Spicy and Refreshing Clam and Radish Soup (Bajibak Muguk)
A Harmonious Blend of Properly Purged Clams and Cool Radish! Experience the Superb Spicy and Savory Broth of Clam and Radish Soup.
Introducing a delightful clam and radish soup, perfect for when you’re tired of the usual soybean paste stew and crave something refreshing and clear. It’s simple yet delivers a profound flavor, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Learn the secrets to making it clean and free of fishy odors, and create a delicious clam and radish soup!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 onion
- 1 piece of Korean radish (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 block of firm tofu
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 3 Korean green chili peppers
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients for the dish. Having your ingredients prepped beforehand makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Soak the fresh clams in cold running water for about 30 minutes to purge them. Adding a pinch of salt during this process helps the clams release more sediment. Rinse them thoroughly just before cooking.
Step 3
To create a clear and refreshing broth, make a kelp-based stock. Place 1.5 liters of water in a pot, add one sheet of kelp, and simmer for about 10 minutes. (Tip: Traditionally, using anchovy stock along with kelp yields a much richer and deeper flavor, but if you don’t have anchovies, kelp alone will still make a delicious broth.)
Step 4
While the kelp stock is simmering, chop the prepared ingredients into bite-sized pieces. Slice the radish thinly, shred the onion, and cut the green onion and chili peppers diagonally. Cube the tofu.
Step 5
Once the broth begins to boil, turn off the heat and remove the kelp; discard it. Be careful not to over-boil the kelp, as it can make the broth gummy. Add the purged clams, sliced radish, and onion to the pot, and bring it back to a boil.
Step 6
As the soup boils, skim off any foam that rises to the surface with a spoon. This helps keep the broth clear. Cook until the clams have opened and the radish becomes translucent. When almost done, add the cubed tofu, diagonally sliced green onion, and chili peppers, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, add the Korean soup soy sauce (optional) and minced garlic, and adjust the seasoning with salt to your preference. Your delicious clam and radish soup is ready!
