Rich and Refreshing Dried Pollack and Five-Color Rice Cake Soup (Hwangtae Osaek Tteokguk)
Heartfelt Dried Pollack and Five-Color Rice Cake Soup
Hello! As the saying goes, ‘Rice power is national strength,’ warm soup dishes always invigorate our bodies and minds. Tteokguk is a representative Korean holiday dish, indispensable on New Year’s Day and Seollal. The long, cylinder-shaped rice cakes symbolize a wish for a long and healthy life, while rice cakes sliced like coins represent a wish for financial fortune. Especially, the Hwangtae Osaek Tteokguk we’re making today adds a traditional Korean aesthetic with ‘Jorong-i’ tteok, believed to ward off bad luck, and the beauty of the five traditional Korean colors. Let’s create this Hwangtae Osaek Tteokguk, which offers deliciousness and nutrition with its deep and refreshing dried pollack broth and chewy five-color rice cakes, along with visual delight!
Ingredients- 5-color tteokguk tteok (rice cakes for soup) 200g
- Dried pollack jerky 1 handful (approx. 20g)
- Scallion (green onion) 1/4 stalk (approx. 30g)
- Perilla oil 2 Tbsp (approx. 30ml)
- Water 3 cups (600ml)
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp (approx. 5g)
- Soup soy sauce or anchovy sauce 1 Tbsp (approx. 15ml)
- Salt to taste (optional)
- Ground black pepper to taste (optional)
- Crumbled seaweed (Gim) for garnish
- Thinly sliced egg garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the chewy tteokguk tteok. Soak 200g of the 5-color tteokguk tteok in cold water for about 10 minutes. This softens the rice cakes, preventing them from clumping or becoming hard when boiled. Drain them thoroughly.
Step 2
Prepare the dried pollack jerky for easy eating. Cut about 1 handful of dried pollack jerky into approximately 3-5 cm lengths using scissors. This makes it easy to enjoy the pollack along with the rice cakes, almost like noodles.
Step 3
Scallions will add a refreshing flavor. Prepare 1/4 stalk of scallion and slice it into thick, round pieces. Slicing them round instead of diagonally allows the flavor to infuse better into the broth and adds visual interest.
Step 4
The secret to the deep flavor of Hwangtae Tteokguk lies in the harmony of perilla oil and dried pollack! A key tip here is not to stir-fry the dried pollack separately. Place 1 handful of dried pollack jerky in a pot, drizzle with 2 Tbsp of perilla oil, and add 1.5 cups (300ml) of cold water. Bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add the remaining 1.5 cups (300ml) of cold water. A total of 3 cups (600ml) of water is used. This process effectively extracts the refreshing and deep flavor of the dried pollack.
Step 5
Once the broth boils, it’s time to add the flavor enhancers. Add 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic and 1 Tbsp of soup soy sauce or anchovy sauce. Both pollack and anchovies are seafood, so they pair exceptionally well, maximizing the umami.
Step 6
Thanks to the perilla oil, the broth becomes milky and rich, similar to beef bone broth. Perilla oil not only removes any fishy smell from the pollack but also adds a nutty aroma, making the tteokguk broth even more delicious.
Step 7
Now, add the prepared 5-color tteokguk tteok to the pot. Gently separate the rice cakes as you add them to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 8
When the tteokguk tteok float to the surface of the pot, they are perfectly cooked. Check if the rice cakes are tender.
Step 9
After the rice cakes float, continue to simmer for about 1-2 more minutes. This will make the texture of the rice cakes even chewier and more delicious. Ensure the heat is adjusted to prevent the broth from becoming cloudy.
Step 10
This step is for preparing the beautiful garnishes. Making thinly sliced egg omelets (separated egg whites and yolks) will add a vibrant color. When making the omelets, use low heat and minimal oil for thin slices. (You can also use pre-made omelets!)
Step 11
And there you have it – a delicious Hwangtae Osaek Tteokguk is complete! Ladle the warm tteokguk into a beautiful bowl. Artfully arrange the prepared egg omelet slices and sprinkle with savory crumbled seaweed on top for a stunning meal. Enjoy your delicious soup!
