Abalone and Seaweed Soup: A Nourishing Korean Classic
Special for Parents’ Day: Abalone Seaweed Soup for Boosting Immunity!
I’ve prepared this hearty abalone seaweed soup, brimming with abalone, known as the ‘Emperor of the Sea,’ especially for my parents. It’s a perfect dish to show your love and care through delicious, nutritious food.
Main Ingredients- 20 small abalones
- 15g dried seaweed
Seasonings- 1.5 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin, rice wine, or sake)
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1.5 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin, rice wine, or sake)
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
- 1 pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by soaking the dried seaweed. Place the dried seaweed in a bowl of lukewarm water and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes soft and pliable. Properly rehydrating the seaweed is key for texture.
Step 2
Thoroughly clean the abalones. Use a soft brush to scrub the entire surface of the abalone, including the underside and around the mouth area, to remove any sand or debris. If you plan to cook the abalone with its shell on, ensure the shell is scrubbed clean as well. (Tip: You can also choose to detach the abalone meat from the shell before cooking if preferred.)
Step 3
Once the seaweed is rehydrated, rinse it gently under running water. Cut the seaweed into bite-sized pieces. Place the prepared seaweed into a pot and add enough water or anchovy-dash broth to cover the seaweed. Using a dash broth will add a richer flavor to the soup.
Step 4
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once the broth starts to rapidly boil, add all the cleaned abalones. To eliminate any potential fishy odor and enhance the flavor, add the cooking wine at this stage. This step helps to create a cleaner, more pleasant taste.
Step 5
Season the soup with soup soy sauce to establish the base flavor. Adjust the saltiness with a pinch of salt as needed. Black pepper is optional and can be added according to your personal preference.
Step 6
Continue to simmer the soup over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes. This allows the abalone’s flavor to infuse into the broth. For the best eating experience, it’s recommended to remove the abalone shell after cooking and enjoy the whole piece of abalone meat. (Tip: If the abalones are particularly large, you can cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces with scissors after cooking.)
Step 7
This abalone seaweed soup, enriched with plenty of abalone, is an excellent choice not only for birthdays but also for Parents’ Day. It’s a wonderful way to boost your parents’ immunity and show them your love through a nourishing and delicious meal. A homemade soup made with care is a gift from the heart.
