our house

Why This Works for Me, Every Time

What I like most about food kits is how little they ask from me. By midday, my brain is already full from teaching, answering questions, and keeping the house running in the background. I want lunch to happen without needing extra thought.

I’m also a creature of habit, especially on workdays. Once something works, I stick with it. Food kits fit right into that rhythm. Everything is ready, measured, and waiting, so I don’t have to pause and decide what comes next. I just pour, simmer, and move on.

There’s comfort in the predictability. The soup tastes familiar every time, which feels grounding in the middle of a busy day. It’s warm, filling, and easy to eat between classes. No rushing. No cleanup drama. Just a small reset before the rest of the workday carries on.