Rich and Savory Beef and Seaweed Soup (Miyeokguk)
Baek Jong-won’s Recipe for Beef Miyeokguk: Perfect for Breakfast, Birthdays, and Special Occasions
Learn how to make a wonderfully savory and nutritious Beef and Seaweed Soup. This recipe is packed with flavor and goodness.
Main Ingredients
- 25g Dried Seaweed
- 200g Beef Brisket or Soup Cut
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1.5 Liters Water (approx. 7.5 cups)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
I’ll show you how to make a delicious Beef and Seaweed Soup that’s loved on birthdays and everyday occasions alike.
Step 2
First, soak the dried seaweed in cold water for about 20-30 minutes until fully rehydrated. Rinse the soaked seaweed several times under clean running water to remove any sand or debris. Squeeze out excess water and cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4cm). Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the beef (brisket or soup cut) and stir-fry until the color changes and it’s no longer pink. Cooking the beef in sesame oil adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 3
Once the beef is browned, add the prepared seaweed to the pot and sauté together for about 3-4 minutes. The seaweed will soften and release its flavor as it cooks in the sesame and beef drippings. Now, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and stir-fry for another moment until fragrant. Pour in 1.5 liters (approximately 7.5 cups) of water. For an even richer flavor, you can use anchovy-kelp broth instead of plain water.
Step 4
As the soup begins to boil, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. This helps to create a cleaner-tasting broth and a more appealing appearance. Next, add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce to enhance the umami. Adding fish sauce before adjusting with soy sauce can help balance the flavors.
Step 5
After simmering everything together, season the soup with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce for soup. You can add a little salt if needed, according to your preference. This Beef and Seaweed Soup, when served, is a complete, nutritious meal with a wonderfully deep and savory flavor. Enjoy it warm with a bowl of rice.
