Rich and Flavorful Beef and Seaweed Soup (Miyeokguk)
The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Beef and Seaweed Soup, Perfect for Special Occasions
Last week, I made this hearty Beef and Seaweed Soup for my partner’s birthday. My mother-in-law generously gifted me some beef brisket for the soup and pork belly for grilling, making the meal extra special. This recipe is perfect for celebrating or simply enjoying a nourishing and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients- Soaked dried seaweed (miyeok)
- Beef (brisket or soup cut)
- Soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- Minced garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove excess blood. Then, season it with a little soy sauce for soup, minced garlic, and black pepper. Marinating the beef beforehand will make it more tender and flavorful.
Step 2
Heat a pot over medium heat and add the seasoned beef. Stir-fry until the surface of the beef is completely browned. The beef fat will render out, adding more depth of flavor.
Step 3
Once the beef is nicely browned, add the soaked seaweed and stir-fry together with the beef for about 2-3 minutes until the seaweed is well coated and fragrant. This step helps develop a nutty aroma. (I omitted sesame oil in this recipe, but you can certainly add a drizzle if you like!)
Step 4
After stir-frying the beef and seaweed, it’s time to add the flavorful broth. Using a homemade broth made from anchovies, kelp, onion, and leek roots will give the soup a much richer and cleaner taste. (If you don’t have homemade broth, you can use store-bought broth or plain water.)
Step 5
Pour in a generous amount of the prepared broth and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the seaweed to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6
Finally, season the soup with soy sauce for soup, salt, and minced garlic to your taste. It’s best to add the soy sauce for soup gradually and taste as you go. (If you don’t have the dark, traditional Korean soy sauce for soup, you can use regular soy sauce, but the traditional kind provides a deeper flavor. Lighter colored versions are also available now.)
Step 7
Simmer for a few more minutes to allow all the flavors to combine, and your delicious, warming Beef and Seaweed Soup is ready! Enjoy this hearty and satisfying bowl, perfect for dipping rice into.
