Spicy and Refreshing Squid and Radish Soup
How to Make Spicy Squid and Radish Soup: A Hearty Meal for Any Time
Let’s make a refreshing and spicy squid and radish soup.
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized squids
- 1/2 Korean radish (about 200g)
- 1 large green onion
- 1 red chili pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We’re going to make a delicious squid and radish soup using sweet winter radish and fresh squid. On a chilly day, there’s no better soup to warm you up. This recipe is simple yet delivers a deep flavor. Let’s get started!
Step 2
First, let’s prepare the ingredients. Peel the radish and slice it thinly into half-moon shapes (about 0.5cm thick). Slice the green onion diagonally and the red chili pepper diagonally, removing the seeds. Clean the squid by removing the ink sac and backbone. Cut the squid into bite-sized pieces (about 3cm long). Scoring the squid lightly will help it absorb the seasoning better and improve the texture.
Step 3
In a pot, add 500ml of water and season with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for soup to create a base flavor. If it tastes bland, add a tiny pinch of salt. (I find that using anchovy-kelp broth adds a deeper flavor.)
Step 4
Let’s go into more detail on preparing the squid. Remove the hard cartilage (called ‘simji’ or backbone) from inside the squid’s body. On the inside surface of the squid body, make shallow diagonal cuts. This makes the squid look nice and tender when cooked. Cut the prepared squid into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5
In the previous step, we completed the squid preparation. Now, score the squid body and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 6
Once the water comes to a boil, add the thinly sliced radish first. The radish plays a key role in making the soup refreshing.
Step 7
When the radish becomes somewhat translucent and starts to cook, add the prepared squid. The key is to add the squid only when the radish is almost cooked, as squid can become tough if boiled for too long. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8
Next, add the diagonally sliced chili pepper and green onion. This adds color and a pleasant spicy kick, making the soup even more delicious.
Step 9
Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 2 teaspoons of gochugaru, 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of doenjang, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic into the soup. As the ingredients meld and start to simmer, the squid will turn opaque, indicating it’s cooked. Simmer for a little longer, and your spicy and refreshing squid and radish soup will be ready!
