Simple Lettuce Soup (Sangchu Guk) by Chef Im Sung-geun
Simple Lettuce Soup (Sangchu Guk) by Chef Im Sung-geun
Quick and Easy Lettuce Soup Recipe! Make it in 3 Minutes with Tuna Extract for Enhanced Umami
Don’t just enjoy lettuce as wraps anymore! Try it in a soup! This super simple and refreshing lettuce soup recipe will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time. Chef Im Sung-geun’s special method allows you to make this delicious soup in just 3 minutes. The unique umami from the tuna extract adds a deep and rich flavor that’s perfect for any season, especially summer.
Ingredients- Fresh lettuce 100g
- 1 Korean chili pepper (for a spicy kick)
- 1/2 red chili pepper (for color)
- 1/2 green onion (white part mostly)
- 3 Tbsp tuna extract (for delicious umami!)
- 3 cups water (approx. 600ml)
For Diluting Doenjang- 1.5 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 200ml water (approx. 1 cup)
- 1.5 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 200ml water (approx. 1 cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the doenjang mixture. In 200ml of water (about 1 paper cup), dissolve 1.5 Tbsp of doenjang. Make sure to mix it well until there are no lumps for a clean broth flavor.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the soup base. Pour 3 cups (approx. 600ml) of water into a pot and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add 2 Tbsp of tuna extract to give the soup a deep, savory flavor. (We’ll add the remaining 1 Tbsp at the end!)
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables. Finely chop 1 Korean chili pepper and 1/2 red chili pepper for a touch of heat and color. Thinly slice 1/2 green onion, focusing on the white parts. The star ingredient, 100g of lettuce, should be washed, dried, and then torn into bite-sized pieces. Tearing them slightly larger than bite-sized will help them retain their fresh texture when cooked; avoid chopping them too finely.
Step 4
It’s time to combine all the ingredients! Add the chopped chili peppers, green onion, and the torn lettuce to the boiling broth. Once the vegetables are added and the soup comes to a brief boil, turn off the heat immediately. This is key to preserving the fresh, crisp texture of the lettuce. Overcooking will make it mushy. Finally, stir in the remaining 1 Tbsp of tuna extract.
Step 5
And there you have it – a refreshing and delicious lettuce soup! Enjoy this as a satisfying meal with a bowl of rice. You can also pour it over rice, or simply enjoy the flavorful broth on its own. It’s a wonderful dish that will stimulate your appetite.
