Clear and Refreshing Bean Sprout Soup
How to Make Clear Bean Sprout Soup – A Simple Recipe for a Palate Cleanser
When you’ve enjoyed a spicy main dish, this clear bean sprout soup offers a refreshing and soothing counterpoint. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe perfect for balancing out richer or spicier meals.
Ingredients
- 150g fresh bean sprouts
- 15g green onion (white part preferred)
- 1 red chili pepper (approx. 12g)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy sauce)
- 1.5 Tbsp tuna extract (or additional fish sauce)
- 2 convenient broth cubes (or stock packs)
- 1.2 liters water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the bean sprouts by washing them thoroughly. Place the bean sprouts in a bowl and add enough water to cover them. Gently swirl the bean sprouts with your hands a few times, changing the water 3-4 times to remove any impurities and reduce any gamey smell. Drain them well in a colander.
Step 2
Next, prepare the aromatics. Wash the green onion and slice it thinly on an angle. Wash the red chili pepper, remove the seeds, and slice it thinly. Also, measure out 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and have 2 broth cubes ready.
Step 3
In a pot, combine the washed bean sprouts with 1.2 liters of water. Add the 2 broth cubes. (If you don’t have broth cubes, you can use 1.2 liters of pre-made anchovy-kelp stock instead).
Step 4
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling vigorously, continue to boil for 5 minutes. This cooking time helps the bean sprouts stay crisp while extracting their natural refreshing flavor into the broth.
Step 5
As the soup boils, you’ll notice some foam rising to the surface. Skim this foam off with a spoon. Removing the foam will keep the broth clear and clean-tasting.
Step 6
Once the broth is clear, it’s time to add seasoning for umami. Add 1.5 Tbsp of fish sauce (e.g., Kkanari Aekjeot).
Step 7
Next, add 1.5 Tbsp of tuna extract for added depth of flavor. Stir gently to combine. (If tuna extract is unavailable, you can use more fish sauce or another type of anchovy sauce).
Step 8
Now, cover the pot, but leave the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for another 5 minutes. Keeping the lid slightly open prevents too much liquid from evaporating, maintaining the desired soup volume.
Step 9
After 5 minutes, taste the clear bean sprout soup. If it tastes a bit bland, add a pinch of salt to adjust the seasoning. If the soup volume seems a little low, you can add a bit more water and re-adjust the taste.
Step 10
Finally, add the sliced green onion, red chili pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate them into the soup.
Step 11
Bring the soup to one final gentle boil. Your simple and refreshing clear bean sprout soup is now complete! Enjoy it with a bowl of rice.
