How to Make Rich and Creamy Dried Pollack Soup (Hwangtae-guk)
A True Nourishing Meal! Deep and Savory Dried Pollack Soup Recipe, Just Like Gomtang
Here’s my favorite recipe for dried pollack soup, featuring a wonderfully rich and deep broth. It feels like enjoying a hearty, restorative meal! I hope everyone enjoys this healthy and delicious soup. ♡
Main Ingredients- 90g dried pollack (shredded)
- A small amount of green onion (chopped)
- 1/4 block firm tofu (optional, cubed)
- 2 liters water
Seasoning & Others- 10 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (optional, for added umami)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 10 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (optional, for added umami)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a wide pot, add the shredded dried pollack (90g) and 10 Tbsp of perilla oil. Sauté over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes. Lightly sautéing the dried pollack helps to remove any fishy odor and enhances its nutty flavor.
Step 2
Pour in 1 liter (about 5 cups) of water and simmer over medium heat for 20-25 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear. It’s crucial to simmer long enough for the pollack’s flavor to fully infuse the water.
Step 3
As it simmers, you’ll notice the broth becoming milky white and rich. A deep, savory aroma, similar to that of Gomtang (Korean beef bone soup), will start to fill the air.
Step 4
Once the pollack broth has sufficiently infused, add the remaining 1 liter (about 5 cups) of water and continue to simmer over medium heat for another 20 minutes. For an even deeper flavor, you can add a 5cm piece of dried kelp (dashima) during this stage. Remove the kelp after about 10 minutes to prevent it from making the broth bitter.
Step 5
While the soup simmers with the second addition of water, the broth will reduce slightly, becoming more concentrated. You’ll notice the savory essence of the pollack has beautifully permeated the liquid.
Step 6
Add the cubed firm tofu (1/4 block) if you are using it. Tofu adds a delightful softness and makes the soup more substantial. (Alternatively, you can add bean sprouts or radish for a different texture and flavor.)
Step 7
Finally, add the chopped green onions (1/4 stalk) and let it simmer for about 5 more minutes. This allows the fresh, crisp flavor of the green onions to meld into the soup.
Step 8
Season with salt and pepper to your taste. For an extra layer of umami, you can add 1 Tbsp of soup soy sauce or 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic.
Step 9
Your rich and creamy dried pollack soup is ready! It offers a different, yet equally delightful, charm compared to pollack soup made by stir-frying. The deeply savory and rich broth from simmering is truly exceptional. It’s perfect for enjoying with rice or as a hearty meal on its own. ♡♡
