Refreshing and Spicy Mussels Soup (Honghap Tang)
Super Simple Mussels Soup: From Cleaning Fresh Mussels to Delicious Cooking!
Introducing a seasonal mussels soup recipe that allows you to enjoy the refreshing and deep umami flavor of mussels themselves, without any special seasonings. Check out how to clean mussels without any fishy smell and how to easily complete this delicious dish!
Ingredients
- 1kg fresh mussels
- 1-2 Cheongyang chili peppers or green chili peppers
- 1/2 white part of a leek
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the mussels thoroughly under cold running water. Gently scrub off any dirt or debris stuck to the shells.
Step 2
Most farmed mussels have ‘beards,’ also known as byssus threads. Grip these threads firmly with both hands and pull them towards the body of the mussel to remove them.
Step 3
After removing the beards, use a clean kitchen scrubbing sponge to scrub the shells. This will effectively remove any remaining dirt or rough spots on the shell. Scrub gently to avoid damaging the shells.
Step 4
The cleaned mussels will now have a beautiful sheen and look appetizing! You don’t need to purge or de-grit mussels separately; thorough cleaning like this is sufficient for a delicious soup. During cleaning, discard any mussels with broken shells or those whose meat is loose and hanging out, as they are not fresh. Even one or two unfresh mussels can make the entire soup taste fishy, so be sure to check carefully.
Step 5
Place the 1kg of prepared mussels into a pot. Add just enough water to cover the mussels. It’s crucial not to add salt at this stage! While the amount of water can affect seasoning, adding salt beforehand can mask the mussels’ natural flavor and make the soup too salty.
Step 6
If you prefer a spicier and more refreshing taste, slice 1-2 Cheongyang chili peppers or green chili peppers. Using only the white part of the leek is recommended. This recipe relies solely on the rich umami of fresh mussels for flavor, so no additional seasonings like salt or soy sauce are needed. If you’ve added too much water and find the soup bland after cooking, you can add a tiny pinch of salt to taste at the very end.
Step 7
Once the water begins to boil, add the prepared leek and chili peppers, and simmer for a short while longer. When the mussels start to open their shells, it’s a sign that your delicious mussels soup is ready! Once all the mussels have opened, turn off the heat and enjoy.
