Clear and Refreshing Bean Sprout Soup (Kongnamul-guk)
Clear and Refreshing Bean Sprout Soup (Kongnamul-guk)
Simple & Delicious Kongnamul-guk Recipe!
Here’s a recipe for a wonderfully clear and refreshing Korean bean sprout soup (Kongnamul-guk). This recipe is designed to be incredibly easy, perfect for beginners, and results in a soup that’s both revitalizing and comforting. It’s an excellent choice for a hangover cure or a light, healthy side dish for any meal.
Ingredients- Fresh bean sprouts 300g
- Water 2L
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (or adjust to taste)
- 1 stalk of green onion (white part)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (for a hint of spice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, check and prepare all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is incredibly straightforward, allowing anyone to make delicious Kongnamul-guk. Pour 2 liters of clean water into a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Step 2
Gently rinse the 300g of fresh bean sprouts under running water. Be careful not to wash them too vigorously, as this can make them mushy. It’s also a good idea to remove any stringy root ends if you prefer.
Step 3
Thinly slice the 1 stalk of green onion, focusing on the white part. Finely chop the 1 Korean chili pepper; this will add a subtle, pleasant spiciness to the broth. You can omit the chili pepper if you prefer a milder soup.
Step 4
Once the water in the pot is boiling vigorously, add all the rinsed bean sprouts. It’s best not to cover the pot immediately after adding the sprouts. Leaving the lid slightly ajar can help any ‘fishy’ smell associated with bean sprouts dissipate.
Step 5
After the bean sprouts have been added and the soup returns to a simmer, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the broth.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt to season the soup. You can adjust the amount of salt based on the freshness of the bean sprouts and your personal preference. It’s always best to taste and add more if needed.
Step 7
Pour in 1.5 tablespoons of soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) for added umami. Using soup soy sauce helps maintain a clear broth while imparting a rich flavor.
Step 8
Finally, add the prepared sliced green onion and chopped chili pepper to the pot. Let it simmer for a little longer. These additions will make the soup even more refreshing.
Step 9
With all ingredients added, continue to boil over high heat for about 5 minutes. Your refreshing and delicious Kongnamul-guk is ready! Avoid overcooking the bean sprouts, as they can become too soft. Cooking them for just the right amount of time will keep them pleasantly crisp. Serve hot and enjoy!
