Squid and Radish Soup: A Refreshing Korean Classic
Squid and Radish Soup [An Unbeatable Refreshing Broth!]
As the autumn weather settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Today, I’ve prepared a ‘Squid and Radish Soup,’ featuring tender, sweet radish and chewy squid in a wonderfully clear and refreshing broth. The delightful contrast between the chewy squid and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth radish makes this soup incredibly satisfying. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients- 2 Squids, cleaned
- 1 piece (approx. 5cm) Radish
- 1 stalk Green Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the 2 squids. For the body, you can choose to peel the skin or leave it on. If peeling, pat it dry with paper towels. Then, score the body in a diamond pattern. This scoring helps the squid cook beautifully and adds a pleasant texture. Cut the tentacles into bite-sized pieces. Whether you peel the squid or not is entirely up to your preference.
Step 2
Slice the 5cm piece of radish into thin, rectangular pieces (nabak-sseolgi). Avoid slicing them too thinly, as they might break apart when cooked. We want them tender and slightly firm. Thinly slice the green onion on an angle to add its fresh aroma.
Step 3
In a pot, combine the sliced radish and green onion. Pour in 1L (about 5 cups) of cold water. Add the broth pack to create a flavorful base. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This step ensures a clear and clean-tasting broth. Remove and discard the broth pack. Now it’s time to add the prepared squid. Squid can become tough if overcooked, so add it towards the end and cook briefly.
Step 5
After adding the squid and letting it come back to a boil, stir in 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of gochugaru. This will give the soup a lovely color and a gentle spiciness. Let it simmer for a moment to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 6
Add 2 tablespoons of soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang) to season the broth. Use salt to adjust the taste further, according to your preference. It’s important to taste as you go! I used about 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Adjust the seasoning until it’s just right for you.
Step 7
And there you have it – a delicious Squid and Radish Soup, featuring chewy squid and sweet, tender radish! The scored squid bodies have curled up beautifully, adding a lovely visual touch. The combination of squid, radish, and green onion creates an incredibly refreshing broth that’s perfect any time. Enjoying this warm and invigorating soup with a bowl of freshly steamed rice provides a comforting and hearty meal. Even with just a few simple side dishes, this soup makes for a truly satisfying meal!
