Hearty Seafood Kalguksu (Noodle Soup)
How to Make Delicious Seafood Kalguksu with Frozen Seafood
This recipe for Seafood Kalguksu was inspired by leftover kalguksu noodles and a bag of frozen mixed seafood in my freezer. I aimed for a flavor profile similar to a clear, seafood-based Jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup) but without the spice. It’s a wonderfully comforting and flavorful noodle soup, perfect for a chilly day, using readily available ingredients to create a rich broth.
Main Ingredients- Kalguksu noodles, for 2 servings
- Frozen mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels, etc.), 300g
- Beef bone broth (or any clear broth), 600ml
- Onion, 0.5 medium
- Napa cabbage or similar leafy greens, 2 leaves
- Scallions, 2 stalks
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all your vegetables. Thinly slice the onion. Cut the napa cabbage leaves into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the scallions for garnish. Briefly rinse the frozen mixed seafood under cold water to thaw.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 3
Add the thawed mixed seafood to the pan with the onions. Stir-fry together. As the seafood releases some moisture, continue to stir-fry over medium-high heat to enhance its umami flavor.
Step 4
Once the seafood is partially cooked, add 4 tablespoons of oyster sauce and stir-fry to combine. This will further deepen the savory taste of the dish.
Step 5
Finally, add the chopped napa cabbage and stir-fry briefly. You want the cabbage to wilt slightly but retain some crunch, so avoid overcooking. You can also add some of the chopped scallions here to add aroma.
Step 6
In a large pot, bring 600ml of beef bone broth (or your chosen broth) to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 2 servings of kalguksu noodles.
Step 7
As the noodles boil and threaten to overflow, gradually add small amounts of cold water. This technique helps prevent the noodles from becoming mushy and keeps them delightfully chewy. Repeat this 2-3 times.
Step 8
When the noodles are about half-cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water. This step removes excess starch from the noodles, resulting in a clearer broth and preventing them from sticking together.
Step 9
Add the stir-fried seafood and vegetable mixture to the boiling broth. Then, add the rinsed kalguksu noodles. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the noodles are fully tender.
Step 10
Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, taste the broth and season with salt if necessary. The oyster sauce and seafood usually provide enough saltiness, so you might not need to add any.
Step 11
Ladle the hot Seafood Kalguksu into serving bowls. Garnish with the remaining chopped scallions. Enjoy your delicious and comforting homemade Seafood Kalguksu!
