North Korean Meatball Soup

North Korean Meatball Soup Recipe - Authentic Korean Dish

Region / culture: Korea | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

North Korean Meatball Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This hearty soup is made with flavorful meatballs, tofu, and a savory vegetable stock. The combination of ingredients creates a rich and satisfying broth that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

North Korean Meatball Soup has been a popular dish in North Korea for many years. It is often served as a comforting meal for families during the cold winter months. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dish.

Ingredients

1.1 liter chicken / beef / vegetable stock
220 g / 8 oz minced beef
125 g / 4 oz tofu
65 g / 2.5 oz seasoned flour
1 egg
3 cloves of garlic, minced
0.5 inch chunk of ginger
2 tsp dry-roasted sesame seeds
6 green onions
1 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp sesame oil

How to prepare

Squeeze any moisture out of the tofu and mash it.
Finely slice three spring onions.
Mix the meat, tofu, spring onions, garlic, sesame oil and seeds, and tofu together, and form into small meatballs.
Chop the remaining spring onions into three or four pieces, and slice the ginger.
Add them to the stock and simmer for 15 minutes.
While the stock is simmering, beat the egg.
Quickly dip the meatballs into the egg, then the flour, and place them into the stock. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Remove the ginger and serve.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the minced beef with mushrooms or lentils.
You can add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the tofu before mashing it. This will help the tofu hold its shape when forming the meatballs.

- When forming the meatballs, be gentle and try not to overwork the mixture. This will help the meatballs stay tender and juicy.

- Simmering the meatballs in the stock allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.

Serving Suggestions

North Korean Meatball Soup can be served as a main dish with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread. It can also be enjoyed as a starter before a larger meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious North Korean Meatball Soup is to simmer the meatballs in the stock for a sufficient amount of time. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tofu on hand, you can substitute it with mashed potatoes or breadcrumbs. You can also use ground chicken or pork instead of beef for the meatballs.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the soup. This can help save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve North Korean Meatball Soup in individual bowls garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. You can also drizzle a little extra sesame oil on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

North Korean Meatball Soup pairs well with a crisp and refreshing side salad or a side of pickled vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of chilled white wine or a cup of hot green tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover North Korean Meatball Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of North Korean Meatball Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of North Korean Meatball Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of North Korean Meatball Soup contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of North Korean Meatball Soup contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

North Korean Meatball Soup is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

North Korean Meatball Soup is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in proteins and fats. It is a great option for a comforting and hearty meal.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for North Korean Meatball Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was meandering through the bustling streets of Seoul, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. As I walked past a small, unassuming food stall tucked away in a corner, the enticing aroma of sizzling meatballs wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

I approached the stall and struck up a conversation with the friendly elderly woman who was manning the pots and pans. She greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, and I couldn't help but be captivated by her infectious enthusiasm for cooking. As we chatted, she told me that she was originally from North Korea and had been perfecting her meatball soup recipe for decades.

Intrigued by her story and eager to learn more about her culinary secrets, I asked if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. To my delight, she agreed, and we spent the next few hours huddled over the steaming pot, as she guided me through each step of the process with meticulous detail and patience.

The secret, she revealed, lay in the careful balance of flavors and textures that went into making the perfect meatball. A combination of ground beef and pork, mixed with fragrant garlic, ginger, and a special blend of spices, created a unique umami-rich base that set this soup apart from any other I had ever tasted.

As we rolled the meat mixture into small, perfectly round balls and dropped them into the bubbling broth, I couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity and elegance of the recipe. It was a dish that spoke to the soul, comforting and nourishing in equal measure.

After a few hours of simmering on the stove, the soup was finally ready, and we ladled it into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of spicy chili oil. The first spoonful was a revelation - the tender meatballs melted in my mouth, releasing a burst of savory, aromatic flavors that danced on my taste buds.

As I savored each mouthful, I realized that this recipe was more than just a collection of ingredients - it was a testament to the power of food to bridge divides and connect us to our shared humanity. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the kind woman who had opened her heart and her kitchen to me, sharing not just a recipe, but a piece of her culture and her heritage.

Since that fateful day in Seoul, I have made North Korean Meatball Soup countless times, each batch a tribute to the memories and the flavors that I hold dear. And as I serve it to my family and friends, I share not just a meal, but a story - a story of friendship, of learning, and of the enduring power of food to bring us together, no matter where we come from or where we are headed.