The Ultimate Hangover Cure: Flavorful Pollack and Soybean Sprout Soup
The Ultimate Hangover Cure: Flavorful Pollack and Soybean Sprout Soup
Spicy and Refreshing Pollack and Soybean Sprout Soup: The Golden Recipe
This is a go-to hangover soup I frequently make for my husband, who enjoys his drinks. When radishes are in season, I make it simply with radishes for a refreshing taste, but during the summer when radishes aren’t as flavorful, I add soybean sprouts to enhance the coolness. Soybean sprouts on their own make a great hangover soup, but their combination with pollack is simply fantastic! Let’s make a delicious and invigorating pollack and soybean sprout hangover soup that’s also kind to your husband’s liver.
Main Ingredients- Dried Pollack Strips 1 handful (approx. 50g)
- Soybean Sprouts 100g
- Green Onion 1/2 stalk
- Green Chili Pepper 1
- Red Chili Pepper 1/2
- Water 600ml
- Radish 1 piece (approx. 2cm thick)
- Onion 1/2
Seasoning & Broth- Tuna Extract (or Soy Sauce for Soup) 1 Tbsp
- Soup Stock Cubes 2 (or anchovy-kelp broth)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Cooking Wine (Mirin) 2 Tbsp
- Korean Rock Salt (or Salt) 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Tuna Extract (or Soy Sauce for Soup) 1 Tbsp
- Soup Stock Cubes 2 (or anchovy-kelp broth)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Cooking Wine (Mirin) 2 Tbsp
- Korean Rock Salt (or Salt) 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, lightly rinse the dried pollack strips under cold water to remove any dust. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. Then, tear the pollack into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long. This step helps the pollack release its rich flavor into the broth.
Step 2
Rinse the soybean sprouts under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Drain them well and set aside. For a cleaner taste, you can also blanch the soybean sprouts in boiling water for a moment before adding them to the soup.
Step 3
Peel the radish and slice it thinly like a fan (about 0.5cm thick) or cut it into cubes of about 1.5cm. Dice the onion to a similar size as the radish. Cutting the ingredients into uniform sizes helps create a visually appealing and harmoniously textured dish.
Step 4
Now, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Once warm, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. When the garlic aroma fills the air, add the torn pollack strips. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the pollack starts to curl up slightly and smells nutty. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking wine at this stage to help eliminate any fishy odor and enhance the flavor.
Step 5
Once the pollack is lightly browned, add the sliced radish and 100ml of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the broth turns milky white. This milky broth signifies that the pollack’s savory essence has been well extracted, which is key to a delicious pollack soup.
Step 6
After the broth has turned milky, add the rinsed soybean sprouts and diced onion to the pot. Pour in the remaining 500ml of water, the soup stock cubes (or anchovy-kelp broth), and 1 tablespoon of tuna extract (or soy sauce for soup). Bring to a boil over high heat. The soybean sprouts will add a refreshing crispness as they cook.
Step 7
Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the soybean sprouts are tender-crisp. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth. Taste the soup and if needed, add 1 teaspoon of Korean rock salt (or regular salt) to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Remember that saltiness can vary between brands, so tasting as you go is essential.
Step 8
Just before turning off the heat, add the sliced green chili peppers, red chili peppers, and chopped green onions. The residual heat will gently cook them, infusing the soup with a mild spiciness and fresh onion aroma, further enhancing the hangover-curing qualities of the soup.
Step 9
And there you have it! A wonderfully refreshing and slightly spicy pollack and soybean sprout hangover soup is ready. A warm spoonful of this broth will instantly soothe your soul and clear your head. It’s perfect for recovering from a night out or for a hearty, revitalizing meal.
