Refreshing Mussels Soup (Honghap Tang)
How to Make Baek Jong Won’s Mussels Soup: Enjoy a Refreshing Seafood Broth with Fresh Seasonal Mussels, Perfect for Hangover Relief!
Let’s learn how to make a mussels soup with a wonderfully refreshing broth, perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients- 1 pack Mussels (approx. 500g)
- 2 Tbsp Soju (Korean distilled spirit)
- 1 Tbsp Coarse Salt
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (approx. 1 Tbsp)
- 1 handful Green Onions (Scallions)
- 800ml Water (approx. 3.5 cups)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’re going to make a mussels soup with a clear and refreshing broth. It’s simple yet delivers a deep oceanic flavor.
Step 2
Properly cleaning the mussels is key. First, add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt to the mussels and gently scrub them to remove any grit or dirt without damaging the shells. (This is the first cleaning step.) Next, rinse them thoroughly under running water. Then, carefully pull out any seaweed or the beard-like threads from the opening of each mussel by hand. This detailed step ensures a clean broth.
Step 3
If you have seafood or vegetable stock, you can use that, but clean water works perfectly fine for a delicious result. Mussels are naturally savory and refreshing, making you want to eat them continuously. Pour 800ml of water (about 3.5 cups) into the pot, enough to generously cover the mussels.
Step 4
It’s crucial to start cooking the mussels in cold water for them to open up properly. Add the cleaned mussels to the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water starts boiling, add 2 tablespoons of soju (or cooking wine) to eliminate any fishy odor. Then, add the prepared green chilies, green onions, and minced garlic. Finally, season with salt to taste. It’s best to add salt gradually and adjust as needed rather than all at once.
Step 5
Taste the broth and add a little more salt if it’s not salty enough for your preference. If you enjoy a spicy kick, feel free to add more green chilies, or adjust the quantity to your liking. Customize it to your taste!
Step 6
As the soup boils, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface using a spoon. This will make the broth even clearer and more refined. This process should take about 10 minutes. Continue simmering until all the mussels have opened and the broth is deliciously infused.
Step 7
And there you have it – a perfectly clear and refreshing mussels soup! Enjoy this delightful dish with its warm broth and fresh mussels.
