Hearty and Comforting Jang Guksu (Noodle Soup)
Craving a Savory Taste on a Cold Day? Jang Guksu is the Answer!
When the cold wind blows, a bowl of savory Jang Guksu will warm you up and fill your stomach. Try this simple yet deeply flavorful recipe to bring back warm memories.
Main Ingredients
- Noodles (Somen or other thin noodles) for 2 servings
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 Onion (adds sweetness and depth)
- A little bit of Green onion (for aroma)
- A little bit of Scallions (for garnish, optional)
- Seaweed flakes (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will give Jang Guksu its delicious flavor. Finely chop the Cheongyang chili pepper for a spicy kick, and thinly slice the onion to add sweetness and depth. Slice the green onion, focusing on the white parts, to infuse aroma, and finely chop the scallions to be used as a garnish at the end. (Feel free to adjust the amount of chili peppers and green onions according to your preference.)
Step 2
Pour 3 cups (about 600ml) of water into a pot and dissolve 1 tablespoon of Gochujang (Korean chili paste). It’s important to start with a generous amount of water, as it will allow the noodles to cook and thicken the broth from the starch released as the noodles cook. (Approximately 3 cups if using a standard paper cup.)
Step 3
Once the Gochujang is well dissolved, add all the prepared vegetables (except the scallions) to the pot. Then, add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of anchovy sauce, and 2 pinches of sugar to season. This combination alone will create a deeply savory and rich flavor.
Step 4
When the broth begins to boil after adding the seasonings, add 2 servings of noodles and start cooking them. Stir gently with chopsticks to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Step 5
Continue to boil over medium heat while the noodles cook. Unlike other noodle dishes where you might add cold water, for Jang Guksu, you want to let it simmer thoroughly so the noodles are fully cooked and tender, and the broth thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes for the noodles to cook.
Step 6
Jang Guksu is best when the broth has a slightly thick consistency. The starch released from the noodles as they cook, combined with the flavors from the vegetables, creates a rich and satisfying broth. If it feels too thick, you can add a tiny bit more water.
Step 7
Once the noodles are cooked, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper for an extra boost of flavor. Your delicious Jang Guksu is almost ready!
Step 8
Serve the Jang Guksu elegantly in warm bowls. While it’s often enjoyed straight from the pot for convenience, presenting it in a bowl makes it look even more appealing.
Step 9
Garnish generously with the chopped scallions and nutty seaweed flakes. Your mouth-watering Jang Guksu is now complete!
Step 10
Scoop up a generous mouthful of the hot, thick broth and chewy noodles. The savory aroma that fills your mouth will bring instant happiness. This is an unforgettable meal, where even the slurping sound adds to the deliciousness.
