Clear Beef and Radish Soup (Tang-guk Style)
Deliciously Clear and Refreshing Beef and Radish Soup – A Tang-guk Version
Clear beef and radish soup is often served as ‘Tang-guk’ during holidays. Today, we’ll be making it in that special Tang-guk style! This recipe creates a beautifully clear yet deeply flavorful broth.
Main Ingredients
- 400g Beef for soup (e.g., brisket or flank)
- 1/4 Korean radish (approx. 300g)
- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300g)
Seasoning & Broth Base
- 1/2 ladle Soy sauce for soup (approx. 1.5 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 L Kelp-infused water
- 1/2 ladle Soy sauce for soup (approx. 1.5 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 L Kelp-infused water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Korean radish, peel it, and then slice it into 0.5cm thick pieces, resembling half-moons. Slice the firm tofu into roughly 1.5-2cm cubes. Cutting the tofu slightly thicker helps it maintain its shape even as the soup simmers.
Step 2
Pat the beef dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess blood. This step is crucial for achieving a clear broth and eliminating any gamey flavors from the beef.
Step 3
Heat a pot over medium-low heat with a little sesame oil. Add the beef and stir-fry until the surface is no longer pink and has changed color.
Step 4
Once the beef has changed color, add the sliced radish and sauté together for about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the soup soy sauce (1/2 ladle) and gently stir to combine. Avoid over-stirring; a brief sauté is key to keeping the broth clear.
Step 5
Now, pour in 1 liter of kelp-infused water. Using kelp water instead of plain water or anchovy broth adds a deeper, more umami flavor. To make kelp-infused water, simply place a piece of cleaned dried kelp (about 10g) into 1 liter of water and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Remove the kelp before use.
Step 6
Once the soup comes to a rolling boil, add the cubed tofu. The soup is almost ready when the tofu floats to the surface. Skim off any foam that rises to the top during cooking to ensure a clear broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with fish sauce if needed. Note that Tang-guk style soups typically omit aromatic ingredients like garlic or green onions to highlight the pure flavors of the beef and radish.
Step 7
Your clear and refreshing Beef and Radish Soup (Tang-guk Style) is now complete, featuring the pure flavors of its ingredients. Enjoy it piping hot!
