Spicy and Refreshing Beef and Scallion Soup
Spicy and Refreshing Beef and Scallion Soup
How to Make a Spicy and Refreshing Beef and Scallion Soup
On rainy days, I always crave a hot, comforting soup! Today, I’m sharing how to make a simple yet incredibly refreshing beef and scallion soup. It’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Main Ingredients- 2-3 large scallions (green onions)
- 1 handful bean sprouts (approx. 100g)
- 150g beef (for stew/soup)
- 1/4 onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
About 150g of beef is roughly equivalent to one heaping ladleful, so consider this about two ladles.
Step 2
One handful of bean sprouts is approximately 100g.
Step 3
To make the soup clearer and more refined, it’s best to remove the blood from the beef. You can soak it in cold water for about 30 minutes to drain the blood. If you’re short on time, you can rinse it lightly under running water. Pat it dry afterwards. (Alternatively, you can skip the soaking step; just skim off any foam that rises to the surface while simmering.)
Step 4
Add 1 tablespoon of perilla oil to the pot. If you don’t have perilla oil, sesame oil will also work. Perilla oil adds a wonderful nutty depth to the broth.
Step 5
Add the prepared beef to the pot and sauté over medium-low heat. Sautéing the beef brings out its rich flavor and enhances the soup’s taste.
Step 6
Be careful not to burn the beef, especially in stainless steel pots, by keeping the heat low. Once the beef is halfway cooked, add 1 tablespoon of brewed soy sauce (or regular soy sauce) and continue to stir-fry. Seasoning the beef first adds a deeper flavor dimension.
Step 7
Next, add 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce to further season the beef.
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry with the beef and seasonings to meld the garlic aroma.
Step 9
Add about 3 tablespoons of gochugaru and stir well to combine with the other ingredients. Sautéing the chili flakes at this stage helps to reduce any powdery taste and enhance the spicy notes.
Step 10
Pour in 600ml of water (approximately 3 cups). Adding a bit more water than you think you need is good, as some will evaporate during simmering.
Step 11
Wash the thick scallions thoroughly. Slice them in half lengthwise, including the white and green parts. Then, cut them into 4-5cm lengths. This method helps release the scallions’ refreshing flavor into the soup.
Step 12
Peel the 1/4 onion and slice it into thin strips.
Step 13
Add the sliced scallions to the pot. Generous amounts of scallions contribute to the soup’s refreshing taste.
Step 14
Once the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes. If you prefer your beef very tender, you can simmer for a bit longer. Allow the delicious aroma of the scallions to infuse the broth.
Step 15
After simmering for about 10 minutes, add the bean sprouts. Avoid overcooking the bean sprouts to maintain their crisp texture – this is key for a good bite!
Step 16
Add the thinly sliced onion as well. The onion’s natural sweetness will subtly infuse the broth, making it even more delicious.
Step 17
Now, it’s time to season the soup. Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (or tuna extract) and 3 tablespoons of soup soy sauce for a boost of umami.
Step 18
Add 1/5 tablespoon of salt and taste. Depending on the saltiness of your soy sauce or fish sauce, you might need to adjust the seasoning. Feel free to add more salt or soy sauce to your preference.
Step 19
Finally, add another 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to enrich the broth’s flavor profile.
Step 20
Slice the red chili pepper diagonally and add it as a garnish for a visually appealing touch and an extra kick of spice (optional).
Step 21
Simmer for a short while longer to allow all the flavors to meld together. Then, turn off the heat. Your delicious beef and scallion soup is ready!
Step 22
Enjoy your homemade spicy and refreshing beef and scallion soup! It’s a perfect, hearty meal to serve with a bowl of warm rice.
