Spicy and Refreshing Squid and Radish Soup (Ojingeo-Muguk)
The Perfect Home-Cooked Meal When You’ve Lost Your Appetite: A Classic Korean Stew
After indulging in rich restaurant meals, sometimes all you crave is the comforting taste of home cooking. This squid and radish soup is a wonderfully soothing dish for such times. Its spicy and refreshing broth makes it incredibly satisfying and perfect for boosting your appetite. Enjoy this simple yet delightful home-style soup.
Main Ingredients- 1 squid
- 1/4 Korean radish (mu)
- 1/4 onion
- A little green onion
- 1-2 Korean chili peppers (optional, to taste)
Broth Ingredients- 1 anchovy broth tea bag
- 700ml water
- 1 anchovy broth tea bag
- 700ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare one fresh squid. Rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. Carefully remove the innards located between the body and tentacles. Score the inside of the squid body with a knife, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. (Tip: Scoring the inside of the squid body helps it absorb the seasonings better, making it more flavorful.)
Step 2
Place the prepared squid in a bowl for now. Keeping it aside like this will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 3
Peel the Korean radish and wash it clean. Slice it thinly into matchsticks or semi-circles, whichever is easier to eat. (Tip: Thinly sliced radish cooks faster and makes the soup extra refreshing.)
Step 4
In a pot, combine 700ml of water and one anchovy broth tea bag. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, remove the tea bag to create a clear anchovy broth. (Tip: If you don’t have an anchovy broth tea bag, you can make your own broth by boiling dried anchovies and kelp.)
Step 5
Add the sliced radish to the prepared anchovy broth and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer until the radish becomes translucent and tender. Cooking the radish first will enhance the refreshing and deep flavor of the broth.
Step 6
Once the radish is sufficiently cooked, stir in 2 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of anchovy sauce, and 1 Tbsp of red pepper flakes. Mix the seasonings well into the broth. Then, add the prepared squid and the thickly sliced onion, and cook together.
Step 7
After bringing the soup to a rolling boil and cooking the squid until done, add the diagonally sliced green onions and chopped Korean chili peppers. (Tip: Adding Korean chili peppers will add a zesty kick, making the soup even more invigorating.) Turn off the heat and serve. Your refreshing and spicy squid and radish soup is ready!
