Comforting Beef and Radish Soup (Sogogi-Mutguk) with Autumn Radish
Comforting Beef and Radish Soup (Sogogi-Mutguk) with Autumn Radish
Hearty and Refreshing Beef and Radish Soup: A Perfect Autumn Dish
Feeling like a light yet satisfying meal? Let’s make a comforting bowl of Korean Beef and Radish Soup (Sogogi-Mutguk)! This soup is known for being gentle on the stomach, thanks to the easily digestible radish, often called ‘mut’ in Korean. Combined with tender beef and soft tofu, it creates a beautifully balanced and subtly flavored broth. It’s a wonderfully wholesome dish, perfect for a cool autumn day, offering warmth and nourishment without being heavy. Enjoy this clean, soothing soup that’s as delightful to the palate as it is kind to your digestion.
Main Ingredients- Radish (Mu) 100g
- Beef (brisket or soup cut) 150g
- Tofu 160g (approx. 1/2 block)
- Green onion 1 stalk
Seasoning & Broth- Anchovy-Kelp Broth or Rice Water 5 cups (approx. 1L)
- Soy sauce for soup (or Fish sauce) 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Anchovy-Kelp Broth or Rice Water 5 cups (approx. 1L)
- Soy sauce for soup (or Fish sauce) 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare fresh autumn radish for its crisp texture and refreshing taste, good quality beef, and plenty of broth. You can use brisket or any soup-cut beef for a richer flavor.
Step 2
Wash the radish, peel it, and slice it thinly (about 0.5cm thick) into bite-sized pieces or julienne it. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and cut it into manageable pieces (about 3-4cm). Slice the tofu into roughly 1.5cm thick pieces.
Step 3
Heat a pot over medium heat. Add the beef (without oil) and stir-fry until it starts to change color. Once the beef is lightly browned, add the sliced radish and continue to stir-fry. Stir-frying the radish in the beef drippings will enhance its sweetness and tenderness.
Step 4
While stir-frying the beef and radish, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (or fish sauce) and stir well to coat everything. Stir-frying the soy sauce first deepens the umami flavor and adds a toasty aroma.
Step 5
When the beef turns opaque and is about halfway cooked, pour in the 5 cups of prepared broth. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
Step 6
Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the radish becomes translucent and tender. Simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7
Once the radish is tender, add the sliced tofu to the pot. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to break up the tofu, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the tofu is heated through.
Step 8
Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, the chopped green onion, and a pinch of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Step 9
Your delicious Sogogi-Mutguk is ready! The combination of clear, refreshing broth, tender radish, and savory beef is truly wonderful. Enjoy it with a bowl of rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. Beef really is the key to a perfect Mutguk!
Step 10
Radish is an alkaline food that aids digestion, making this soup an excellent choice for those who find it hard to digest richer foods. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal without worry.
Step 11
As the weather cools, a warm bowl of Mutguk feels like a nourishing tonic for the body and soul. Make the most of the season’s delicious radishes and create a healthy, comforting meal.
Step 12
With the addition of tofu, this Beef and Radish Soup is so satisfying that you can enjoy it on its own, without rice, and still feel full and nourished. Have a wonderful day with this healthy and comforting Korean soup!
