Spicy Korean Beef and Radish Soup (So-gogi Mu-guk)
Warming and Spicy Korean Beef and Radish Soup to Beat the Cold
Feeling a chill? A bowl of hot and spicy Korean Beef and Radish Soup (So-gogi Mu-guk) is just what you need to warm up from the inside out! This hearty soup is perfect for chasing away sniffles and bringing a gentle sweat to your brow. Its clear, savory broth infused with the sweetness of radish and the richness of beef, all elevated by a touch of spice, makes it a comforting and invigorating dish.
Main Ingredients- Beef (for soup, chuck or shoulder recommended) 200g (approx. 1 cup)
- Radish (sliced thinly) 3 cups (approx. 600g)
- Green onions (chopped) 1 cup (approx. 100g)
Seasoning- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Korean soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) 1 Tbsp
- Salt (to taste) as needed
- Sugar (for balance) a pinch (optional)
- Black pepper (for aroma) a pinch
- Red pepper flakes (for spiciness) as needed
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Minced ginger (optional, for removing odor) 1/3 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Korean soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) 1 Tbsp
- Salt (to taste) as needed
- Sugar (for balance) a pinch (optional)
- Black pepper (for aroma) a pinch
- Red pepper flakes (for spiciness) as needed
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Minced ginger (optional, for removing odor) 1/3 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly slice the beef for soup, about 0.5cm thick. Cuts like chuck or shoulder are ideal as they provide tenderness and rich flavor. Slice the radish thinly into bite-sized pieces. Chop the green onions.
Step 2
Heat 1 Tbsp of sesame oil in a pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and stir-fry until it’s lightly browned and the juices are sealed. This step enhances the beef’s flavor.
Step 3
Once the beef is partially cooked and has changed color, add the sliced radish. Sauté the radish with the beef for a few minutes. This allows the radish to absorb the savory beef drippings, contributing to a deeper, richer broth.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to add water. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients generously, approximately three times the volume of the radish. Korean radish soup (Mu-guk) develops more flavor as it simmers, so starting with ample water ensures a flavorful broth even after it reduces.
Step 5
Add 1 Tbsp of Korean soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) to start building the base flavor. Be mindful not to add too much at once, as it can make the soup overly dark. It’s best to season with salt later to achieve the perfect taste.
Step 6
After adding the soup soy sauce, adjust the seasoning with salt to your preference. For a touch of sweetness and flavor balance, you can add a tiny pinch of sugar. If you prefer not to use sugar, a piece of chopped onion added during simmering can also provide a similar effect.
Step 7
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 30 minutes. This long simmering time is key to tenderizing the radish and developing the soup’s deep flavors. During this time, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and 1/3 tsp of minced ginger (if using) for added aroma and to eliminate any unwanted odors. Stir in the chopped green onions. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper for a final touch of fragrance.
Step 8
For those who enjoy a spicier kick, add a desired amount of red pepper flakes now. This will give the soup a vibrant color and a pleasant warmth.
Step 9
Add more chopped green onions for an extra burst of fresh, aromatic flavor. The subtle sweetness of the green onions complements the broth beautifully.
Step 10
Simmer for a few more minutes after adding the final ingredients. Your delicious, spicy Korean Beef and Radish Soup is now ready to be served. Imagine it steaming in a traditional earthenware bowl – it’s truly a feast for the eyes and the soul!
Step 11
The savory depth of the beef, the natural sweetness of the radish, and the gentle warmth from the spices all come together in this wonderfully balanced soup. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that will have you reaching for a second bowl. Perfect for a cold day and a wonderful addition to any family meal!
