Hearty and Flavorful Beef and Seaweed Soup (Sogogi Miyeokguk)
How to Make Delicious Korean Beef and Seaweed Soup
This Beef and Seaweed Soup is a family favorite, so much so that even our little ones finish a whole bowl of rice with it! We often make this comforting soup, not just for birthdays, but anytime. A big pot of this warm soup, featuring tender seaweed and a rich, savory broth, is perfect for a morning meal and is packed with flavor and nutrition for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients- 150g beef for soup (e.g., brisket)
- 20g dried seaweed (expands significantly when soaked)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1.2L rice water (or plain water)
- 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce or anchovy extract (Chamchi-aek)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the dried seaweed. Measure about 20-25g of dried seaweed; this amount will yield a generous serving for 4-5 people. Place the dried seaweed in a bowl and cover generously with water to soak and rehydrate.
Step 2
Seaweed expands quickly in water, so soaking for about 10-15 minutes should be sufficient. Once rehydrated, rinse the seaweed thoroughly under running water to remove any sand or debris. Drain the excess water by placing it in a sieve.
Step 3
Gently pat the soup-cut beef with paper towels to remove any excess blood for a cleaner broth. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pot over medium heat and add the beef.
Step 4
Sauté the beef until its surface is no longer pink, being careful not to burn it by keeping the heat at medium-low. Once the beef has changed color, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and stir-fry briefly until fragrant.
Step 5
Now, add the rehydrated and drained seaweed to the pot. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soup soy sauce and stir-fry everything together. Stir-frying the seaweed with the soy sauce will deepen the flavor of the soup.
Step 6
Once the seaweed and beef are well combined and stir-fried, pour in 1.2 liters of rice water (or plain water). Rice water adds a subtle richness and smooth texture to the broth.
Step 7
Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors from the seaweed and beef to meld into a rich broth.
Step 8
After simmering for about 15 minutes, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. You might need more flavor than just soup soy sauce, so add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (or anchovy extract) and then use a pinch of salt to perfect the taste. Feel free to adjust the amounts of soy sauce and salt to your preference.
Step 9
Simmering thoroughly will result in wonderfully tender seaweed and a deeply flavorful broth. This easy Beef and Seaweed Soup recipe is simple to make and will surely be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy your delicious and nourishing meal!
