Yookgaejang
Yookgaejang Recipe - Korean Spicy Beef Soup | Ingredients: beef, bean sprouts, fern brake, green onions, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, salt, water
Introduction
Yookgaejang is a traditional Korean spicy beef soup that is perfect for warming you up on a cold day. This hearty and flavorful dish is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
History
Yookgaejang has been enjoyed in Korea for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. It was originally made with beef, vegetables, and seasonings that were readily available in Korean households. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, but the spicy and savory flavors have remained a constant.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) beef (any part suitable for quick cooking), cut into 2-inch julienne
- 0.5 lb (227 g) bean sprouts
- 0.5 cup gosari (packaged fern brake in water), drained
- 2 green onions, cut into 1-inch bias cut
- 3 tbsp Korean chili powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups water
How to prepare
- In a large pot, sauté beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili powder for 4 – 5 minutes.
- Add water and bean sprouts, cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 20 minutes. Then, add fern brake and cook for another 20 – 30 minutes until the beef becomes tender.
- Just before serving, add green onions, salt, and pepper to taste.
Variations
- Add tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of Yookgaejang.
- Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to add more variety to the dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to julienne the beef thinly to ensure quick cooking and tender meat.
- Adjust the amount of Korean chili powder to suit your spice preference.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a beef bone or anchovy stock to the soup.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green chili for an extra kick of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Yookgaejang is traditionally served with a bowl of steamed rice and kimchi on the side. You can also enjoy it with a side of pickled radish or a fresh salad.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making a delicious Yookgaejang is to simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to develop. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you can't find gosari (fern brake), you can substitute it with dried shiitake mushrooms or omit it altogether. You can also use ground beef or thinly sliced pork as a substitute for the beef.
Make Ahead Tips
Yookgaejang can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Yookgaejang in individual bowls garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can also add a drizzle of chili oil for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Yookgaejang pairs well with a light and refreshing side dish, such as a cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. A cold glass of Korean barley tea or a crisp lager beer is the perfect beverage to accompany this spicy soup.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Yookgaejang in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Yookgaejang contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.
Carbohydrates
Yookgaejang is a low-carb dish, with only a small amount of carbohydrates coming from the bean sprouts and fern brake.
Fats
The fats in Yookgaejang come primarily from the beef and sesame oil. It is a moderate-fat dish that provides essential nutrients for a balanced diet.
Proteins
Yookgaejang is a high-protein dish, thanks to the beef and bean sprouts. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, making this soup a great post-workout meal.
Vitamins and minerals
Yookgaejang is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.
Alergens
Yookgaejang contains soy sauce, which may be a potential allergen for those with soy allergies. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients used.
Summary
Yookgaejang is a nutritious and flavorful soup that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Summary
Yookgaejang is a delicious and nutritious Korean beef soup that is perfect for warming you up on a cold day. Packed with protein and vegetables, this spicy and savory dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Yookgaejang. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Korea. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had invited me into her kitchen to teach me how to make this traditional Korean spicy beef soup.
As I watched her carefully measure out the ingredients and chop the vegetables, I was mesmerized by the way she moved with such grace and precision. She explained to me that Yookgaejang was a dish that was often made during the cold winter months to warm up the body and soul. The spicy broth, tender beef, and hearty vegetables all worked together to create a dish that was both comforting and invigorating.
My grandmother told me that she had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique twist to make it their own. My grandmother had honed her skills over the years, perfecting the balance of flavors and textures to create a Yookgaejang that was truly special.
As I helped my grandmother in the kitchen that day, I soaked in every detail of the recipe. I watched as she simmered the beef bones for hours to create a rich broth, adding in the spicy gochugaru and garlic to give it that signature kick. She then added in the thinly sliced beef, mushrooms, and vegetables, allowing them to cook until they were tender and flavorful.
But the most important part of the recipe, my grandmother told me, was the love and care that went into making it. She explained that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions, but about infusing each dish with your own unique spirit and energy. It was about taking the time to savor each moment in the kitchen, to appreciate the flavors and aromas that filled the air.
As I sat down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Yookgaejang with my grandmother that day, I felt a deep sense of connection to my heritage and to the women who had come before me. I knew that this recipe, with its rich history and tradition, would always hold a special place in my heart.
Over the years, I have continued to make Yookgaejang for my own family, passing down the recipe and the stories that go along with it. Each time I cook this dish, I am reminded of my grandmother and the lessons she taught me in the kitchen. I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish both body and soul.
And as I watch my own grandchildren now learning to cook alongside me, I know that the tradition of making Yookgaejang will continue to live on for generations to come. It is a recipe that not only warms the body, but also warms the heart, connecting us to our past and to each other in a way that is truly magical.
Categories
| Beef Recipes | Fiddlehead Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Korean Recipes | Korean Soups | Mung Bean Sprout Recipes | Sesame Oil Recipes |