Hearty Beef and Seaweed Soup (Miyeokguk)
A Comforting Bowl of Beef and Seaweed Soup
The quintessential birthday soup, Miyeokguk, is also a beloved dish any day of the year. Here’s how to make a delicious, deeply flavorful beef and seaweed soup.
Ingredients- 50g dried seaweed
- 300g beef (for soup)
- 2 stock bags (or kelp, anchovies, etc.)
- 1/2 ladle of fish sauce (for seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the dried seaweed. Soak 50g of dried seaweed in cold water for about 30 minutes until fully rehydrated. While some believe soaking isn’t necessary, I find it yields a more pleasant texture. Once rehydrated, rinse the seaweed thoroughly multiple times to remove excess salt, then squeeze out excess water. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long.
Step 2
To create a clean and rich broth, bring a pot of water to a boil and add 2 stock bags. Let it boil vigorously. If you don’t have stock bags, you can make your own broth using kelp and anchovies. Once the water boils, remove the stock bags (or kelp/anchovies) to obtain a clear broth.
Step 3
While the broth is simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of perilla oil in another pot or pan. Add 300g of beef for soup and stir-fry until the meat changes color and is no longer pink. This usually takes a few minutes over medium-high heat. Once the beef is partially cooked, add the rehydrated seaweed and stir-fry together for another 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the savory flavor of the seaweed and deepens the soup’s taste.
Step 4
Pour all the prepared broth into the pot containing the stir-fried beef and seaweed. Bring the soup to a rolling boil over high heat. As it boils, skim off any scum that rises to the surface.
Step 5
Once the soup is boiling again, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover slightly ajar and simmer for another 10 minutes. This gentle simmering allows the flavors of the beef and seaweed to meld beautifully into the broth. Finally, season the soup with 1/2 ladle of soy sauce or fish sauce to taste. You can add a pinch of salt if needed. Serve hot with a bowl of rice for a comforting meal!
