Baek Jong-won’s Zucchini and Fermented Shrimp Soup: Deep & Savory Korean Home Cooking
Baek Jong-won’s Zucchini and Fermented Shrimp Soup: Deep & Savory Korean Home Cooking
Easy Zucchini and Fermented Shrimp Soup Recipe from ‘Chef Baek’ (Housewife Baek)
Experience the comforting, traditional taste of Korean home cooking with this delightful Zucchini and Fermented Shrimp Soup. The creamy texture of rice water melds perfectly with the umami-rich fermented shrimp, creating a soul-warming dish that’s incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients- 1 medium zucchini
- 500ml rice water (water used to rinse rice)
- 1/2 green onion
- 5 Korean chili peppers (gosechu)
- 2 Tbsp fermented salted shrimp (saeu-jeot)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (deul-gireum)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by washing the zucchini thoroughly. Cut it into large, bite-sized cubes, about 0.5cm thick. This size helps the zucchini retain its shape and texture when cooked. Avoid cutting it too small, as it might become mushy.
Step 2
Prepare the other vegetables. Cut the Korean chili peppers into 2-3 pieces each, keeping their elongated shape. Finely chop the green onion. For a bit of a kick, you can add a small amount of chopped Cheongyang chili pepper.
Step 3
In a deep pot or wok, pour in 500ml of rice water. Add the prepared zucchini, Korean chili peppers, and green onion. Rice water adds a subtle sweetness and a pleasant, mild savory flavor to the broth.
Step 4
Once the broth comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Skim off any foam or scum that rises to the surface with a spoon. This step ensures a clear and clean-tasting broth, allowing the natural flavor of the zucchini to shine.
Step 5
Now, season the soup by adding 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and 2 Tbsp of fermented salted shrimp. Fermented shrimp adds a wonderful umami depth, but it can be quite salty. It’s best to taste as you add it and adjust to your preference. Finally, drizzle in 2 Tbsp of perilla oil for an aromatic finish. The soup is ready when the zucchini becomes translucent and tender. Enjoy this comforting and delicious Korean classic!
