Refreshing Scallion and Beef Soup (Daeppa Gaejang)
Refreshing Scallion and Beef Soup (Daeppa Gaejang)
Detailed Recipe for a Deep and Refreshing Scallion Beef Soup, with an Option for Spicy Flavor
Introducing ‘Daeppa Gaejang’, a refreshing and clean beef soup generously packed with seasonal, sweet scallions. Simmered with radish, it boasts a deep umami flavor. You can enjoy it as is for its clean taste, or stir in the spicy seasoning paste for a wonderfully kicky variation. This clear and light broth is perfect for hangovers and an excellent companion for rice. It’s a hearty dish you can prepare anytime, not just for special occasions, to fill everyone’s stomachs with warmth and goodness.
Main Ingredients- Beef for soup (e.g., brisket, shank) 300g
- Scallions 2 stalks (mostly the white parts)
- Radish 1 piece (approx. 4cm thick)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Soup soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 2 Tbsp
- Anchovy broth 8 cups (1.6L)
Spicy Seasoning Paste (Optional)- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Soup soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Water 3 Tbsp
- Minced Cheongyang chili peppers 1 Tbsp (optional)
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Soup soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Water 3 Tbsp
- Minced Cheongyang chili peppers 1 Tbsp (optional)
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To ensure a clean broth, remove excess blood from the beef. Place kitchen towels above and below the beef and gently press to absorb the blood. Once drained, cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
Slice the radish into 0.5cm thick pieces, about 2cm square (na-bak style). Cut the scallions into 4cm lengths, focusing on the white parts. (Tip: Making vertical slits in the white part of the scallions helps them absorb flavor better and become more tender.)
Step 3
Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of sesame oil. Add the drained beef and stir-fry. It’s important to sear the beef quickly so the juices don’t escape.
Step 4
Once the beef is no longer pink on the surface, add the sliced radish and stir-fry together with the beef. Sautéing the radish beforehand enhances its sweetness, leading to a richer broth.
Step 5
Now for the seasoning. Add 1 Tbsp of fish sauce for an extra layer of umami. (You can use sand lance fish sauce if preferred.)
Step 6
Next, add 2 Tbsp of soup soy sauce. Adjust the amount of soy sauce according to your taste preference.
Step 7
Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the radish and beef to absorb the soy sauce seasoning. This step really brings out the flavors of the ingredients.
Step 8
Pour in 4 cups (half of the total amount) of the anchovy broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the delicious flavors of the beef to fully infuse into the broth.
Step 9
After the beef flavor has developed, add the remaining 4 cups of anchovy broth and bring back to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, continue to cook for another 3 minutes to maintain the broth’s temperature.
Step 10
Add the chopped scallions generously. The scallions will make the soup refreshing and aromatic. You can add the white parts first and the green parts later for texture.
Step 11
Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to enhance the broth’s flavor. The mild spiciness of the garlic complements the sweetness of the scallions beautifully.
Step 12
Lower the heat to medium and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking the scallions so they retain a slight bite.
Step 13
When you can smell the refreshing and sweet aroma of the scallions fully infused into the broth, turn off the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soup soy sauce or salt if needed.
Step 14
Now, let’s make the optional spicy seasoning paste. In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce, 3 Tbsp water, 1 tsp minced garlic, and optionally 1 Tbsp minced Cheongyang chili peppers. Mix well. (You can omit the chili peppers, or add a little gochujang for a different flavor profile.)
Step 15
Ladle the finished Daeppa Gaejang into serving bowls. Serve with the prepared spicy seasoning paste on the side. Enjoy the pure, refreshing taste of the broth, or stir in the paste for a spicy kick. This soup is so satisfying, you’ll finish your rice in no time!
