Delicious Oyster Soup Rice (Gukbap) Recipe: A Taste of the Sea
How to Make Savory Oyster Gukbap with Fresh, Seasonal Oysters
A bowl of oyster gukbap, made with fresh, in-season oysters, is the perfect way to warm up your body and soul on a chilly day. The harmony of the refreshing, slightly spicy broth and chewy oysters is exceptional. This recipe will guide you through making a hearty and satisfying oyster gukbap. If you omit the rice and cook without it, you’ll have a delicious oyster soup!
Ingredients- 3/4 cup fresh oysters
- 250g radish (about 1/4 medium radish)
- 3 cups mixed grain rice (cooked)
- 5 cups anchovy-kelp broth
- 1 tsp Korean soy sauce (joseon-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- A little chopped green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully clean the fresh oysters. Dissolve a little coarse sea salt (or Korean sea salt) in water that’s enough to cover the oysters, then gently stir the oysters to remove impurities. Rinse them under cold running water, checking for and removing any hard shell fragments. Once clean, drain the oysters in a sieve.
Step 2
Add the thinly sliced radish to the pre-made anchovy-kelp broth and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat until the radish becomes translucent and tender; this will create a refreshing broth base.
Step 3
Once the radish is almost cooked, add the cooked rice and let it simmer until the rice grains soften. When the rice is boiling, season the broth with Korean soy sauce and add the minced garlic. Once the rice is tender, gently add the prepared oysters and cook just until they plump up and are fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook the oysters, as they can become tough.
Step 4
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt or salted shrimp (saeujeot) if needed. Since gukbap is typically enjoyed with side dishes like kimchi, many prefer a slightly less seasoned broth. Adjust to your personal preference.
Step 5
Serve the warm oyster gukbap in bowls. Garnish generously with the chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation and an added touch of fresh flavor. Enjoy!
