Korean Noodle Soup (Kalguksu)
Kalguksu is a traditional Korean noodle dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The name "kalguksu" literally translates to "knife noodles" in Korean, which refers to the handmade noodles that are cut with a knife from a dough of wheat flour, water, and salt. Originally, kalguksu was a simple and affordable dish that was commonly eaten by farmers and laborers in rural areas. However, over time, it became a popular meal throughout Korea and can now be found in restaurants and homes across the country. This hearty and comforting dish is typically served in a hot broth made with chicken or beef, along with various vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms. It's a perfect dish for a cold day or when you're craving something warm and filling.
Today I made a seafood version of Kalguksu (because I had a lot of frozen seafood in my freezer!) but feel free to modify the recipe to make it vegetarian. I’ll include some alternatives in the recipe that you can swap out.
Before we start, here are some links to the products that you can find at Hmart that I used (not sponsored!)
Broth Packet I used: https://www.cconmausa.com/products/39...
But you can also use any of these teabag- type broth packets with dried anchovy and kombu:
https://www.hmart.com/17030019
https://www.hmart.com/17030013
This is the pack of frozen noodles I stock up on (any of these are fine! I just find the ones on sale)
https://www.hmart.com/27020002
Ingredients (1 portion)
1 broth pack (or, 1 dried kombu and dried mushrooms)
3.5 cup water
salt
2 tsp fish sauce
3 leaves of napa cabbage (or Bok choy, savoy cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, etc. whatever veggies you like
handful of scallions, chopped
3 slices of serrano pepper (or korean pepper)
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 cup of shrimp
1/4 cup of shelled clams (or whatever frozen seafood you have)
Add 3.5 cup water to a pot, submerge the broth pack and boil for 10 minutes
While the broth boils, prep the veggies: chop the cabbage to bite size (3 large napa cabbage leaves), scallions, and feel free to add any veggies of your choice (carrots, bok choy, any type of cabbage, onions)
Also slice a few slices of serrano peppers if you want to add a kick
Take out the broth pack, and add all of your veggies, 1tsp of minced garlic, chopped scallions, thawed shrimp /clams or other seafood of choice, 2-3 slices of pepper* and boil 5 minutes
*the peppers can add quite a bit of a kick (a delicious one) but if you don’t want spicy, leave them out
Add the fresh noodles (1 portion) and boil about 6-7 min, or until the noodles are cooked (check the package instructions)
While the noodles are cooking, season the soup with salt and fish sauce (around 2tsp fish sauce) to taste
Gently swirl in a beaten egg, cook another 2 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
