Refreshing and Savory Clam Soup (Dongjuk Jogaetang)
Refreshing and Savory Clam Soup (Dongjuk Jogaetang)
How to Make Refreshing Soup with Fresh Dongjuk Clams and Add Bean Sprouts to Eliminate Any Fishy Odor
The season for heartwarming soups has arrived. As the weather grows cooler in the mornings and evenings, my family often battles sniffles during the change of seasons. I decided to make a warm, comforting soup, and this Dongjuk Clam Soup is perfect! The secret to its clear and refreshing broth lies in the fresh clams, crisp bean sprouts, and the flavorful seasonings. Let me guide you through this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect even for beginners!
Main Ingredients- 500g fresh Dongjuk clams
- 1/2 bag (approx. 100g) crisp bean sprouts
- 1 spicy Cheongyang chili pepper
- 1 green onion
- 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for purging sand)
- 1 liter clean water (for broth)
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp savory anchovy sauce
- 1 Tbsp pungent minced garlic
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- 2 Tbsp savory anchovy sauce
- 1 Tbsp pungent minced garlic
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The first step is to thoroughly clean the fresh Dongjuk clams. Since there might be dark, thread-like impurities around the clam shells, put on rubber gloves and gently scrub the shell edges where the clams open. Rinse them 2-3 times in cold water to remove any dirt.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to purge the clams of sand. Place the cleaned clams in a bowl, add 2 Tbsp of coarse sea salt and about 2 cups of water. Adding a spoon or a piece of aluminum foil to the water can help the clams expel sand more effectively. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and leave it in a cool, dark place for 3 to 5 hours. This process allows the clams to release any sand or grit, ensuring a cleaner and more refreshing broth.
Step 3
After purging, rinse the Dongjuk clams again 2-3 times in cold water. It’s crucial to wash them thoroughly to remove any residual saltiness.
Step 4
Next, prepare the green onion for aromatic flavor. Slice the green onion diagonally or chop it finely. You can adjust the thickness and shape to your preference.
Step 5
If you enjoy a bit of spiciness, slice the Cheongyang chili pepper. You can also slice it diagonally or chop it. If you’re serving this to children, you can omit it or substitute it with a milder chili pepper.
Step 6
Now, let’s start cooking the Dongjuk clam soup. Place all the cleaned clams into a pot and add 1 liter of clean water. The amount of water for the broth can be adjusted.
Step 7
As the water comes to a boil over high heat, white foam will rise from the clams. This foam can impart a fishy taste, so skim it off carefully with a spoon.
Step 8
After skimming off the foam, add the prepared bean sprouts. The bean sprouts will make the broth even more refreshing and clean.
Step 9
Now, add the sliced green onion and Cheongyang chili pepper to the pot and let it simmer. The addition of vegetables will enrich the soup’s flavor.
Step 10
Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to enhance the pungent flavor and aroma. Garlic makes the broth deeper and more refreshing.
Step 11
Add 2 Tbsp of anchovy sauce for an umami boost. You can also use soy sauce or sand lance soy sauce instead of anchovy sauce.
Step 12
Finally, season with a pinch of salt to taste. Considering the natural saltiness of the clams and the anchovy sauce, it’s recommended to add salt gradually and taste as you go.
Step 13
Your delicious Dongjuk clam soup is now complete, with all the ingredients perfectly blended! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice for a truly satisfying meal.
