Spicy Seafood and Clam Noodle Soup (Kalguksu)
A Hearty and Spicy Korean Clam Noodle Soup Recipe
We’ve made a wonderfully warming and spicy seafood and clam noodle soup, Kalguksu, using ingredients readily available at home. This version, enriched with fresh cabbage leaves and an assortment of seafood, boasts a delightful chewy texture from the noodles and a deeply flavorful, invigorating broth. It’s perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day or a rainy afternoon.
Noodle Soup Ingredients- 400g Kalguksu noodles
- 1 bowl of clams (approx. 200g)
- 1 squid
- 1 cup shrimp (frozen, thawed)
- 2 Tbsp dried small shrimp (bori saeu)
- 1/4 onion
- 1/2 stalk green onion
- 1 chili pepper (Cheongyang)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 shiitake mushrooms
- 1-2 cabbage leaves
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (Gukganjang)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (Chamchi aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper paste (Gochujang)
Anchovy Broth Ingredients- 8 dried anchovies (for broth)
- 1 piece dried kelp (approx. 5x5cm)
- 9 cups water (approx. 1.8L)
- 3 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (Gukganjang)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (Chamchi aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper paste (Gochujang)
Anchovy Broth Ingredients- 8 dried anchovies (for broth)
- 1 piece dried kelp (approx. 5x5cm)
- 9 cups water (approx. 1.8L)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s create a flavorful anchovy broth. In a dry pot, toast 8 dried anchovies over low heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step helps remove any fishy smell and enhances the broth’s savory notes. Add the toasted anchovies and a piece of kelp to a pot, pour in 9 cups of water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, then strain through a sieve to get a clear broth.
Step 2
While the broth is simmering, prepare your vegetables and seafood. Chop the cabbage leaves into bite-sized pieces. Slice the shiitake mushrooms and onion into thin strips. Cut the green onion and chili pepper diagonally. Have your minced garlic ready.
Step 3
Clean the squid by removing the innards and then slice it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 cm wide. Using fresh squid will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup.
Step 4
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water. Once thawed, rinse them lightly under cold running water before adding to the soup. You can leave the shells on for extra flavor or peel them if you prefer.
Step 5
Purging the clams of sand is crucial for a clean-tasting soup. Even if you bought pre-purged clams, it’s best to purge them again. Rinse the clams in water, place them in a bowl, and add enough water to cover them, along with a pinch of salt. Cover the bowl with newspaper or a lid and leave them in a dark place for at least 1 hour. After purging, scrub the clams vigorously under running water to ensure they are clean.
Step 6
Gently shake off any excess flour from the Kalguksu noodles. Do not rinse them with water.
Step 7
Now, let’s start cooking the soup! Pour the strained anchovy broth (8 cups) into a pot. Add the dried small shrimp, red pepper flakes, Korean soup soy sauce, tuna extract, red pepper paste, sliced onion, green onion, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the seasonings to dissolve and meld together. This forms the flavorful base of your soup.
Step 8
Once the soup is simmering, add the Kalguksu noodles. Use chopsticks or a ladle to stir them well, ensuring they don’t clump together. Continuous stirring is important to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 9
Cook the noodles for about 4 minutes, or until they are cooked to your liking. During this time, add the prepared seafood (clams, shrimp, squid), cabbage leaves, and shiitake mushrooms to the pot. If you desire extra spiciness, add the sliced chili pepper now and let it simmer together.
Step 10
Check to make sure the noodles and seafood are cooked through. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some black pepper or garnish with fresh chopped green onion. Enjoy your delicious and warming Spicy Seafood and Clam Noodle Soup!
