Spicy Korean Beef and Bean Sprout Soup (Gyeongsang Style)
Spicy Korean Beef and Bean Sprout Soup (Gyeongsang Style)
The Ultimate Spicy and Refreshing Soup! How to Make Gyeongsang-Style Beef and Bean Sprout Soup
Growing up, I was always familiar with red-colored beef and radish soup! Introducing the Gyeongsang-style spicy beef and bean sprout soup, which offers a different charm from clear broths. Packed with radish, beef, and bean sprouts, this soup boasts a rich and refreshing flavor that’s simply exquisite. When you mix a bowl of rice into it, it’s as satisfying as a hearty beef soup rice bowl. Its deep and clean broth is also perfect for hangover relief! I’ll reveal the secrets to achieving this simple yet profound taste. With generous ingredients, you’ll complete a delicious meal that the whole family can enjoy.
Main Ingredients- 200g beef for soup
- 300g radish
- 300g fresh bean sprouts
- 1 green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you start cooking, prepare the anchovy-kelp broth first. It’s convenient to make a large batch and store it for later use. For a deeper flavor, it’s best to simmer anchovies and kelp together for a sufficient time. You can also use store-bought liquid broth or broth packs for a quick and easy way to achieve great taste.
Step 2
Wash the 300g of radish thoroughly and slice it thinly into bite-sized pieces (like ‘nalak-seolgi’). Cut the green onion into long diagonal pieces or chop it finely. (You can also use pre-chopped frozen green onions.)
Step 3
Gently pat the beef for soup with paper towels to remove any excess blood. Removing the blood will result in a cleaner broth color and reduce any gamey odor.
Step 4
Heat a generous amount of sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the beef (with blood removed) and stir-fry until the surface is browned. Sautéing the beef first adds a rich flavor base.
Step 5
Once the beef is halfway cooked, add the sliced radish and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. Continue to sauté them together. The aroma of garlic will enhance the overall flavor of the ingredients.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 2 Tbsp of red pepper flakes and stir-fry quickly to prevent burning. Stir-frying the red pepper flakes with the other ingredients is crucial for extracting the ‘gochugiru’ (red pepper oil), which gives the soup its vibrant color and deep flavor.
Step 7
Pour in the 1.5L of prepared anchovy-kelp broth and bring it to a boil over high heat. Wait until the broth is vigorously bubbling.
Step 8
While the broth is coming to a boil, prepare the bean sprouts. Wash them thoroughly under running water and drain them in a colander. You can remove any dirty-looking heads or tails if you wish.
Step 9
Once the broth begins to boil, add 4 Tbsp of soup soy sauce (Gukganjang) to season. Adding the soup soy sauce early helps develop a deeper flavor in the broth.
Step 10
Add the prepared bean sprouts and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the bean sprouts are tender but still slightly crisp. For beginners, it’s recommended to cook with the lid off to prevent the ‘fishy’ smell that can sometimes occur when bean sprouts are steamed in a covered pot.
Step 11
When the bean sprouts have softened yet retain a pleasant crunch, add the sliced green onion and simmer for another moment. This allows the refreshing aroma of the green onion to meld into the soup.
Step 12
Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with 1 Tbsp of salt if needed. Once the taste is perfect, simmer for about 3 more minutes before turning off the heat. Your delicious beef and bean sprout soup is ready!
Step 13
Behold the appetizing color of the finished spicy beef and bean sprout soup! For an extra kick, you can add a chopped chili pepper. (Omit if serving to children.) This soup is an absolute lifesaver the day after drinking!
Step 14
The combination of tender radish, crisp bean sprouts, and savory beef is fantastic. My children at home always finish a bowl of this soup mixed with rice, just like a beef soup rice bowl. Making a large pot like this means you won’t have to worry about soup for several days!
Step 15
It might resemble Yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) or Jangt-eogukbap (market stew rice soup), but the best part is that it achieves a similarly rich and clean flavor with much simpler ingredients and an easier cooking process. It’s a great alternative when you’re craving Yukgaejang. Enjoy your meal and have a healthy day!
