Hearty and Refreshing Baek Jong-won’s Green Onion Soup (Pagaejang)
How to Make Baek Jong-won’s ‘Pagaejang’ from ‘Taste of Neighbours’: A Simple and Delicious Green Onion Soup Recipe
Try making Baek Jong-won’s signature Pagaejang at home, a dish that gained immense popularity on the TV show ‘Taste of Neighbours’! This clear and refreshing beef and green onion soup is wonderfully savory, and absolutely delicious served over rice. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Main Ingredients
- 200g beef for soup
- 400g bean sprouts
- 2 large green onions (primarily the white parts)
- 1 piece dried kelp (about 10x10cm)
- Glass noodles, a little (optional)
- 1 chili pepper (optional, for added spiciness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the green onions thoroughly. Cut them into large pieces, about 7cm long. Using mostly the white parts will give the soup a cleaner, more refreshing flavor.
Step 2
Heat 2 Tbsp of sesame oil and 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the 200g of beef for soup and stir-fry until the surface is lightly browned. The juices released from the beef will add depth to the flavor.
Step 3
Once the beef is partially cooked, add the chopped green onions to the pot and stir-fry them together. Continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes until the green onions soften slightly and release their sweetness.
Step 4
Pour in 5 cups (about 1 liter) of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 5
Add the key flavor components: 1 piece of dried kelp, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup, and 3 Tbsp fish sauce. Stir well to combine. Seasoning at this stage helps to infuse a deep savory flavor into the broth.
Step 6
Let the kelp steep for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pot. Be careful not to boil the kelp for too long, as it can make the broth cloudy. Turn the heat back up to high and let the Pagaejang come to a rolling boil.
Step 7
Add the 400g of washed bean sprouts to the boiling soup. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the bean sprouts are tender but still have a slight crunch. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become mushy.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper over the soup. Your clear and refreshing beef and green onion soup, Pagaejang, is now complete! You can also add pre-cooked glass noodles for extra texture, if desired.
Step 9
If you prefer a spicier taste, prepare the spicy paste seasoning separately. Mix 2 Tbsp chili powder, 2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 finely chopped chili pepper in a small bowl.
Step 10
Enjoy the Pagaejang as is, savoring the clean and refreshing taste of the green onions and the deep broth.
Step 11
Adding the prepared spicy paste will give it a pleasant kick, making the flavors even more complex. This soup is incredibly satisfying when served over a bowl of rice, making it a hearty meal. Enjoy your delicious and nourishing bowl of Pagaejang!
