Refreshing Soybean Sprout Soup (Kongnamul-guk)
Simple Soybean Sprout Soup
On a chilly day, I made a generous pot of this delicious and refreshing soybean sprout soup. It’s incredibly satisfying.
Main Ingredients- 1 bag soybean sprouts (approx. 300g)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 stalk green onion (scallion)
- Pinch of sea salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Introduction: Introducing a recipe for a wonderfully refreshing soybean sprout soup (Kongnamul-guk) that’s perfect for a chilly day. Its clear, clean broth and crunchy sprouts are simply divine!
Step 2
Preparing the Soybean Sprouts: Rinse the soybean sprouts thoroughly under running water several times. If there are any discolored or stringy bits on the heads or tails, you can trim them for a cleaner presentation and taste.
Step 3
Simmering the Broth: Place the rinsed soybean sprouts into a pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Crucially, do NOT cover the pot while it simmers; this helps to prevent any fishy smell. Once the water begins to boil, add the minced garlic. Let the soup continue to boil for about 5 minutes after the sprouts are tender to maintain their crisp texture.
Step 4
Seasoning and Adding Green Onion: Once the soybean sprouts are cooked to your liking, stir in the soup soy sauce for added umami. Then, add a generous amount of thinly sliced green onion (scallions) for a fragrant aroma. Simmer for another moment after adding the green onions.
Step 5
Final Seasoning: Taste the broth and, if needed, adjust the seasoning with a pinch of sea salt. Using sea salt for the final touch results in a wonderfully clean-tasting broth.
Step 6
Adding a Spicy Kick (Optional): If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add thinly sliced Korean green chili peppers (cheongyang gochu) or a pinch of chili powder. For an extra layer of savory flavor, a small amount of salted shrimp (saeujeot) can also be added.
Step 7
Done!: Your delicious soybean sprout soup is ready! Enjoy it on its own, or over a bowl of rice for a hearty and comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.
