Mussel and Seaweed Soup (Honghap Miyeokguk)
How to Perfectly Cook Mussel and Seaweed Soup
A detailed guide to making a deeply flavorful and refreshing Mussel and Seaweed Soup (Honghap Miyeokguk). This recipe highlights the delicious synergy between fresh mussels and tender seaweed, resulting in a clear, invigorating broth that soothes the soul. Perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks, we’ll walk you through each step with helpful tips for a truly satisfying dish.
Main Ingredients- Dried Seaweed 50g (Yields approx. 3-4 servings)
- Fresh Mussels 200g (meat only, or a 800g bag including shells)
Seasoning & Broth- Perilla Oil 1/2 cup (for stir-frying seaweed)
- Minced Garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang) 1 Tbsp (for seasoning)
- Anchovy Extract (Chamchi-aekjeot) 1 Tbsp (for umami)
- Rice Wine or Soju 1/4 cup (to remove mussel odor)
- Perilla Oil 1/2 cup (for stir-frying seaweed)
- Minced Garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang) 1 Tbsp (for seasoning)
- Anchovy Extract (Chamchi-aekjeot) 1 Tbsp (for umami)
- Rice Wine or Soju 1/4 cup (to remove mussel odor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the star of our dish: the seaweed. The seaweed used here is known as ‘Jindogak,’ highly regarded alongside ‘Gijang Miyeok’ for its premium quality. Selecting good quality seaweed is the foundation for a delicious soup.
Step 2
Soak the dried seaweed in cold water for about 2 hours until it becomes soft and pliable. Properly rehydrated seaweed will have a better texture and contribute a richer flavor to the soup.
Step 3
Next, we’ll prepare the mussels. We’re using about an 800g bag of mussels. Carefully remove the ‘byssus threads’ (the fibrous strands attached to the shell) using scissors or a knife. Removing these threads ensures a cleaner eating experience.
Step 4
Rinse the cleaned mussels under running water, rubbing them gently to remove any dirt or grit. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. Scrubbing them against each other helps dislodge impurities.
Step 5
Now, let’s make a flavorful mussel broth. Fill a pot about 80% full with water and add the prepared mussels. Pour in about 1/4 cup of rice wine or soju. This crucial step helps eliminate any unpleasant fishy odor from the mussels, resulting in a cleaner, more refreshing broth.
Step 6
Once the mussels have cooked and opened, let them cool slightly. Carefully extract the mussel meat from the shells. Discard the empty shells.
Step 7
Separate the mussel broth you just made and the extracted mussel meat. These will be key ingredients for building the soup’s depth of flavor.
Step 8
Rinse the rehydrated seaweed one more time under running water. Then, place it in a colander to drain any excess water thoroughly. Draining the water prevents splattering when stir-frying and ensures the seaweed cooks evenly.
Step 9
In a deep pan or pot, heat about 1/2 cup of perilla oil over medium heat. Add the drained seaweed.
Step 10
Stir-fry the seaweed in the perilla oil until it sizzles gently (‘dagul-dagul’). This process awakens the seaweed’s natural aroma and enhances the soup’s overall flavor profile.
Step 11
After stir-frying the seaweed, add about two ladles of the reserved mussel broth. This initial addition of broth is part of the process to extract a concentrated essence.
Step 12
Using a ladle or spatula, stir the seaweed and broth continuously as it simmers. This action helps release the seaweed’s flavor into the broth.
Step 13
Once the broth has reduced slightly, add about one-third of the remaining mussel broth. Continue simmering in the same manner. This staged addition of broth acts like a ‘starter’ (majungmul), deepening the soup’s flavor with each addition.
Step 14
At this stage, the rich essence from the premium seaweed and the refreshing broth from the mussels begin to meld, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors.
Step 15
Now, add all the remaining mussel broth and the reserved mussel meat back into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. All the ingredients will now come together to create a delicious soup.
Step 16
A key tip for a truly delicious seaweed soup: allow it to simmer for a good amount of time. Longer simmering allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a much richer and deeper taste.
Step 17
Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The bubbling sound (‘bagul-bagul’) is a delightful prelude to the delicious soup that’s cooking.
Step 18
After 10 minutes, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for a while longer. Slow simmering makes the broth even more tender and flavorful.
Step 19
It’s time to season the soup. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of perilla oil (if needed, as some was used for stir-frying), 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang), and 1 Tbsp anchovy extract (Chamchi-aekjeot).
Step 20
Since both mussels and seaweed are naturally rich in umami, minimal seasoning is required. Adjust the saltiness with the soup soy sauce and anchovy extract. Simmer for just 2-3 minutes after adding the seasonings, and your delicious Mussel and Seaweed Soup is ready!
Step 21
Seaweed soup is a comforting dish that never disappoints. Whether you add beef or dried pollack, the fundamental taste of seaweed soup remains consistent, with only slight variations.
Step 22
Mussel seaweed soup, in particular, is wonderfully soothing and is said to have a protective effect on the stomach lining.
Step 23
It’s invigorating, refreshing, and provides a sense of comfort, making it an especially welcome dish during cold weather.
Step 24
Sip the warm broth to wet your throat, then take a spoonful of rice, dip it in the soup, and enjoy! The combination of rice and soup is heavenly.
Step 25
Many people love to have their rice mixed into the soup. While some say it can be heavy on the stomach, when faced with such deliciousness, it’s hard to resist! Enjoy it to your heart’s content.
Step 26
Start your day with a hearty bowl of Mussel and Seaweed Soup that warms both body and soul on a chilly morning. This recipe offers a deeply satisfying experience that will bring a smile to your face. Wishing you a warm and comfortable Sunday! ^^
