Hearty and Refreshing Beef and Radish Soup (So-gogi Mu-guk)
A Deeply Flavorful and Comforting Korean Beef and Radish Soup
Perfect for a chilly day! Make this simple, clear, and deeply satisfying beef and radish soup at home. The harmonious blend of a light broth, tender beef, and crisp radish will make you want to finish your rice in no time.
Main Ingredients- Beef for soup (brisket or shank), 200g
- Korean radish (daikon), 1/2 medium (approx. 300g)
- Scallions, a small bunch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your ingredients. You’ll need 200g of beef cut for soup, half a medium Korean radish (about 300g), and a small bunch of scallions for garnish. For the seasoning, it’s convenient to have 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce, a pinch of salt, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, and a pinch of ground black pepper ready.
Step 2
Peel the radish and slice it thinly into flat, bite-sized pieces, about 0.5cm thick. Slicing them evenly will ensure they cook uniformly. Slice the scallions diagonally or into small pieces for garnish.
Step 3
Gently pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove any excess blood. Cut the beef into manageable pieces, about 3-4cm in size. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might break apart during the stir-frying process.
Step 4
Heat a pot over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Add the prepared beef and stir-fry until its color changes completely, about 2-3 minutes. Searing the beef first helps to lock in the juices, resulting in a more tender texture.
Step 5
Once the beef is seared, add the sliced radish to the pot and stir-fry briefly. Continue to cook until the radish becomes slightly translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Lightly sautéing the radish will bring out its natural sweetness and deepen the flavor of the soup.
Step 6
Pour 6 cups (approx. 1.2L) of water into the pot with the sautéed beef and radish. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow simmering allows the radish to soften and the beef’s flavor to infuse into the broth.
Step 7
When the radish is tender and the broth is clear, add the prepared seasonings: 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce, a pinch of salt, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Stir well to combine. Cover the pot again and simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 8
Finally, add the chopped scallions and simmer for a brief moment longer. If you like, sprinkle in some ground black pepper for an extra touch of flavor. Avoid overcooking the scallions to maintain their crispness.
Step 9
Your warm and refreshing beef and radish soup is ready! This hearty soup is sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy your delicious meal!
