Soybean Sprout Fish Cake Soup (Kongnamul Eomuk Tang)
This is a refreshing and simple fish cake soup recipe with an amazing combination of soybean sprouts and fish cakes.
📝 Editor's Notes
Hello everyone! Today, I'm excited to introduce the recipe for 'Soybean Sprout Fish Cake Soup (Kongnamul Eomuk Tang)', a warm and refreshing soup that's perfect for chilly weather. This dish features a fantastic harmony of crunchy soybean sprouts and chewy fish cakes. It's incredibly easy and quick to make, making it perfect for preparing a hearty meal even on busy days. I'll meticulously guide you through everything, from the secret to its refreshing broth to its nutritional benefits, so just trust me and follow along!
🛒 Ingredient Tips
Let's take a closer look at the key ingredients for this Soybean Sprout Fish Cake Soup (Kongnamul Eomuk Tang). First, for soybean sprouts (kongnamul), it's important not to overcook them to maintain their crisp texture. As for fish cakes (eomuk), there are many varieties, so choose according to your preference. Thick Busan-style fish cakes (Busan eomuk) are great, and thin square fish cakes (sajak eomuk) also work well. Korean radish (mu) is crucial for a refreshing broth, so be sure to include it. Adding green onion (dae-pa) at the end enhances the aroma. Minced garlic, soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang), Hondashi (혼다시), and Mirin (미림) are seasonings that add umami, so don't leave them out. And if you want a spicy kick, don't forget the Cheongyang chili pepper (cheongyang gochu)!
🔄 Substitution Guide
Here are some tips for substitutions if you're missing ingredients or want to explore different flavors. If you don't have a broth pack, you can make your own broth by adding kelp (dashima) and dried anchovies (myeolchi). Instead of Hondashi, adding a little tuna sauce or fish sauce can enhance the umami flavor. There are many types of fish cakes (eomuk) available, so feel free to choose according to your preference, such as flat fish cakes or stick-shaped fish cakes. You can also use mung bean sprouts (sukju namul) instead of soybean sprouts (kongnamul) for a refreshing and crisp taste. If you can't handle spicy food, omit the Cheongyang chili pepper (cheongyang gochu). For a child-friendly version, use only a very small amount of red pepper powder (gochugaru).
🥘 Ingredients
👨🍳 Cooking Points
Here are a few key points for making a delicious Soybean Sprout Fish Cake Soup (Kongnamul Eomuk Tang). First, it's crucial to make a proper broth. Using a broth pack or broth tablets can create a much deeper flavor. Second, slice the Korean radish (mu) thinly and add it to the broth first, allowing it to cook thoroughly to draw out its refreshing flavor. Third, add the soybean sprouts (kongnamul) and fish cakes (eomuk) when the broth is boiling vigorously, and avoid overcooking to maintain their texture. Finally, it's important to adjust the final seasoning with salt to perfectly match your taste – not too bland, not too salty! These are the secrets to a delicious fish cake soup.
👨🍳 Directions
- 1
Pour 1.5 L of water into a pot and turn on the heat.
- 2
Add 1 broth pack and let it simmer to make broth. You can also use broth tablets or other seasonings.
- 3
Cut the 6 sheets of fish cakes (eomuk) into your desired shapes and sizes (e.g., rectangles, triangles).
- 4
Slice the Korean radish (mu) thinly and add it directly into the boiling broth.
- 5
Dice the tofu and slice the green onion (dae-pa) diagonally.
- 6
When the broth comes to a rolling boil, add a handful of soybean sprouts (kongnamul), the sliced fish cakes, and tofu.
- 7
Add 1 tbsp of minced garlic, 1 tbsp of soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang), 0.5 tbsp of Hondashi (혼다시), and 2 tbsp of Mirin (미림), then mix well.
- 8
Remove the broth pack. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
- 9
Once it boils again, add the sliced green onion (dae-pa) and, if desired, a little Cheongyang chili pepper (cheongyang gochu).
💡 Tips
Instead of a broth pack, you can use broth tablets or other seafood seasonings (such as Hondashi, tuna sauce, or fish sauce).
Korean radish (mu) and green onion (dae-pa) are essential for a refreshing soup flavor, so it's best to include them.
If you prefer a spicy kick, add Cheongyang chili pepper (cheongyang gochu). If you want a clean taste, you can omit the chili pepper.
This soup does not require long simmering, so it can be cooked quickly.
📦 Storage & Reuse
Store any leftover Soybean Sprout Fish Cake Soup (Kongnamul Eomuk Tang) in the refrigerator. If stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. To reheat, simply transfer it to a pot and warm it over low heat. Please note that soybean sprouts may lose some of their crispness over time, so it's best to consume the soup as soon as possible. If you need to store it for longer, you can separate the broth from the solid ingredients and freeze them, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture might not be as good as freshly made after thawing.
🥢 Who This Is For
This Soybean Sprout Fish Cake Soup (Kongnamul Eomuk Tang) is excellent as a hearty meal with warm rice, and it also makes a wonderful side dish or snack to enjoy with a light drink on a weekend evening. It's especially great as a hangover cure (haejangguk) to refresh your stomach. It's a dish the whole family can enjoy without burden, and it's perfect for entertaining guests, so definitely give it a try. It's a delicious menu that people of all ages will love!
🔥 Nutrition Info
Soybean Sprout Fish Cake Soup (Kongnamul Eomuk Tang) is an excellent dish not just for its taste, but also for its nutritional benefits. Soybean sprouts (kongnamul) are rich in asparagine, which helps relieve fatigue and hangovers. They also contain plenty of Vitamin C and dietary fiber, benefiting immune system strength and gut health. Fish cakes (eomuk) provide protein, while Korean radish (mu) aids digestion and contains Vitamin C, helping prevent colds. With the addition of tofu, you also get a good source of plant-based protein. Overall, it's a healthy soup that is low in calories while providing a balanced intake of various nutrients.
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