Clear and Refreshing Clam Soup (Bajirak Guk)
How to Make a Delicious and Refreshing Clam Soup (Bajirak Guk)
The family loves clams! We enjoy them in pasta, steamed dishes, miso soup, and noodle soup. Today, using freshly delivered clams from the coast, we’ll start with a simple yet deeply flavorful ‘Clam Soup’ (Bajirak Guk). This clear and refreshing soup will invigorate your senses.
Main Ingredients- Fresh clams (Bajirak) 500g
- Rice wine or Mirin 1 Tbsp
- Scallions (green parts) 5 stalks
- Green chili pepper 1
- Red chili pepper 1
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Water 500ml
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Although the clams may have undergone initial purging, a second round of purging will ensure an even cleaner taste. In a large bowl, dissolve 1 Tbsp of salt in 1 liter of water. Add a metal spoon to the water. (The metal is believed to help the clams open their shells.)
Step 2
Cover the bowl with a black plastic bag to block out light, and let the clams purge in a cool place for at least 3 hours. If the water becomes cloudy during this time, it’s beneficial to change it to fresh water.
Step 3
Once the clams have finished purging, rinse them thoroughly under running water, scrubbing them gently to remove any debris from between the shells. Drain them in a colander.
Step 4
Slice the chili peppers diagonally after removing the seeds. Finely chop the scallions. (Optional: You can also add thinly sliced carrots or onions.)
Step 5
Place the cleaned clams and 500ml of cold water in a pot. Start cooking over medium heat. The clams will begin to open as the water starts to boil.
Step 6
Once the clams start to open, add 1 Tbsp of rice wine (or mirin). This helps to eliminate any fishy odor from the clams and makes the broth more refreshing.
Step 7
As the soup simmers, carefully skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Removing the foam will result in a clearer and cleaner broth.
Step 8
After the clam’s natural umami has infused the broth, season with salt to your liking. It’s important to taste and adjust the salt gradually rather than adding too much at once.
Step 9
Add the minced garlic, thinly sliced red chili pepper, and green chili pepper to enhance the spicy and refreshing flavor.
Step 10
Finally, add the chopped scallions and let it simmer for another moment.
Step 11
Avoid overcooking, as this can make the clam meat tough and the broth cloudy. After adding the remaining ingredients and simmering briefly, turn off the heat immediately. Make sure to do a final taste test just before turning off the heat.
Step 12
This is how you easily make a refreshingly clear clam soup! While the cooking process is simple, you can savor the deep, rich ocean flavor of fresh, seasonal clams, making it a delightful meal that will have you finishing your rice in no time. It’s also incredibly delicious served over rice!
