Refreshing and Spicy Squid and Radish Soup
Refreshing and Spicy Squid and Radish Soup
How to Make Delicious Squid and Radish Soup: Refreshing and Spicy
I had a squid leftover in the fridge and was wondering what to make. The weather felt a bit gloomy, so I craved a soupy dish like squid and radish soup! I finely chopped some radish and made a spicy squid and radish soup. As expected, the savory flavor of the squid and the refreshing taste of the radish really came through. This squid and radish soup was a perfect addition to our dinner table. Eating this spicy, soupy squid and radish soup made me feel so full and warm inside. Here’s how to easily make squid and radish soup at home – I’m revealing the golden recipe for squid and radish soup now! It’s a dish that’s complete with just squid and radish… so easy!
Squid and Radish Soup- 1 squid
- 1 piece of radish (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 1 green chili pepper
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder) (omit for clear soup)
- 3 Tbsp perilla oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, clean and wash 1 squid thoroughly. Remove the innards and cartilage. Making shallow cuts on the inside of the squid’s body will help it absorb seasoning better and give it a nice shape when cooked. (Scoring is optional). Slice the squid body into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 cm wide. If you prefer a clear and refreshing broth, it’s best to remove the squid skin. To remove the skin, rub it with salt, peel it off with a kitchen towel, or gently pull it off with your fingernails. I kept the skin on to enhance the flavor.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables that will add a refreshing touch to the soup. Prepare about 1/4 of a radish (around 300g) and slice it thinly into half-moon shapes (nabak-seolgi). Finely slice the 1/2 onion. Slice the green and red chili peppers diagonally. Chop the green onion finely for garnish or add it to the soup while cooking. Feel free to use any leftover vegetables you have at home; they will still make a delicious soup!
Step 3
Squid and radish soup doesn’t require many ingredients, making it perfect for a ‘fridge-clearing’ meal. You can make a satisfying soup with just squid and radish! If you have bean sprouts, adding them will give a nice crunch and an even more refreshing broth. They say you can’t go wrong with squid dishes, and this soup is no exception!
Step 4
Heat 3 tablespoons of perilla oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the prepared squid and sliced radish, and stir-fry until fragrant for about 3-4 minutes, or until the radish becomes translucent and the squid turns slightly red. Stir-frying in perilla oil maximizes the squid’s savory notes and the radish’s sweetness, resulting in a much deeper broth flavor. My mother always cooked squid and radish soup this way, and I’m following her secret recipe.
Step 5
Once the radish starts to turn translucent, add 2 cups (approx. 400ml) of water and bring to a simmer. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Let it simmer gently over medium-low heat. A key tip is to not add all the water at once; add only half and let it simmer and reduce. This simmering process allows the radish and squid to absorb the seasonings more deeply, enhancing the flavor.
Step 6
As the soup simmers and reduces, add the remaining 2 cups (approx. 400ml) of water and bring it to a boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more soy sauce or salt to your preference. This amount was just right for me, but it can vary depending on the fish sauce or soy sauce you use, so be sure to taste it. After adding more water and bringing it to a boil, add the prepared onion, green and red chili peppers, and green onion. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru and boil vigorously once more. If you prefer a clear soup, simply omit the gochugaru.
Step 7
As the soup boils, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. This will result in a clear and refreshing broth. Isn’t it simple? Once you add the vegetables and chili powder and boil it vigorously again, your squid and radish soup is ready! The rich flavor from the perilla oil, the refreshing taste of the radish, and the savory squid will create a deeply satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s a truly simple yet guaranteed delicious recipe!
