Clear Beef and Bottle Gourd Soup (Bakguk)
How to Make a Refreshing and Clear Bottle Gourd Soup with Beef
This Bakguk (bottle gourd soup) recipe brings back childhood memories, just like the one my mother used to make. It’s wonderfully refreshing and clear, offering a distinct flavor profile different from beef and radish soup. Perfect for a light yet nourishing meal.
Main Ingredients
- 250g beef (for soup), trimmed of excess fat
- 1/4 medium bottle gourd (bak)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 stalk green onion
- Soy sauce for soup (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, drain the excess blood from the beef by patting it with paper towels. Peel the bottle gourd, scoop out the seeds and pith, and then slice it into thick pieces, about 1cm thick. Slicing it thickly helps prevent it from breaking apart too much during cooking.
Step 2
Heat a pot over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Add the beef, from which you’ve removed the blood, and stir-fry until the surface is browned. Ensure the beef is cooked through on all sides.
Step 3
Once the beef is sufficiently stir-fried, pour in about 1.5 to 2 liters of plain water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the beef flavor to infuse into the broth.
Step 4
Add the thickly sliced bottle gourd to the pot. Cover again and simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the bottle gourd becomes tender and slightly translucent. If the broth reduces too much during cooking, you can add a little more water.
Step 5
When the bottle gourd is thoroughly cooked, season the soup with soy sauce for soup. You can also add salt to adjust the taste according to your preference. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and the chopped green onion, then simmer for another minute to finish.
Step 6
This finished Bakguk has a wonderfully clean, refreshing, and clear taste. The tender bottle gourd combined with the savory beef makes it very digestible, so it’s an excellent nourishing soup for the elderly and new mothers. Enjoy a warm bowl and take care of your health!
