Clear Pollack Soup (Myeongtaeguk)
How to Make Refreshing Cod Roe Soup: A Simple and Delicious Myeongtaeguk Recipe
This is a simple recipe for a clear cod roe soup that even culinary beginners can easily make.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces of dried pollack (cod) or cod roe
- Anchovy broth (generous amount)
- 5-6 Tbsp fish sauce (e.g., Kanari Aekjeot, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 piece of radish (sliced thinly)
- 1/2 onion (sliced)
- 1 red chili pepper (sliced diagonally)
- 1 green chili pepper (sliced diagonally)
- 1/2 stalk of green onion (sliced diagonally)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, trim off the fins and tail of the dried pollack. This makes it easier to eat later and contributes to a cleaner broth.
Step 2
Cut the pollack into bite-sized pieces (about 5-7 cm long). Rinse the cut pieces thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. This step is crucial for achieving a clear soup.
Step 3
Pour a generous amount of anchovy broth into a pot. Add the thinly sliced radish and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Continue to boil until the radish becomes translucent and the broth is vigorously bubbling.
Step 4
Once the broth reaches a strong boil, add the prepared pollack pieces. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 minutes to cook the pollack.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to season the soup. For a clean and refreshing taste, we use fish sauce (like Kanari Aekjeot). Add 5-6 tablespoons measured with a regular soup spoon, or adjust to your preference. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 6
While the pollack is simmering, carefully skim off any white foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This will ensure your soup remains clear and has a crisp, refreshing flavor.
Step 7
Once the pollack is cooked, it’s time to add the vegetables. Add the sliced onion, green onion, red chili pepper, and green chili pepper to the pot. Bring back to a strong boil for about 2 minutes. Cooking the vegetables quickly will help retain their crisp texture and fresh flavor. Just before turning off the heat, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Immediately cover the pot and let it steam for 1-2 minutes. This allows the garlic to cook gently without losing its aroma, making the soup even more delicious. Your simple and tasty pollack soup is ready! See, it’s easy!
