Rich and Savory Beef Seaweed Soup (Miyeok-guk)
✨The Ultimate Beef Seaweed Soup Recipe: Simmered for 40 Minutes for a Deep, Umami Flavor! ✨
Seaweed is a staple ingredient that profoundly influences Korean cuisine. It’s particularly renowned for its nourishing properties for new mothers, aiding in recovery. This is attributed to its rich iodine content, which promotes blood circulation and purifies the blood. Furthermore, seaweed is packed with calcium, beneficial for bone health, and alginic acid, which supports digestive well-being. Being low in calories and fat, seaweed is excellent for dieting, and its abundant dietary fiber promotes satiety, stimulates bowel movements, and helps prevent constipation. Miyeok-guk, or seaweed soup, is a traditional dish always present on Korean birthday tables, symbolizing wishes for the longevity of mothers and babies. While delicious with various additions, today we’ll focus on a comforting version featuring tender beef, creating a deeply flavorful and satisfying soup.
Beef Seaweed Soup Ingredients- 300g dried seaweed (expands significantly when rehydrated, so prepare generously)
- 200g beef (for soup, preferably a tender cut)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (adds a refreshing depth to the broth)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (for umami and color)
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma and flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp, enhances the fragrance)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The secret to this delicious Miyeok-guk lies in making a rich beef broth. Place the beef in a pot with about 2 liters of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer gently for approximately 40 minutes until the beef is tender and the broth reduces to about 1.5 liters. This creates the foundational flavor. Once cooked, remove the beef and set aside, keeping the milky broth separate.
Step 2
Place the dried seaweed in a bowl and soak it in enough cold water for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s fully rehydrated and softened.
Step 3
Rinse the rehydrated seaweed thoroughly under running water multiple times. Drain it well in a colander. (Tip: Pre-cut seaweed is convenient. If using whole seaweed, you can cut it into bite-sized pieces after soaking, or leave it as is, according to your preference.)
Step 4
Now, let’s stir-fry the seaweed. In the pot, combine the drained seaweed with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce for soup. Gently massage the seaweed to ensure it absorbs the seasoning.
Step 5
Next, add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce to further enhance the soup’s savory depth.
Step 6
Drizzle in 3 tablespoons of sesame oil for a rich, nutty aroma.
Step 7
Finally, add the minced garlic (about 1 Tbsp). Stir-fry over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until the seaweed becomes tender and fragrant. You’ll notice the garlic aroma intensifying as the seaweed softens.
Step 8
Pour the reserved beef broth (approximately 1.5 liters, including the cooked beef) into the pot with the sautéed seaweed. Bring it back to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering period allows the beef broth and seaweed flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and deeply satisfying soup. Letting it rest for a few minutes after turning off the heat can further enhance the flavor.
Step 9
And there you have it – a nourishing and delicious Beef Seaweed Soup! Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal with a bowl of warm rice.
Step 10
Beef Miyeok-guk is a universally loved dish with little to no detractors. It’s not just for special occasions like birthdays or postpartum recovery; it’s a familiar and humble staple on our dining tables, deeply woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
Step 11
The rich, savory notes of the beef broth harmonize wonderfully with the refreshing and clean taste of the seaweed. The addition of sesame oil imparts a delightful nutty fragrance, contributing to its complex umami profile. The tender texture of the seaweed and the chewy yet tender beef create a pleasing combination that is enjoyable to eat.
Step 12
A bowl of hot rice paired with this warm Beef Seaweed Soup provides a deeply satisfying and comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. It offers a sense of fullness and well-being. I wholeheartedly and confidently recommend this delicious Beef Seaweed Soup to you all!
