Spicy and Savory ‘Jang Kalguksu’ – A Taste of Rural Markets
Warm your soul with a hearty bowl of Jang Kalguksu, a rustic market-style noodle soup that invigorates you.
On weekend afternoons, when you don’t want to overthink lunch, noodle dishes are always a great choice. While ramen might be quicker, I find that I can cook up a delicious bowl of kalguksu in the same time. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy ramen, though; when the craving hits, I don’t hold back on time or quantity! Let’s get started on today’s meal – it might seem casually prepared, but the taste is anything but.
Jang Kalguksu Ingredients
- Kalguksu noodles, for 2 servings
- Pork, 50g
- Onion, 1/2
- Zucchini, 1/3
- Potato, 1/2
- Cheongyang chili peppers, 2
Jang Kalguksu Seasoning
- Minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 Tbsp
- Soup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Anchovy sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Ground black pepper, a pinch (to taste)
- Minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 Tbsp
- Soup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Anchovy sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Ground black pepper, a pinch (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh ingredients for your Jang Kalguksu: 2 servings of kalguksu noodles, 50g of pork, half an onion, one-third of a zucchini, half a potato, and two Cheongyang chili peppers for a touch of heat.
Step 2
Weekend lunches are best when they’re simple and delicious! Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the kalguksu noodles. Adding the noodles to boiling water helps them become chewier and cook up perfectly.
Step 3
Before adding the noodles to the boiling water, give them a quick rinse under cold running water. This step helps remove excess flour from the surface of the noodles, preventing the broth from becoming cloudy and stopping the noodles from clumping together.
Step 4
Now, carefully spread the rinsed noodles into the boiling water. Next, dissolve one tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) into the noodle water. Gochujang will blend beautifully with the noodles, creating a deep, rich flavor.
Step 5
Once the broth starts boiling vigorously again, add all the prepared vegetables and pork to the pot at once. Adding all ingredients together at this stage allows their flavors to meld harmoniously.
Step 6
Let’s make the seasoning mixture that will define your Jang Kalguksu! In a bowl, combine 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of anchovy sauce. Mix them well.
Step 7
Using only gochujang can sometimes result in a slightly thick or heavy broth. To achieve a cleaner, more refreshing spicy flavor, it’s recommended to add another tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Feel free to adjust the amount of gochugaru if you prefer it spicier.
Step 8
Finally, add a pinch of ground black pepper for an extra layer of aroma. Once all the ingredients and seasonings are well combined, your delicious Jang Kalguksu is ready!
Step 9
This Jang Kalguksu, enjoyed heartily in a single sitting, evokes the comforting tastes of home, reminiscent of bustling rural markets or cozy snack bars. It’s already the second day of November. Have you made your plans for this month? This winter is predicted to be exceptionally cold, so make sure to prepare well for the cold weather and have a joyful and peaceful first weekend of the month. Thank you. ^^
