Refreshing & Spicy! Homemade Dongjuk Clam Soup
The Ultimate Anju (Drinking Snack) & Hangover Cure: Dongjuk Clam Soup
These Dongjuk clams were personally caught by me from the sea! Since I worked hard to get them, they must be enjoyed deliciously, right? ^^; I decided to make a simple soup dish first. Dongjuk Clam Soup is easy to prepare, making it a perfect menu item to enjoy with drinks. The method for purging clams is detailed in my previous post, so today I’ll just record the recipe here~
Ingredients for Dongjuk Clam Soup
- 1kg Fresh Dongjuk Clams
- 1L Water
- 2 Tbsp Soju or Cheongju (Rice Wine) – for removing fishy smell
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic or Sliced Garlic
- 0.5-1 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 Korean Green Chilies (for spiciness)
- 1 Red Chili (for color)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (for enhanced flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a pot over high heat. Clams can become tough if boiled for too long, so boiling the water first is the key to preserving their tender texture. This step is the first secret to a delicious clam soup!
Step 2
Once the water starts boiling vigorously, carefully add the 1kg of Dongjuk clams! They will start cooking, showcasing their freshness with a ‘splash’ sound.
Step 3
To remove any fishy odors and add a clean flavor, pour about 2 tablespoons of soju or cheongju over the clams. The alcohol will evaporate, eliminating any unpleasant smell while enhancing the savory taste.
Step 4
The second secret to making Dongjuk Clam Soup clear and refreshing is to skim off the foam that rises to the surface as the clams cook. This step is crucial for determining the soup’s clean taste.
Step 5
Using a ladle, carefully skim off any foam that appears on the surface of the soup. Foam may continue to rise as the clams cook, so skimming it off whenever you see it will result in a clearer and more delicious soup.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to bring out the delicious soup flavor. For anju, a slightly savory taste is best, isn’t it? Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to enhance the aroma. If you have whole garlic cloves, slicing them thinly into rounds will make the soup even cleaner and more refreshing, which is recommended!
Step 7
If you enjoy a spicy kick, add 1-2 chopped Korean green chilies. Also, for a vibrant touch of color, add 1 thinly sliced red chili. This will create a visually appealing clam soup.
Step 8
Taste the broth, and if the seasoning is insufficient, add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Since the clams themselves have a natural saltiness, it’s important to add only a little at first and adjust the salt to your preference after tasting. If it’s too bland, add more salt; if it’s too salty, add a little water.
Step 9
Finally, for an extra layer of spiciness and richness, add a pinch of black pepper. The subtle pungency of the pepper will further elevate the clam soup’s flavor.
Step 10
Check if the Dongjuk clams are plump, full of meat, and have opened their shells, indicating they are well-cooked. Clams cook very quickly, so once they look plump, turn off the heat and enjoy your delicious soup! It’s incredibly refreshing and tasty when enjoyed piping hot!
