Savory Soybean Paste Soup with King Oyster Mushrooms and Crown Daisy
King Oyster Mushroom and Crown Daisy Soybean Paste Soup: A Flavorful Delight for Changing Seasons
Experience the delightful combination of seasonal crown daisy and the chewy texture of white king oyster mushrooms, enhancing the umami of this soybean paste soup. This recipe is perfect for awakening your appetite during the transitional seasons, offering a delicious and deeply satisfying bowl of comfort.
Main Ingredients
- 250g White King Oyster Mushrooms
- 250g Crown Daisy (Arugula)
- 50g Green Onion
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang)
- 1 Red Chili
Broth & Seasoning
- 1.4L Seafood Broth (or anchovy-kelp broth)
- 2 Tbsp Soybean Paste (Doenjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (or salt, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Dried Shrimp Powder
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1.4L Seafood Broth (or anchovy-kelp broth)
- 2 Tbsp Soybean Paste (Doenjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (or salt, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Dried Shrimp Powder
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This recipe features a special ingredient: the ‘Baekseon King Oyster Mushroom,’ a new variety developed by the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services. Unlike regular oyster mushrooms, this white variety offers a unique aroma and a wonderfully chewy texture, making it a standout choice. It’s known for its rich umami, which significantly elevates the flavor of soups and stews.
Step 2
Let’s explore the appeal of the Baekseon King Oyster Mushroom. Its distinct, robust aroma and satisfyingly chewy texture make it incredibly versatile. It’s excellent in stews, seasoned side dishes (muchim), and stir-fries. Particularly in soups, it extracts its natural flavors beautifully, infusing the broth with a deep, savory taste that elevates any dish.
Step 3
First, prepare the crown daisy. Clean it thoroughly. Blanch the crown daisy in boiling water for a short while, then immediately rinse it under cold water. Soaking it briefly in cold water after rinsing helps maintain its crisp, refreshing texture.
Step 4
Now, let’s get the other ingredients ready. Trim the tough ends of the white king oyster mushrooms and gently pull them apart into bite-sized pieces; this allows them to absorb the broth better and enhances their texture. Chop the blanched crown daisy into manageable pieces. Slice the green onions, green chilies, and red chili diagonally. For the seafood broth, you can conveniently use a pre-made broth bag or prepare your own by simmering anchovies and kelp.
Step 5
It’s time to cook the soup! In a pot, combine the seafood broth and the chopped crown daisy. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the crown daisy becomes tender. This step allows the fresh, sweet flavor of the crown daisy to infuse the broth.
Step 6
Once the crown daisy is tender, add the prepared white king oyster mushrooms and the soybean paste. To ensure a smooth consistency, you can dissolve the soybean paste in a bit of broth using a sieve or mix it directly into the soup. Add the mushrooms now, as they don’t require prolonged cooking.
Step 7
After adding the soybean paste, stir in the dried shrimp powder for an extra layer of umami and the minced garlic for added fragrance. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. The dried shrimp powder will contribute significantly to a rich and savory broth.
Step 8
Finally, season the soup with soy sauce for soup or salt to your preference. Once seasoned, add the diagonally sliced green onions, green chilies, and red chili. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during this final simmer to ensure a clean and clear broth.
Step 9
Voila! Your delicious White King Oyster Mushroom and Crown Daisy Soybean Paste Soup is ready. The delightful chewiness of the mushrooms, the refreshing crunch of the crown daisy, and the savory depth of the soybean paste create a wonderfully appetizing and comforting meal.
Step 10
The Baekseon King Oyster Mushroom offers a unique texture, balancing tenderness with a satisfying chew, and a deep umami flavor that intensifies with every bite. It pairs wonderfully with almost any ingredient. Whether in a clear broth, a soybean paste soup, or even a spicy stew, its flavor is consistently exceptional. Explore its versatility in various dishes for a truly special culinary experience!
