Rich and Savory Pork Noodle Soup (Gogi Guksu)
Crafting Hearty and Flavorful Pork Noodle Soup at Home
Among my favorite go-to recipes, noodle dishes always make the list. I often enjoy a clear and simple banquet noodle soup (Janchi Guksu), and sometimes I make spicy mixed noodles (Bibim Guksu), especially popular during summer. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for ‘Gogi Guksu’ (Pork Noodle Soup). While it requires a bit of effort, the result is a deeply satisfying and hearty bowl that feels like a nourishing meal. We’ll create a rich broth using pork neck bones, belly, and shoulder, and enhance its umami with a convenient store-bought ox bone soup stock concentrate. Ready to get started?
Main Ingredients
- 120g Thin Wheat Noodles (Somen)
- 150g Pork Belly
- 100g Pork Shoulder
- 1 Pork Neck Bone
- 1 stalk Scallion
- 6 Dried Vietnamese Red Chilies
- 2 pieces Dried Kelp (Kombu)
- 1 pack Concentrated Ox Bone Soup Stock (e.g., Seolleongtang)
- 1.5L Rice Water (second rinse water)
Broth Seasoning
- 1/2 Tbsp Salted Shrimp
- 1/3 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
Soy Sauce Seasoning Paste
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- 1/3 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Noodle Boiling
- 1.5L Water
- 1/2 Tbsp Salted Shrimp
- 1/3 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
Soy Sauce Seasoning Paste
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- 1/3 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Noodle Boiling
- 1.5L Water
- 1.5L Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by creating a rich and deep-flavored broth. In a large pot, combine the pork belly, pork shoulder, and the pork neck bone. Pour in about 1.5 liters of rice water (using the water from the second rinse of your rice adds extra flavor). Add the dried kelp pieces and the Vietnamese red chilies. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it boil for about an hour. It’s crucial to skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during simmering to ensure a clean and clear broth. This step greatly impacts the final taste.
Step 2
While the broth is simmering, let’s prepare a delicious soy sauce seasoning paste to complement the noodles. A spoonful of this paste added to the Gogi Guksu will elevate its flavor, and any leftover paste is perfect for dipping the cooked pork. In a small bowl, mix together 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 tsp sesame seeds, 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/3 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil. Stir well until combined and set aside.
Step 3
After simmering for an hour, carefully remove the cooked pork belly, shoulder, and neck bone from the broth. Let the meat cool slightly, then slice it into bite-sized pieces. If the broth has reduced too much, you can add a little more water. Since we’ll be seasoning it separately, adding water at this stage won’t affect the taste negatively.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to season the clear broth. Add one pack of the concentrated ox bone soup stock to the broth. Then, incorporate 1/2 Tbsp salted shrimp, 1/3 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic to adjust the seasoning. Finally, add 1 tsp of salt and taste, adding more if needed according to your preference. The salted shrimp adds a wonderful umami depth.
Step 5
Slice the reserved cooked pork into convenient, bite-sized pieces. Now, let’s cook the noodles. Bring about 1.5 liters of water to a rolling boil in a separate pot. Add the somen noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, referring to the recommended cooking time. It’s best not to overcook them, so keep an eye on the timer.
Step 6
The final step! Arrange the cooked somen noodles attractively in a serving bowl. Generously top with the sliced pork and a good sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions. Add a spoonful of the prepared soy sauce seasoning paste, then ladle the hot, savory broth over everything. Your delicious Gogi Guksu is now ready to be enjoyed!
Step 7
This homemade Gogi Guksu offers a depth of flavor that rivals restaurant versions. The broth, rich with pork bones and meat, combined with the savory notes from salted shrimp and the ox bone stock, creates an irresistible taste. It’s a highly recommended recipe for special occasions or when you need a comforting, nourishing meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
