Savory and Refreshing Clear Shrimp Paste Soup
Perfect for a Cloudy Day: Try This Clear Shrimp Paste Soup!
The forecast has been predicting rain all week, and it’s pouring down as if the sky has a hole in it. Running the dehumidifier fills up the water tank so quickly! On days like these, when it’s rainy and gloomy, a warm bowl of soup is just what you crave. That’s why I made this clear shrimp paste soup! It’s wonderfully refreshing and satisfying. Let’s make this comforting dish together, perfect for dipping rice into.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu
- 0.5 Tbsp Shrimp Paste (1 Tbsp including the brine)
- 1/4 Zucchini
- 1 medium Potato
- 1/4 Onion
- 1/2 Scallion stalk
- 0.5 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 4 cups (800ml) Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the shrimp paste, the key to the soup’s clear and refreshing broth. Measure out about 1 Tbsp of the shrimp paste brine and 0.5 Tbsp of the shrimp paste solids. It’s best to start with a small amount, as you can always add more later to adjust the seasoning to your taste. (Adjust based on the amount of water you use.)
Step 2
Time to prep the vegetables! Thinly slice the zucchini and potato into about 0.5cm thick strips. Slice the onion similarly. Cut the scallion into diagonal pieces. Dice the firm tofu into bite-sized cubes, approximately 2cm. If you enjoy a bit of spice, finely chop some Korean chili peppers (cheongyang peppers) and add them for an extra kick.
Step 3
Now, let’s start cooking! Pour 4 cups (800ml) of water into a pot and add the sliced potatoes first. Bring it to a boil and cook until the potatoes are slightly tender. Then, add the sliced zucchini and onion and continue to simmer. Adding the potatoes first helps to make the broth more refreshing.
Step 4
Once the vegetables are somewhat cooked, add 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic and 0.5 Tbsp of red pepper flakes (gochugaru). This will add depth and a gentle spiciness to the broth.
Step 5
Finally, add the cubed tofu and diagonally sliced scallions. Let it simmer briefly until everything is heated through – be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can break up the tofu. Taste the soup and if it needs more seasoning, add more shrimp paste brine until it reaches your desired saltiness. Your delicious clear shrimp paste soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
Step 6
Clear shrimp paste soup can be a dish that divides opinions. While my child and I really enjoy it, my partner isn’t a fan of the distinct shrimp paste flavor and actually hadn’t tried it much before we got married. Today, I made just enough for my child and me to enjoy. Why not try making this clear, refreshing shrimp paste soup for a satisfying meal yourself?
