Clear Beef and Radish Soup (So-gogi Mu-guk)
Baek Jong-won’s Style Hearty and Refreshing Beef and Radish Soup Recipe
This is the beef and radish soup that my mom used to make when I was little, making me eat two bowls of rice every time! It’s still incredibly delicious even as an adult. Its deep, comforting flavor and refreshing taste will grace your table. If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying soup, this recipe is for you!
Main Ingredients- 300g beef for soup (e.g., brisket, shank)
- 1/3 Korean radish (about 400g)
- 1/2 green onion (mostly white part)
- 1000ml water (4 cups)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Korean radish thoroughly and peel its skin. Then, slice it thinly into half-moon shapes (na-bak-sseolgi) to allow the flavor to infuse well into the soup. If children will be eating it, or if you prefer the radish to be very soft, you can dice it into small cubes. Place the prepared radish in a bowl.
Step 2
Add 2 tablespoons of soup soy sauce to the radish and mix well. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This step enhances the radish’s savory flavor and deepens the soup’s color.
Step 3
Now, heat 3-4 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the beef for soup and stir-fry until it’s lightly cooked and changes color. Stir-frying the beef thoroughly until its surface is lightly browned is a key step for achieving a deep soup flavor.
Step 4
Once the beef is partially cooked, add all the radish marinated in soup soy sauce to the pot. Stir-fry together with the beef for another 2-3 minutes. The radish’s sweetness and aroma will rise as it cooks, enriching the soup’s taste.
Step 5
Pour 1000ml (about 4 cups) of clean water into the pot with the stir-fried beef and radish. Using anchovy and kelp broth instead of water will result in an even richer flavor.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1.5 tablespoons of tuna extract to the water. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes. Skim off any foam or excess fat that rises to the surface during cooking to ensure a clear and clean soup.
Step 7
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onions and boil for another moment until the green onions are slightly softened. The fragrant aroma of the green onions will complete the dish. Taste the soup and add a pinch of salt if needed to adjust the seasoning. Enjoy your warm and deeply flavorful clear beef and radish soup!
