Delicious and Spicy Mussels Soup Recipe: The Perfect Soju Pairing! Detailed Guide from Cleaning to Purging Mussels
Delicious and Spicy Mussels Soup Recipe: The Perfect Soju Pairing! Detailed Guide from Cleaning to Purging Mussels
Enjoy Homemade Spicy Mussels Soup: Perfect Soju Appetizer! Complete Guide to Cleaning and Purging Mussels
When the cold winter arrives and a warm, comforting soup is desired, mussel soup is often the first dish that comes to mind. Without the need for complex seasonings, its refreshing and spicy broth is so exceptional that you can’t help but keep going back for more. The joy of picking out each succulent mussel, combined with sipping the invigorating broth, naturally leads to a glass of soju. So, let’s begin with a detailed guide on how to make a delicious and spicy mussel soup, along with how to properly clean and purge mussels!
Main Ingredients- 1kg Fresh Mussels
- 2 Cheongyang peppers (Korean red chili peppers)
- 1 Green onion
- 4-5 cloves Whole garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Fresh mussels don’t require a complicated purging process. The most important step is to wash them thoroughly. By washing them carefully, you’ll be all set to enjoy a delicious mussel soup!
Step 2
Place the mussels in clean running water. Gently rub the mussels against each other to scrub them clean. This process effectively removes mud and debris from the mussel shells.
Step 3
While washing the mussels, you might notice some beard-like fibers attached between the shells. Gently pull these fibers with a bit of force to remove them. They can affect the texture, so it’s best to remove them.
Step 4
After washing, let the mussels drain in a colander for a moment. You can use this time to prepare the next steps, saving you time.
Step 5
Now, prepare a pot. Add enough water to the pot so that the washed mussels are mostly submerged. If you don’t use enough water, the refreshing flavor of the mussels might not fully infuse into the broth.
Step 6
While the mussels are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the Cheongyang peppers, and slice the green onion diagonally. For the garlic, using minced garlic can make the broth cloudy, so it’s better to slice 4-5 whole garlic cloves thinly. You can also add thinly sliced ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 7
Once the water in the pot begins to boil, add all the prepared vegetables (Cheongyang peppers, green onion, and sliced garlic) to the pot. The vegetables will further enhance the depth of flavor in the mussel soup.
Step 8
After adding the vegetables and letting it simmer for a bit, it’s time to season the mussel soup. While the mussels’ natural umami is often enough, for a cleaner and richer taste, add 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (to remove any fishy smell), 0.3 teaspoon of seasoned salt (for added savoriness), and 1 tablespoon of vinegar (to tenderize the mussel meat and further remove any fishy notes). Adjust the seasoning according to your personal preference.
Step 9
As the mussel soup boils, foam from the shells and mussels will rise to the surface. This foam can make the broth cloudy, so skim it off with a ladle as it forms. This will result in a clearer and more refined mussel soup.
Step 10
Finally, when the mussel shells open wide, your simple yet delicious mussel soup is ready! If not all mussels have opened, they might not be fully cooked, so let them simmer a bit longer. Serve the appetizing mussel soup in warm bowls for a delightful meal.
Step 11
This mussel soup boasts a beautiful, milky broth with a perfectly balanced spicy kick! Such a delicious broth naturally calls for a drink. It’s also a satisfying meal when served with rice, and an excellent accompaniment to soju.
Step 12
The ease of preparation is another appealing aspect of mussel soup, making it a stress-free dish even on busy days. It’s a dish you can whip up quickly and enjoy with great satisfaction.
Step 13
This concludes our guide to making a spicy and refreshing mussel soup, perfect for warming you up on a cold winter day, along with the detailed steps for cleaning and purging fresh mussels. Enjoy your time with this heartwarming bowl of mussel soup!
