Clear and Refreshing Pollack and Bean Sprout Soup (Hwangtae Kongnamul Guk)
A Clean and Light Hwangtae Kongnamul Guk to Soothe Your Stomach
Hwangtae Kongnamul Guk is a representative dish for hangover relief, known for its clean and refreshing taste. Let’s learn how to make a perfectly clear and light version of this beloved soup. It’s not only great for hangovers but also a hearty meal.
Main Ingredients- Dried Pollack (Hwangtae) Strips: 1 handful (approx. 20-30g)
- Bean Sprouts: 2 handfuls (generous, approx. 100-120g)
- Enoki Mushrooms: 1/2 pack
- Green Onion: 1/3 stalk
- Green Chili Pepper: 1
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dried pollack strips as they are. If the pollack strips are too long or thick, lightly dampen them with water and then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Using kitchen scissors will make this much easier.
Step 2
In a clean pot, add the prepared pollack strips. Drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and stir-fry over low heat, being careful not to burn them. Sauté until the pollack strips release a savory aroma and their texture slightly changes. Stir-frying the pollack deepens the flavor of the broth.
Step 3
Once the pollack strips are nicely stir-fried, pour in 6-7 cups (approx. 1.2-1.4L) of water. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil.
Step 4
When the water starts boiling, add the washed bean sprouts generously. It’s best to cook the bean sprouts with the lid open. If you cook them with the lid on, they might develop a ‘bean sprout smell,’ so be mindful of this.
Step 5
Simmer over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the bean sprouts turn translucent and the broth becomes milky and rich. A vigorously bubbling broth indicates that the flavors are well-infused.
Step 6
Once the broth has reached a good depth of flavor, add the enoki mushrooms, sliced green onions, diagonally sliced green chili pepper, and 1/3 Tbsp of minced garlic. Boil for another minute until all the ingredients are well combined. Your delicious Hwangtae Kongnamul Guk is almost ready!
Step 7
Finally, season the soup to your taste. Add 1.5 Tbsp of fish sauce or soy sauce for soup, adjusting the amount as needed. You can also add a pinch of salt if you prefer. Enjoy your clear, refreshing, and revitalizing Hwangtae Kongnamul Guk!
