Spicy Beef and Radish Soup (Gyeongsang Province Style)
How to Make Spicy Gyeongsang-Style Beef and Radish Soup
This Gyeongsang-style beef and radish soup is a hearty and refreshing dish, perfect as a hangover cure or a satisfying meal. We’ll show you how to add bean sprouts for extra coolness and spice it up for a delicious kick.
Main Ingredients- 400g radish, cut into large pieces
- 300g beef for soup (e.g., brisket or flank)
- 200g bean sprouts
- 1 large green onion
- ½ red chili pepper (optional, for color and mild heat)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
A key to the delicious Gyeongsang-style beef and radish soup is how you cut the radish. Shave it thinly and long, much like sharpening a pencil. If the pieces are too large, they won’t cook evenly; if too thin, they might fall apart. For large radishes, cut them in half and then slice them to about 0.5cm thickness. Changing the cutting method can alter the taste, so take your time!
Step 2
Gently rinse the bean sprouts under running water. Place them in a pot and pour in plenty of water. Swish them around once or twice, like you’re rinsing them. This helps to remove any small hulls or debris without washing away their fresh flavor. Avoid scrubbing them too vigorously, as this can diminish their refreshing taste.
Step 3
You can finely chop the green onion or slice it into long strips, similar to how it’s prepared for Yukgaejang. Using a generous amount of green onion will add depth and richness to the soup. The red chili pepper, sliced diagonally, can be seeded for a milder heat and a beautiful garnish.
Step 4
In a wide, deep pot or Dutch oven, add the beef and the sliced radish. Using a Dutch oven will help the broth develop a richer flavor.
Step 5
Add a splash of sesame oil to the pot and sauté the beef and radish over medium-low heat. Stir-fry until the beef loses its pink color and the radish starts to soften slightly and release some moisture. This browning step significantly enhances the soup’s overall aroma and flavor.
Step 6
Add the red pepper flakes and stir-fry quickly. Be careful not to burn the flakes, as this can result in a bitter taste. Stir-frying them releases a nice red chili oil. If it seems like the flakes are burning, add a tiny bit of water to prevent it.
Step 7
Now it’s time to add liquid. Start by pouring in about half the amount of water needed. Simmer this initial mixture. Cooking with a smaller amount of water at first helps to concentrate the flavors of the beef and radish.
Step 8
Once the soup comes to a boil, add the remaining water. If you have rice water (water used to rinse rice), using it will make the broth even more savory and smooth. If you’re not using rice water, you can use regular water. Keep the lid off while it boils to allow any unpleasant odors to evaporate.
Step 9
Once the broth has simmered and the flavors have melded, it’s time to season. Add the fish sauce and soy sauce for soup (or regular soy sauce) to enhance the umami. Using both adds a complex, savory depth.
Step 10
When the radish is almost tender, add the bean sprouts. It’s crucial not to overcook the bean sprouts. If they are boiled for too long, they lose their crispness and become mushy, affecting the soup’s texture and taste. Boil for only about 5-7 minutes over high heat after adding the bean sprouts. Adding them transforms the simple beef and radish soup into a refreshing bean sprout and beef soup.
Step 11
Finally, add the chopped green onion and minced garlic, and let it simmer for another short while. Adding aromatics like these at the end preserves their fresh flavor while imparting a pleasant pungency that elevates the soup’s taste.
Step 12
Your hearty bean sprout and beef soup is ready! It has the satisfying appearance of a rich market stew and a delicious, spicy broth that’s different from Yukgaejang.
Step 13
For an extra kick of spiciness, add some chopped Cheongyang chili peppers or red chili peppers if desired. Taste the soup and add salt if needed to adjust the seasoning. You can control the level of spice by adding more red pepper flakes or chili peppers according to your preference.
Step 14
Your Gyeongsang-style spicy beef and radish soup is complete! Its appetizing appearance makes you want to pour it over rice and enjoy. It’s the perfect hearty meal!
