Clear and Refreshing Fish Cake Soup (Eomuk Tang)
Simple Recipe for Clear Fish Cake Soup: A Guide to a Deep and Refreshing Broth
When enjoying spicy bibimbap or a hearty main dish, a clear and comforting soup is the perfect accompaniment. This recipe guides you through making a simple yet deeply flavorful fish cake soup using frozen fish cakes. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a warm, clear broth at home, even with just a few ingredients.
Main Ingredients- Assorted Fish Cakes 100g (Using a variety of fish cakes will provide a richer texture and flavor.)
- Radish (Moo) 100g (Adds a refreshing sweetness and depth to the broth.)
- Green Onion (Scallion) 20g (For a fresh, aromatic finish.)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables that will make our fish cake soup delicious. Peel the radish and slice it thinly into 3mm thick semi-circles (nabak-sseolgi). Chop the green onions finely. Have the minced garlic (0.5 Tbsp) and concentrated broth cubes (2 pcs) ready.
Step 2
It’s best to use a variety of fish cakes for a richer texture and taste. Cut the rectangular fish cakes in half lengthwise and then into about 1cm thick pieces. For the long, cylindrical fish cakes, slice them into approximately 3mm thick pieces. This will help them release their flavor into the broth.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the flavorful broth. In a pot, combine 800ml of water and the 2 concentrated broth cubes. Bring it to a boil over high heat. If you don’t have concentrated broth cubes, you can easily make your own broth by simmering dried anchovies and kelp in a sachet, or by using ingredients like radish and green onion roots. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base.
Step 4
Once the broth is boiling vigorously, add the sliced radish. Give it a gentle stir to ensure it’s submerged.
Step 5
When the broth comes back to a boil, add the prepared fish cakes. Stir gently to separate them and allow them to cook.
Step 6
Now it’s time to add the seasonings that will deepen the broth’s flavor. First, add 1 Tbsp of soy sauce. This will impart a subtle umami taste and a nice color to the soup.
Step 7
Next, add 1 Tbsp of soup soy sauce (Gukganjang). This ingredient is essential for achieving a clear, clean, and deeply savory broth. Stir gently again to combine everything.
Step 8
Once the soup returns to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors from the fish cakes and radish to meld beautifully into the broth, creating a richer, more refreshing taste.
Step 9
After 5 minutes, add the finely chopped green onions and minced garlic to the richly flavored broth. Stir well. The refreshing aroma of the green onions and the mild pungency of the garlic will enhance the soup’s overall deliciousness.
Step 10
Finally, let the soup simmer for another moment until all the ingredients have harmonized perfectly. Once it comes to a gentle boil, turn off the heat. Your delicious fish cake soup is almost ready!
Step 11
Now, let’s adjust the seasoning. Taste the broth. If it feels a bit bland, add about 0.15 tsp of salt. (The amount of broth might reduce slightly depending on your stove’s heat and the moisture content of the ingredients, so taste and adjust the salt or soy sauce to your preference. If the soup is too salty, you can add a little water to dilute it.)
Step 12
Ladle the warm, clear, and refreshing fish cake soup into bowls. Your simple yet delicious fish cake soup is complete! On a chilly day, warm yourself from the inside out with this comforting bowl of soup.
