Hearty Beef and Seaweed Soup (Miyeokguk)
Hearty Beef and Seaweed Soup (Miyeokguk)
Mastering Beef Miyeokguk: The Secret to Rich Flavor Using Soaked Seaweed Water
Hello there! Today, I’m excited to share a fantastic recipe for Beef Miyeokguk, a beloved classic that’s perfect for any occasion. We’ll be using a special technique to deepen the broth’s flavor, making it incredibly rich and satisfying. Even beginners can easily follow along for a delicious, home-style meal.
Ingredients- 25g Dried Seaweed (Miyeok)
- 1.5L Water (including water for soaking seaweed)
- 200g Beef (brisket or soup cut), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, take your 25g of dried seaweed and rinse it thoroughly under clean running water. Then, soak it in 1.5L of water for about 20-30 minutes until fully rehydrated. Crucially, do NOT discard the water the seaweed was soaked in! This nutrient-rich soaking water is the secret to a deeply flavorful broth.
Step 2
Once the seaweed is well-soaked, squeeze out any excess water. Cut the seaweed into manageable pieces, about 3-4 cm in length. This size makes it easier to eat.
Step 3
Prepare 200g of beef (brisket or a cut suitable for soup) by slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Here’s a pro tip for extra deliciousness: before cooking, mix the beef with 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with rich flavor, significantly enhancing the soup’s overall taste.
Step 4
Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until the surface is lightly browned.
Step 5
Once the beef is partially cooked, add the prepared seaweed to the pot and continue to sauté. Stir-fry until the seaweed turns a vibrant green and looks glossy. This brings out its aroma and flavor. Now, pour in all the water you used to soak the seaweed. This broth is the heart of the soup!
Step 6
Add another 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce to the pot. Remember, the beef was already marinated, so it’s best to taste and adjust the seasoning later if needed.
Step 7
Stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. The garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the seaweed and beef perfectly.
Step 8
Finally, add 1 teaspoon of salt. It’s always better to start with less and add more to reach your desired taste. Don’t season too heavily at this stage.
Step 9
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until everything is well combined and the flavors have melded. Adjust the final seasoning with salt if necessary. For me, this amount of seasoning is just right. Enjoy the clear, rich taste!
Step 10
Your delicious and nourishing Beef Miyeokguk is now ready! Serve it hot with a bowl of freshly cooked rice for a truly comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a healthy and wonderful dish for the whole family.
