Refreshing Clam Noodle Soup (Bajirak Kalguksu)
Easy Recipe for Refreshing Clam Noodle Soup (Bajirak Kalguksu) with an Exquisite Broth!
As a big fan of noodles, I decided to make some clams noodle soup for dinner tonight! The refreshing broth is truly exceptional. It’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. With the snow falling and the cold weather, a warm bowl of clams noodle soup feels like it melts away all the chill from your body. It’s just wonderful!
Ingredients
- 2 handfuls of fresh clams (about 300-400g)
- 1/2 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 zucchini, julienned
- 1 green onion, diagonally sliced
- 2 Korean green chili peppers, diagonally sliced (optional)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp rice wine (mirin)
- 1 handful of dried anchovies for broth
- 3-4 sheets of dried kelp (dashima)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the broth, which is the foundation of this refreshing and flavorful noodle soup. In a pot, add plenty of water, dried anchovies for broth, and kelp. Bring to a boil. If you have a broth teabag or dried shiitake mushroom stems, they can also be used. Once the water boils, remove the kelp after about 5 minutes, and continue to simmer the anchovies for another 10-15 minutes before straining to get a clear broth. If you have pre-made broth, feel free to use that.
Step 2
Rinse the clams under cold running water. Then, soak them in water with a tablespoon of salt for 1-2 hours to purge any grit. To ensure they are thoroughly cleaned, you can gently tap the clams against the bottom of the sink or shake them. Any clams that open easily and appear limp are likely not fresh and can be discarded. This is a great tip for selecting the freshest clams!
Step 3
After purging, scrub the clams under running water several times to remove any remaining dirt. While the broth is simmering, prepare the vegetables. Julienne the carrot and zucchini, and diagonally slice the green onion. Slice the Korean green chili peppers diagonally if you’re using them. For the garlic, smashing it with the flat side of a knife will enhance its aroma. Fresh ingredients are key to a delicious dish.
Step 4
Once the clear broth is boiling, add the julienned carrots and zucchini first. If you have potatoes, thinly slicing them and soaking them in water beforehand can help thicken the broth and add richness. However, if you prefer a simpler preparation, you can add them directly after slicing. These fresh vegetables will add a natural sweetness to the soup.
Step 5
Now, let’s season the soup. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang) first. Then, adjust the seasoning with salt to your preference. Using only soy sauce can make the broth appear dark, so finishing with salt helps maintain its clear appearance. Add a pinch of black pepper for added flavor. It’s important to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
Step 6
For the noodles, using store-bought fresh kalguksu noodles is convenient. Before adding the noodles to the boiling broth, it’s recommended to lightly shake off any excess flour from the noodles or briefly blanch them in boiling water to achieve a clearer broth. If you’re in a hurry, just shaking them over a sieve is sufficient. Add the noodles and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 7
When the noodles are about half cooked, add the purged clams, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and chili peppers. If you have an onion, slicing and adding it now will further enhance the soup’s refreshing and slightly sweet flavor. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and the clams have opened. Your delicious clams noodle soup is almost ready!
Step 8
While the soup is boiling, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface from the clams. This step is essential for a clean and appetizing broth. Finally, add 2 tablespoons of rice wine (mirin) to help eliminate any potential clam fishiness. If you don’t have mirin, cooking wine can be substituted. Once everything is cooked through, serve your hot and refreshing clams noodle soup and enjoy!
