Savory and Refreshing Geoduck Clam and Seaweed Soup
Tired of the Daily Menu Dilemma? Learn How to Make a Deliciously Deep and Refreshing Geoduck Clam and Seaweed Soup
What to eat today? That question must be on your mind every single day, right? I’ve brought a menu to help ease that 고민 (worry)! I remember after giving birth to my second child, I was so tired of regular seaweed soup. My mother-in-law made me a geoduck clam seaweed soup that was incredibly savory yet refreshingly flavorful. It was so delicious that I’ve made it myself whenever I crave it. Many people use small surf clams, but this method with geoduck clams is so much better!
Ingredients- 2 handfuls soaked dried seaweed (about 100g)
- 4 large geoduck clams
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- Water (for broth)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Here are 4 fresh geoduck clams. While clams are often pre-cleaned, it’s a good idea to wash them thoroughly in water to remove any remaining grit or sand. Rinse them well.
Step 2
Slice the cleaned geoduck clams into bite-sized pieces. A tip for handling clams: wearing gloves (like disposable or chef’s gloves) will prevent the clam smell from lingering on your hands. Highly recommended!
Step 3
Before you start preparing the clams, make sure your seaweed is soaked! You’ll need about 2 handfuls of rehydrated seaweed.
Step 4
Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced geoduck clams and stir-fry until fragrant. Sautéing the clams in sesame oil helps eliminate any fishy odor and enhances their savory flavor. (Optional: If you enjoy garlic, you can add 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic here. However, my family dislikes the strong garlic aroma, so I omit it.)
Step 5
Once the clams are lightly sautéed, add the soaked and chopped seaweed to the pot.
Step 6
Continue stir-frying the seaweed and clams together. Now, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang). This will allow the seaweed to absorb the savory seasoning, infusing it with flavor.
Step 7
Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients generously, about 1.5 to 2 liters. As it begins to boil, you’ll notice the broth turning milky, similar to a rich bone broth. The anticipation is building!
Step 8
As the seaweed soup comes to a rolling boil, foam will start to appear on the surface. To ensure a clear and clean-tasting broth, gently skim off this foam using a spoon. This step makes a big difference in the final presentation and taste.
Step 9
Simmer the soup until the seaweed is tender and soft. Then, season to taste. Using salt at this stage will provide a clean and crisp flavor finish. Adjust the salt according to your preference.
Step 10
And there you have it! A wonderfully savory, refreshingly clear, and deeply flavorful Geoduck Clam and Seaweed Soup is ready. Doesn’t it look and smell delicious?
Step 11
Geoduck clams are packed with iron, calcium, and high-quality protein, often called the ‘Queen of Clams’ for their nutritional value. Spring is the prime season for clams, so it’s the perfect time to enjoy them! Seaweed is also known to help the body expel heavy metals and purify the blood. If you’re tired of beef seaweed soup, try making this version with geoduck clams for a unique savory taste, refreshing coolness, and delicate flavor! All you need is a side of well-fermented kimchi. On a busy morning, a bowl of this soup with rice and kimchi will set you up for a hearty and satisfying start to your day!
