Clam and Spinach Doenjang Soup
Savory and Refreshing Clam and Spinach Doenjang Soup (Perfect for Children)
Spinach soup just tastes so much better with clams adding a refreshing depth of flavor. If your child loves clams, this soup is a fantastic option for their meals. By consistently offering various doenjang (fermented soybean paste) soups from a young age, my child has come to really enjoy this spinach doenjang soup. It’s a healthy and delicious choice for your little one.
Soup Ingredients- 1/2 bunch fresh spinach
- Scallions, to taste
- 1 chili pepper (for adult serving)
- 1 generous handful of pre-cleaned clam meat
Seasoning- 4-5 cups anchovy and kelp broth
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 2-3 Tbsp homemade doenjang (using homemade doenjang enhances the savory flavor)
- 0.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (optional for children’s portion)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A few anchovies and a piece of kelp for broth
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional, for added umami)
- 4-5 cups anchovy and kelp broth
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 2-3 Tbsp homemade doenjang (using homemade doenjang enhances the savory flavor)
- 0.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (optional for children’s portion)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A few anchovies and a piece of kelp for broth
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional, for added umami)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the savory anchovy and kelp broth. In rice water or plain water, add dried anchovies and kelp, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove the kelp, and let the anchovies simmer for about 10 more minutes to create a rich broth. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface while it’s boiling.
Step 2
Once the broth is ready, dissolve the homemade doenjang into it. The savory and deep flavor characteristic of homemade doenjang will significantly enhance the soup’s aroma and taste. Stir well to ensure the doenjang is fully dissolved without clumps.
Step 3
Add the thoroughly washed and trimmed spinach to the doenjang broth. Arrange the spinach so it’s partially submerged in the broth.
Step 4
After adding the spinach, season the soup with soup soy sauce and minced garlic to establish the base flavor. It’s important to taste and adjust the seasoning at this stage.
Step 5
If you are using store-bought clam meat, even if it’s pre-cleaned, rinse it thoroughly under running water once more. Clam meat sold in packages is convenient as it usually doesn’t require separate purging.
Step 6
Add the rinsed clam meat to the pot and let it simmer. Taste the broth after adding the clams. If you feel the seasoning is insufficient, you can add a tiny splash of fish sauce to enhance the umami. Adding fish sauce is optional, so feel free to omit it based on your preference.
Step 7
If you prefer a slightly spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. For adult servings, adding a small amount of homemade gochujang (red chili paste) can add a richer flavor. However, for a child’s portion, it’s best to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. If your child is sensitive to spice, omit the pepper flakes.
Step 8
For the child’s portion, omit the spicy chili pepper and add only sliced scallions for a pleasant aroma. For adult servings, you can add sliced chili peppers and scallions together for a zesty and refreshing taste. Your delicious Clam and Spinach Doenjang Soup is now ready! It’s a perfect soup for children. Enjoy your meal!
