Hearty and Refreshing Beef and Radish Soup (So-gogi Mu-guk)
Hearty and Refreshing Beef and Radish Soup (So-gogi Mu-guk)
Warming Beef and Radish Soup Perfect for Colds
I made this comforting beef and radish soup for my husband who caught a cold after a trip to the US. Beef is excellent for replenishing electrolytes after a long journey. This soup features a clear, refreshing broth, tender beef, and crisp radish, offering a soothing and wholesome home-cooked meal.
Main Ingredients- 100g fresh beef (recommended for soup, e.g., chuck or brisket)
- 1 piece of Korean radish (daikon) (approx. 150-200g), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 stalk of green onion, sliced diagonally
- 5 dried anchovies (for broth, preferably dried horse mackerel)
Seasonings- 1 tsp soup soy sauce (for umami depth)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (for enhanced flavor)
- 1 tsp vinegar (to brighten the radish’s refreshing taste)
- Pinch of black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp soup soy sauce (for umami depth)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (for enhanced flavor)
- 1 tsp vinegar (to brighten the radish’s refreshing taste)
- Pinch of black pepper (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dried anchovies (or dried horse mackerel) to create a clear and rich broth. Removing the innards and heads of the anchovies will result in a cleaner flavor.
Step 2
Cut the radish into bite-sized cubes. Slice the green onion diagonally to release its fresh aroma. It’s nice to include both the white and green parts.
Step 3
In a pot, add the beef and a splash of sesame oil. Sauté over medium heat until the beef is browned on the outside. Then, pour in 2/3 of the pot with water or anchovy broth. Using cold water helps make the beef more tender.
Step 4
Add the dried anchovies (4-5 pieces) and the cubed radish. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and simmer until the radish becomes translucent. This allows the radish to release its natural sweetness.
Step 5
Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Garlic adds flavor to the broth and is believed to help ward off colds.
Step 6
Stir in 1 teaspoon of soup soy sauce to add a deep umami flavor to the broth. Adding soup soy sauce first can give the soup a richer color and taste.
Step 7
Season with 1 teaspoon of salt for basic flavoring. Since the radish and beef will release some saltiness, it’s best to start with a lighter hand and adjust the seasoning as it simmers. The soup will become saltier as it reduces, so add more salt at the end if needed.
Step 8
Remove the dried anchovies with a sieve. They have served their purpose in flavoring the broth and can make it cloudy if left in for too long.
Step 9
As a finishing touch, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and a pinch of black pepper for aroma. The vinegar helps to enhance the refreshing taste of the radish and cuts through any richness in the soup.
Step 10
Continue to simmer until the radish is completely tender and almost falling apart. Finally, add the sliced green onions and cook for about 1 minute more before turning off the heat. This keeps the green onions fresh and vibrant.
Step 11
Ladle the hot beef and radish soup into bowls. Enjoy this hearty and nourishing meal with a side of rice!
