Festive Noodles (Janchi-guksu) Made with Rich Anchovy Broth
Weekend Special Menu: How to Make Delicious Janchi-guksu with Matsense Anchovy Broth
Would you like to enjoy some simple yet incredibly delicious Janchi-guksu? This noodle dish is refreshingly complemented by zucchini and chili peppers, making it perfect for any season. It’s especially delightful as the weather turns cooler. Having broth ready means you can quickly boil noodles and have a comforting meal in no time. This recipe makes broth preparation incredibly easy! This dish is a delightful way to bring warmth and flavor to your table, perfect for a weekend lunch or a light dinner.
Broth Ingredients
- 1 Matsense Anchovy Broth Tea Bag
- 1L Water (approx. 5 cups)
- 1/2 White part of a Leek
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making a flavorful broth, the heart of Janchi-guksu! I’m using a ‘Matsense Anchovy Broth Tea Bag’ today, which makes it super convenient. In a pot, add 1 liter of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the Matsense tea bag and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to extract a rich flavor. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bag and set the broth aside.
Step 2
While this recipe uses zucchini, you can add carrots and onions for a more colorful and visually appealing dish. Since I only have zucchini on hand, I’ll be using just that. Wash the zucchini thoroughly and thinly julienne it, discarding the seeds. Zucchini is soft and easy to cut into strips.
Step 3
Next, let’s chop the leek and chili pepper. Finely slice the leek and finely mince or slice the Korean green chili pepper. Having all your vegetables prepped like this makes assembling the dish much smoother when the broth is ready. Once the broth is done, all the ingredients for the noodles will be prepared.
Step 4
I’ll season the broth with salt for a clean taste. Feel free to adjust the amount of salt or use Korean soy sauce according to your preference. Here are some ways to make broth: 1. Use a convenient broth tea bag (easiest!). 2. Make a rich, deep broth by simmering anchovies, kelp, crab, and various vegetables. 3. Finish by seasoning with salt, Korean soy sauce, mentsuyu, or fish sauce to suit your taste. Get creative and make it your own!
Step 5
Now, let’s bring the broth back to a simmer. Once the broth is boiling, add the julienned zucchini and sliced leek, and let them cook briefly. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and let it simmer for another moment. Your delicious Janchi-guksu broth is ready! Garlic’s aroma can fade if overcooked, so adding it at the end is best.
Step 6
Time to cook the noodles! I’m making a generous portion for my middle school son’s lunch. A common serving size for one person is about the size of a 500-won coin, but I’ve used significantly more here. The key to perfectly cooked noodles is to follow the package instructions precisely. My somen package suggests 4-5 minutes, so I’ll cook them for 4 minutes and then let them finish cooking in the hot broth for the last minute. I always use my induction cooktop’s timer – I can’t trust myself! (Haha)
Step 7
Carefully add the somen noodles to the boiling water. Gently stir to prevent them from sticking together. Once the water returns to a boil, pour in about one cup of cold water. This step helps to make the noodles wonderfully chewy and firm. Once the water boils again, the noodles should be perfectly cooked.
Step 8
Drain the cooked noodles and rinse them thoroughly under cold water 2-3 times. This removes excess starch, resulting in a chewier texture and preventing the noodles from clumping. You’ll notice how wonderfully firm and chewy the noodles are.
Step 9
Pour the prepared, hot broth into a serving bowl. Arrange the rinsed noodles attractively in the broth. Finally, gently pour in the beaten egg without stirring. Let the egg cook slowly and undisturbed until set, creating a soft, custardy layer. This cooked egg blends beautifully with the broth.
Step 10
Your delicious Janchi-guksu is complete! The perfectly chewy noodles, rich broth, and fresh vegetables create a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of year, especially when you need a warm hug in a bowl. Enjoy!
