Hearty and Refreshing Clam Noodle Soup (Bajirak Kalguksu)
Clam Noodle Soup: Delicious Bajirak Kalguksu with a Clear Broth Enhanced by Apple and Pear, Perfect One-Bowl Meal
Experience the delightful taste of homemade Bajirak Kalguksu with a broth that is both refreshing and deeply flavorful! This recipe ingeniously uses apple and pear to eliminate any unpleasant fishiness from the anchovy broth, then simmers it with a generous amount of fresh clams for an incredible umami boost. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Rich Broth Ingredients- 2L Water
- 200g Radish (for a refreshing taste and odor removal)
- 1/4 Apple (for sweetness, aroma, and odor removal)
- 1/4 Pear (for sweetness, aroma, and odor removal)
- 10g Dried Kelp (for added umami)
- 20g Dried Anchovies (for a deep broth base)
- 1 Leek (white part, approx. 80g, for a fresh aroma)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Slices Fresh Ginger (for odor removal)
Refreshing Clam Noodle Soup Ingredients- 1.8L Clam Broth (prepared from the stock)
- 600g Purged Clams (freshly prepared)
- 400g Fresh Kalguksu Noodles
- 1/2 Onion (for sweetness and freshness)
- 1/3 Zucchini (for a tender texture)
- 1/4 Carrot (for color and sweetness)
- 1-2 Cheongyang Peppers (optional, for spiciness)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (for added umami)
- 2 Pinches Sea Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper (for aroma)
- 1.8L Clam Broth (prepared from the stock)
- 600g Purged Clams (freshly prepared)
- 400g Fresh Kalguksu Noodles
- 1/2 Onion (for sweetness and freshness)
- 1/3 Zucchini (for a tender texture)
- 1/4 Carrot (for color and sweetness)
- 1-2 Cheongyang Peppers (optional, for spiciness)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (for added umami)
- 2 Pinches Sea Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper (for aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by creating a delicious broth! In a pot, combine 2L of fresh water. Add 200g of radish for a refreshing taste, 20g of dried anchovies for a deep flavor base, 1 whole leek (cut into large pieces, focusing on the white part), 2 slices of fresh ginger to eliminate any fishy odors, 10g of dried kelp for umami, and importantly, 1/4 apple and 1/4 pear to neutralize any unpleasant smells. Don’t forget to add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the dried kelp. (Pro Tip: If you don’t have fresh apple or pear, you can use their juice instead. If using juice, slightly reduce the simmering time.)
Step 2
After removing the kelp, continue to simmer over low heat for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to fully meld. Then, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to obtain a clear and clean liquid. This well-prepared broth is the foundation of your delicious kalguksu.
Step 3
Fresh clams are key to a flavorful kalguksu! Rinse the purged clams under cold running water 2-3 times, gently rubbing them between your hands. This step is crucial to remove any sand or debris from the shells, ensuring a clean and delicious soup.
Step 4
Prepare the vegetables for your kalguksu. Thinly julienne the zucchini, carrot, and onion. Now, let’s cook the noodles! Pour 1.8L of your prepared clear clam broth into a pot. Gently rinse the fresh kalguksu noodles under running water to separate them. (Pro Tip: Rinsing off the excess flour from the noodles will result in a clearer and less cloudy broth.)
Step 5
Once the broth begins to boil, season it to perfection. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for soup for a savory depth, 2 pinches of sea salt to adjust the seasoning to your liking, and a pinch of black pepper to enhance the aroma. Taste and adjust as needed.
Step 6
Add all the prepared vegetables to the pot. First, add the thinly julienned onion, carrot, and zucchini. These vegetables will cook down and add natural sweetness and a refreshing flavor to the broth.
Step 7
When the noodles and vegetables are boiling vigorously, add all the prepared clams to the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the clams open their shells and are nicely cooked. Be careful not to overcook, as the clams can become tough.
Step 8
Finally, for a touch of heat, add 1-2 finely chopped Cheongyang peppers, according to your preference. These peppers will further enhance the refreshing taste of the soup. (Optional: If you prefer less spice, you can omit them or use fewer.) Once all the ingredients are well combined and cooked, your warm and satisfying clam noodle soup is ready to be enjoyed!
