Clear and Refreshing Cod Soup (Daegu Jiri)
Easy Cod Soup Recipe Even for Beginner Cooks!
This is a recipe for fresh cod soup (Daegu Jiri) that’s perfect for a hangover cure or a delicious late-night snack. Anyone can easily make it! ♡
Main Ingredients- 2 fresh cod fillets
- 1 small Korean radish (mu)
- 200g bean sprouts
- 1 onion
- 1 bunch crown daisy (ssukgat)
- 200g water dropwort (minari)
- 1 large green onion (scallion)
- 1 small piece of ginger
Seasoning and Broth- 1/2 bottle soju (Korean rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp coarse salt
- 2 Tbsp garlic juice
- 1/2 bottle soju (Korean rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp coarse salt
- 2 Tbsp garlic juice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully clean the fresh cod under running water, removing the innards and fins. Pay special attention to the spine area where blood can accumulate; scrape it clean and remove the thin black membrane. This step is crucial for a fishy-odor-free, clear, and refreshing soup. If you buy whole cod at a market, ask them to separate the ‘ae’ (cod roe/liver) for you.
Step 2
Rinse the cleaned cod fillets thoroughly in cold water to remove any remaining impurities. Drain them well and set aside.
Step 3
Wash the water dropwort (minari) and crown daisy (ssukgat) under running water. Cut the minari into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. Prepare the bean sprouts by washing them and draining excess water.
Step 4
Peel the Korean radish and slice it thinly into half-moon shapes (1 small radish or half of a large one). Slice the onion into thin strips and cut the green onion diagonally into bite-sized pieces. Prepare all vegetables for easy addition to the soup.
Step 5
In a large pot, add about half of the total water and the thinly sliced radish. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat for 5 minutes until the radish becomes translucent. This helps to create a clearer and more refreshing broth.
Step 6
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the prepared cod fillets. Pour in half a bottle of soju to help remove any fishy odors, and add the thinly sliced ginger. Boil vigorously for 10 minutes to allow the cod’s flavor to infuse into the broth.
Step 7
When the cod is mostly cooked and starting to turn opaque, add the bean sprouts and sliced onion to the pot. Cook until the bean sprouts are tender yet still slightly crisp.
Step 8
Once the bean sprouts are cooked, add the diagonally sliced green onion. Taste the broth and season with coarse salt to your preference. Stir in 2 tablespoons of garlic juice for added flavor and aroma. Gently place the reserved cod ‘ae’ (innards) on top to cook. Using garlic juice instead of minced garlic will keep the broth clearer and less cloudy.
Step 9
Finally, arrange the water dropwort and crown daisy attractively on top. Simmer for just another moment until wilted. Your hot and refreshing fresh cod soup is ready! Enjoy the wonderful combination of the clear, savory broth and tender cod. (Optional: Add some Korean chili peppers for a spicy kick. Omit if serving to children).
