Spicy and Hearty Kimchi Kalguksu (Noodle Soup)
#SpicyKoreanSoup #HeartyNoodles #KimchiKalguksuRecipe #AddingTteokgukTteok #RichFlavor
Bracing yourself for the chilly weather? This Kimchi Kalguksu (spicy kimchi noodle soup) is the perfect remedy! It boasts a refreshingly savory and spicy broth, made even more satisfying with the addition of chewy tteokguk tteok (rice cakes). The secret to a delicious Kimchi Kalguksu lies in a well-made broth; simply add kimchi and season with anchovy sauce or fish sauce for an explosion of umami. This hearty noodle soup is perfect for a comforting meal.
Key Ingredients- 1/4 head of well-fermented Napa cabbage kimchi, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 700ml seafood or anchovy-kelp broth (store-bought broth is also acceptable)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce or anchovy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 ladleful of kimchi juice
- 1 cup tteokguk tteok (rice cake slices, approx. 150g)
- 1.5 servings fresh kalguksu noodles (approx. 250g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces. In a pot, combine the chopped kimchi, 1 ladleful of kimchi juice, and 1 tsp of sesame oil. Sauté over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes. This process mellows the sourness of the kimchi and enhances its flavor, resulting in a richer broth.
Step 2
Pour the 700ml of prepared broth into the sautéed kimchi. Add 1 tsp of gochugaru. (Adjust the amount of gochugaru if your kimchi is not spicy enough.)
Step 3
Once the broth comes to a boil, add 1 tsp of minced garlic, 2 tbsp of chopped green onions, and a pinch of black pepper. Season with 2 tbsp of fish sauce or anchovy sauce to taste. (Soy sauce or other fish sauces can also be used.) Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering step will develop a deeper, more refreshing broth flavor.
Step 4
Once the broth has a rich flavor, add the tteokguk tteok, which is the firmest ingredient, and cook until they become soft and chewy. While the rice cakes are cooking, prepare the kalguksu noodles.
Step 5
To prevent the kalguksu noodles from clumping, gently shake off any excess flour from the surface with your hands. Adding noodles with too much flour can cause them to clump together and make the broth murky. This step is crucial for achieving perfectly textured noodles.
Step 6
Add the prepared kalguksu noodles to the boiling broth. Use chopsticks to gently loosen the noodles as they cook, ensuring they don’t stick together. The noodles are ready when they are fully cooked and tender.
Step 7
Serve the hearty and spicy Kimchi Kalguksu in bowls. The piping hot broth is incredibly comforting and warming. For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with shredded seaweed or more chopped kimchi, if desired.
