Colorful Oyster Rice Cake Soup (Osaek Gul Tteokguk): A Healthy Taste of Home to Make the New Year More Special
Osaek Rice Cake Soup with Oysters from Osaek Nongjang – A Special Tteokguk Filled with New Year’s Health and Fortune
As the New Year dawns, we look back on the year that has passed like an arrow. To mark the end of 2019 and welcome the hopeful year of 2020, we present a special oyster tteokguk made with colorful rice cakes from ‘Osaek Nongjang’. The vibrant, multi-colored rice cakes, combined with fresh oysters and carefully prepared toppings, offer a rich flavor brimming with the health and good fortune of the New Year. It will be the perfect dish to start a warm New Year with your family.
Main Ingredients- 200g multi-colored rice cakes (tteok) (soaked in cold water beforehand)
- 5 cups anchovy broth (made with kelp, onion, and green onion for a refreshing taste)
- 70g fresh oysters (cleaned and prepared)
- 1 egg (for making omelet garnish)
- A little shredded dried laver (gim) (for garnish)
- A little toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare a flavorful anchovy broth. In a pot, add 5 cups of water, then add dried anchovies for broth, kelp, a roughly chopped onion, and green onion. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, then strain out the solids to get a clean and refreshing broth.
Step 2
Let’s make a delicate and beautiful egg garnish. Separate the egg white and yolk into separate small bowls. Lightly oil a non-stick pan heated over low heat. Pour the egg white thinly and cook. Do the same with the yolk. Once completely cooled, cut them into diamond shapes for garnish.
Step 3
A secret to bringing out the flavor of fresh oysters! Place the cleaned oysters in a pan and stir-fry them lightly with about 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce for seasoned dishes (ganjang). Don’t discard the liquid released from the oysters; set it aside to use later for seasoning the tteokguk. This stir-frying reduces the fishy smell and enhances the savory taste.
Step 4
Now it’s time to cook the tteokguk. Drain the multi-colored rice cakes that were pre-soaked in cold water, and add them to the simmering anchovy broth. Continue to cook for about 3-4 minutes until the rice cakes become translucent and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice cakes from sticking to the bottom.
Step 5
Once the rice cakes are cooked, add the reserved oyster liquid from stir-frying to the broth to adjust the seasoning. You can add a little more soy sauce or salt to taste. Simmer briefly again after adding the oysters, being careful not to overcook them until they become tough. Ladle the prepared tteokguk into bowls.
Step 6
Finally, artfully arrange the prepared garnishes on top to complete the tteokguk. Add the sliced egg garnish, shredded dried laver, and a sprinkle of savory toasted sesame seeds. Your colorful oyster tteokguk is ready! Enjoy a warm and healthy New Year’s soup with your loved ones.
