Clear and Savory Mussel Soup (Honghap-tang)
Simple Mussel Soup Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Appetizer
Mussel soup is incredibly simple to make; once the mussels are cleaned, you can have it ready in no time. Its milky broth offers a wonderfully refreshing, spicy, and clean flavor that is truly exceptional. Nowadays, mussels are particularly sweet. Mussel soup is not only budget-friendly but also boasts an exquisite taste. It’s perfect for when you crave a refreshing soup or need a delightful accompaniment to drinks.
Ingredients- 500g mussels
- 50ml cooking wine (mirin, etc.)
- 600ml water
- 5 cloves garlic
- A small bunch of green onions
- 1/2 red chili pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 Korean green chili pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (or soy sauce, for seasoning)
For Cleaning- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s crucial to clean the mussels thoroughly. While a separate purification process isn’t strictly necessary, diligent cleaning ensures a pure and clean taste without any muddiness. Place the mussels in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of coarse salt and soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes. Afterward, vigorously scrub the mussel shells with your hands multiple times. Rinse them repeatedly until the water runs clear.
Step 2
The beard-like threads (byssus threads) attached to the side of the mussel shells can be removed by firmly gripping them and pulling them outwards, following the direction of the red arrow in the image. They should come off easily with a ‘pop’. Be gentle to avoid damaging the mussels.
Step 3
After removing the threads, rub the mussel shells against each other. This action effectively removes any stubborn dirt or small debris clinging to the shells. If you find any hard barnacles, gently scrape them off with the back of a spoon.
Step 4
Discard any mussels with cracked shells or those that are already open, as they may not be fresh. Ensure all mussels are clean and fresh after this preparation step.
Step 5
Let’s prepare the vegetables that will enhance the clear and refreshing flavor of the mussel soup. Slice the whole garlic cloves thinly into slivers; this helps their aroma infuse better into the broth. If you prefer a spicier soup, thinly slice the deseeded red chili and Korean green chili peppers diagonally. These add a pleasant heat and visual appeal.
Step 6
Now, let’s get ready to cook. In a pot, combine the thoroughly cleaned mussels, 600ml of cold water, and 50ml of cooking wine to eliminate any fishy odor and add depth of flavor. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Covering the pot can help it boil faster.
Step 7
Once the water is boiling and the mussels begin to open their shells, add the prepared garlic slivers, red chili, and Korean green chili peppers. Taste the broth and season with 1 teaspoon of salt or soy sauce if needed. Be careful not to over-salt.
Step 8
When most of the mussels have fully opened, add the chopped green onions and simmer for a little longer to finish. The fragrant aroma of the green onions will complete your delicious mussel soup! Enjoy sipping the refreshing broth and savoring the deep flavor of the mussels.
