Spicy Cod Soup (Daegu-tang)
Deliciously Spicy Cod Soup, Perfect for a Hangover Cure or a Hearty Meal
This season, a craving for a comforting, spicy cod soup strikes! Unlike pollock soup, fresh cod offers a wonderfully tender yet chewy texture that makes this dish exceptionally flavorful. It’s the perfect antidote for a hangover or a delightful accompaniment to drinks. Learn how to make this delightful, seasonal cod soup at home with detailed instructions, from preparing the fish to selecting the best ingredients and mastering the savory seasoning. Wishing you a bright and wonderful day!
Main Ingredients
- 1 fresh cod (cleaned)
- 1L rice water
- A piece of Korean radish (about 100g)
- 2 handfuls of bean sprouts (about 100g)
- 7 oyster mushrooms
Seasoning & Other Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine)
- 2/3 tsp beef bouillon powder
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp (minced)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 stalk green onion (sliced diagonally)
- 1/2 tsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine)
- 2/3 tsp beef bouillon powder
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp (minced)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 stalk green onion (sliced diagonally)
- 1/2 tsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly clean the fresh cod, removing the guts and fins. Rinse it well under cold running water, ensuring the inside is clean. Lightly pat dry.
Step 2
Pour 1L of rice water into a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Step 3
Slice the Korean radish into thick, bite-sized pieces, about 0.5cm thick. Slicing them a bit thicker will add a pleasant texture to the soup.
Step 4
Once the rice water is boiling vigorously, stir in the 3 tablespoons of red pepper flakes. Make sure they dissolve well into the water.
Step 5
Add the sliced Korean radish to the boiling water with red pepper flakes. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of doenjang (fermented soybean paste) into the broth. A touch of doenjang will add a wonderful depth and savory flavor.
Step 6
When the radish starts to soften slightly, carefully add the prepared cod to the pot. Handle the fish gently to prevent it from breaking apart.
Step 7
Now, add the remaining ingredients and seasonings in order. Include the bean sprouts, oyster mushrooms, 2 tablespoons of Cheongju, 2/3 teaspoon of beef bouillon powder, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and the minced salted shrimp. Stir everything together gently to combine and let it simmer.
Step 8
Once all the ingredients are cooked and the broth has developed a rich flavor, carefully transfer the soup to an earthenware pot (ttukbaegi) for serving. Garnish with the diagonally sliced green onion and let it simmer for another moment. Your delicious, spicy, and refreshing cod soup is ready to be enjoyed!