Clear and Refreshing Pollack Soup (Dongtae-tang)
How to Make Dongtae-tang: A Clear and Savory Pollack Stew
This is a recipe for a clear pollack soup that’s perfect for both adults and children. Enjoy this clean-tasting, refreshing Dongtae-tang made with clams for an extra burst of oceanic flavor. It’s a delicious and wholesome dish!
Main Ingredients- 1 whole fresh pollack (cod)
- 80g Korean radish (mu)
- 2 handfuls of clams (purged)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1/3 stalk green onion (scallion)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This is one whole pollack, the star of our dish.
Step 2
To ensure a clean, non-fishy taste, it’s important to properly clean the pollack. Carefully remove the innards, such as the roe and liver (these can be prepared separately if desired). Gently rub your fingers along the inside of the cavity to remove the dark, bitter membrane. Rinse the fish thoroughly under cold running water.
Step 3
Pour 700ml of dried anchovy and kelp broth into a pot. This forms the flavorful base of our refreshing soup.
Step 4
Add 80g of Korean radish, thinly sliced, to the pot. Bring the broth to a rolling boil over high heat. The radish will release its subtle sweetness and contribute to the clear broth.
Step 5
Season the broth with 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup and 1 Tbsp of fish sauce to enhance the savory depth. Continue to boil over high heat.
Step 6
Gently place the prepared pollack into the boiling broth. As the fish cooks, foam will rise to the surface. Skim this foam off with a fine-mesh sieve or spoon; this step is crucial for maintaining a clear broth and removing any impurities or fishy odors.
Step 7
Reduce the heat to medium. Now, add 0.5 Tbsp of doenjang (fermented soybean paste) for its savory and slightly earthy notes, and 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic for aromatic flavor. Stir gently to incorporate.
Step 8
Check if the radish and pollack are tender. Once they are cooked through, add the 1/2 sliced onion and the purged clams. Cook until the clams open their shells.
Step 9
Finally, add the 1/3 stalk of sliced green onion and a pinch of black pepper. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Let it simmer briefly to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Step 10
Your clear and refreshing Dongtae-tang is now complete! Enjoy it piping hot with a bowl of rice.
