Hearty and Flavorful Potato Kalguksu
Authentic Potato Kalguksu Recipe: Master the Art of Homemade Kalguksu with a Special Spicy Seasoning Paste
This Potato Kalguksu is perfect for a chilly day, warming you from the inside out. We’ve elevated the flavor profile by creating a homemade spicy seasoning paste that adds a delightful kick and depth. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Kalguksu Ingredients
- 600g Fresh Kalguksu Noodles (store-bought)
- 2200ml Water
- 2 Stock Packs (anchovy, kelp, or your preference)
- 1/2 Zucchini
- 1/2 Onion
- 3 Potatoes (medium-sized)
- 1/2 Scallion (large green onion)
Broth Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 4 Tbsp Fish Sauce or Soup Soy Sauce
- 1/3 Tbsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 4 Tbsp Fish Sauce or Soup Soy Sauce
- 1/3 Tbsp Salt (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, bring 2200ml of water to a boil in a pot over high heat. Add the 2 stock packs and once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to create a rich broth. For an even deeper umami flavor, you can add onion peels or kelp while making the stock.
Step 2
Wash the zucchini and slice it into half-moon shapes, about 0.5cm thick. Slicing them slightly thicker will provide a more satisfying chew.
Step 3
Peel the onion and cut it into approximately 1.5cm cubes. Cubing the onion will add sweetness and a refreshing taste to the broth.
Step 4
Peel the potatoes and slice them into half-moon shapes, similar in thickness to the zucchini. As the potatoes cook, they will break down slightly, adding a creamy texture and flavor to the soup.
Step 5
After simmering the broth for 10 minutes, carefully remove the stock packs. You can leave any remaining bits from the stock packs in the pot if you wish.
Step 6
Add the sliced potatoes and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic to the broth. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for about 5 minutes until the potatoes are partially tender. Cooking the potatoes in the broth first will infuse it with their starchy goodness.
Step 7
Finely chop the scallion, focusing on the white parts, or slice it into very thin slivers. This will be added at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Step 8
Remove the stems from the Cheongyang pepper and mince it very finely. Include this for a spicy kick if you enjoy heat; otherwise, you can omit it, especially if serving to children.
Step 9
Now, let’s make the special Kalguksu seasoning paste! In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 5 tablespoons of jin-ganjang, 5 tablespoons of yangjo ganjang, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Step 10
Add the pre-chopped scallions and minced Cheongyang pepper to the bowl. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for fragrance.
Step 11
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon until well combined to create a delicious seasoning paste. Letting it sit for a while can allow the flavors to meld further.
Step 12
To the broth, now add the sliced zucchini and onion. Stir in 4 tablespoons of fish sauce or soup soy sauce to enhance the savory notes.
Step 13
Finally, add 1/3 tablespoon of salt to season. Taste the broth and add more salt if needed to achieve your desired flavor balance. It’s crucial to taste and adjust the seasoning at this stage.
Step 14
Rinse the store-bought Kalguksu noodles lightly under cold running water. This helps to remove excess starch, preventing the noodles from sticking together in the broth and ensuring a cleaner taste.
Step 15
Add the rinsed noodles to the simmering broth. Gently stir with chopsticks or a ladle to separate the noodles and prevent them from clumping. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during cooking to keep the broth clear and pristine.
Step 16
Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, add the chopped scallion to the pot. Simmer for just one more minute. The fresh aroma of the scallions will infuse the broth, adding another layer of flavor.
Step 17
Serve the piping hot, hearty Potato Kalguksu immediately, with the prepared Kalguksu seasoning paste on the side. Enjoy this comforting and deeply satisfying meal, perfect for any cold weather!
