Rich and Flavorful Dried Shrimp and Mallow Soup
How to Make Delicious Dried Shrimp and Mallow Soup (with Mallow Preparation Tips!)
Learn how to easily make a refreshing and savory Dried Shrimp and Mallow Soup at home. We’ll guide you through every step, from preparing the mallow to achieving a delicious broth. It’s a captivating dish that’s sure to make you want seconds! Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Dried Shrimp and Mallow Soup
- 400g Mallow (Auk)
- 1 handful Dried Shrimp (approx. 20g)
- 1.5L Anchovy Broth
- 3 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
- 2 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean Soup Soy Sauce)
Additional Seasonings & Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (Anchovy)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- Salt to taste
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (Anchovy)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start with preparing the mallow! Trim off any tough stem parts. You can leave the tender stems attached or remove them if you prefer a softer texture. If you’re cooking for children, it’s best to remove the stems completely and use only the leaves for a smoother soup.
Step 2
To remove any astringency, bitterness, and the slimy texture, wash the mallow thoroughly by rubbing it vigorously under cold running water. While washing, if you notice any large leaves, tear them by hand into more manageable pieces. This makes them easier to scoop and eat after cooking.
Step 3
As you wash the mallow, you’ll notice a green liquid being released. Continue to rub and rinse the mallow 3 to 4 times until this green tint is no longer visible. This process is crucial for removing the raw mallow flavor and ensuring a clean taste.
Step 4
To further eliminate any lingering bitterness and grassy notes, and to achieve a tender texture, gently break apart the stems of the prepared mallow with your fingers. Then, press them down firmly on a cutting board with the side of your knife or your palm, as if you’re tenderizing them. Finally, squeeze out any excess water. This step helps the mallow hold its shape in the soup and prevents it from becoming too mushy.
Step 5
Prepare about a handful of dried shrimp. For about 2 tablespoons of dried shrimp, you can microwave them for 30 seconds to eliminate any fishy odor and enhance their nutty aroma. If you prefer, you can also lightly toast them in a dry pan over low heat. They will release a delightful aroma, reminiscent of shrimp crackers!
Step 6
Pour 1.5 liters of water (or anchovy broth) into a pot. Add a broth bag (or anchovies, kelp, etc.), doenjang, and gochujang according to the recipe proportions. Adding a small amount of gochujang will boost the umami flavor of the broth, making it much tastier. If you prefer a clear and clean soup, it’s recommended to dissolve the doenjang through a sieve to remove any solids.
Step 7
While the doenjang and gochujang are dissolving and coming to a simmer, add all the prepared dried shrimp to the pot to allow their flavor to infuse into the broth.
Step 8
Add 2 tablespoons of guk-ganjang (soup soy sauce) to deepen the complexity of the broth’s flavor. It’s best to add guk-ganjang after the broth has been simmering for a while, rather than at the very beginning, to preserve its unique savory taste and aroma.
Step 9
Bring the soup to a rolling boil over high heat for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors of all the ingredients to meld beautifully into the broth. After boiling, remove the broth bag if you used one, to prevent the soup from becoming cloudy.
Step 10
Now it’s time to add the prepared mallow. Ensure the total volume of the soup, including the mallow, is approximately 2 liters. You may need to adjust the amount of broth based on the quantity of mallow you have.
Step 11
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for another 20 to 30 minutes until the mallow is very tender and fully cooked. Mallow tastes best when it’s soft. Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Feel free to add minced garlic, fish sauce, or chili flakes according to your preference.
Step 12
Enjoy your delicious and wholesome Dried Shrimp and Mallow Soup! It’s a wonderful dish for the whole family to enjoy.
