Spicy and Refreshing King Prawn Soup
Spicy and Refreshing King Prawn Soup
Seafood Soup / Prawn Soup
Hello, hearty meals are the foundation of strength! Prawns are a potent tonic food that strengthens kidney function and boosts vitality. They are rich in high-quality protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Packed with essential amino acids, they are excellent for growing children and for preventing osteoporosis. As a high-protein, low-fat food, they also aid in weight management. Today, we’ll make a deliciously spicy and refreshing prawn soup.
Main Ingredients- 15 King Prawns (choose large, fresh ones)
- 1 liter Water (for a clear and refreshing broth)
- 1 Anchovy-Kelp Broth Pack (adds depth to the soup)
- 1 handful Sliced Radish (thinly sliced, adds a refreshing taste)
- 1 handful Sliced Zucchini (thinly sliced, adds a tender texture)
- 1/2 small Onion (sliced into strips, adds sweetness and umami)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper (sliced diagonally, for color and mild spiciness)
- 1 Cheongyang Chili Pepper (sliced diagonally, for a kick of heat)
- 1/2 handful Green Onions (sliced diagonally, for aromatic flavor)
Seasoning Paste- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for spicy flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, for savory depth)
- 2 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce, for seasoning and umami)
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste, for savory flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (for aromatic and refreshing taste)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine, to remove any fishy odor)
- A pinch of Black Pepper (for finishing)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for spicy flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, for savory depth)
- 2 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce, for seasoning and umami)
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste, for savory flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (for aromatic and refreshing taste)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine, to remove any fishy odor)
- A pinch of Black Pepper (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully prepare the king prawns. Using kitchen scissors, trim the sharp tips of their heads and their long whiskers. This makes them easier to handle and eat. It’s best not to peel the prawns; leaving the shells on helps them retain their plump shape and adds to the texture when cooked.
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables for the soup. Thinly slice the radish into half-moons. Slice the zucchini similarly. Peel and thinly slice the onion. Cut the green onions diagonally into larger pieces. Slice the red and Cheongyang chili peppers diagonally or into rounds – whichever you prefer for presentation.
Step 3
It’s beneficial to make the seasoning paste in advance, as it allows the flavors to meld. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp guk-ganjang, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 Tbsp doenjang, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp cheongju, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until there are no lumps. The flavors will deepen as the paste rests.
Step 4
In a pot or Korean hot pot, add 1 liter of water and the anchovy-kelp broth pack. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes to create a flavorful base broth. Store-bought broth packs dissolve quickly and yield a rich flavor. Once the broth is ready, add the sliced onion and radish, and bring back to a simmer. After the radish has softened slightly, remove and discard the broth pack to prevent the soup from becoming cloudy.
Step 5
Add the prepared king prawns and sliced zucchini to the pot. Cook until the prawns turn a vibrant red. Prawns cook quickly, and overcooking can make them tough, so aim to cook just until they are done. Enjoy the succulent texture of fresh prawns.
Step 6
Once the prawns start to turn pink, stir in the pre-made seasoning paste and mix well. Continue to simmer gently over medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to permeate all the ingredients. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or guk-ganjang if needed.
Step 7
Finally, add the diagonally sliced red chili pepper, Cheongyang chili pepper, and green onions. Simmer for another moment until the ingredients are tender. For an even more luxurious soup, you can add enoki mushrooms or crown daisy at this stage. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, spicy, and refreshing king prawn soup!
