**Introduction**
Korean cuisine is renowned for its comforting soups and broths, many of which have been passed down through generations as family favorites. One such heartwarming dish is **소고기 무국 (beef radish soup)**. This soup perfectly balances the mild sweetness of Korean radish with the rich depth of beef broth, making it an ideal meal for chilly days or when you crave something soothing yet nutritious. Unlike spicy stews or fermented pastes, this clear soup showcases simple, fresh ingredients and is often enjoyed with plain steamed rice.
**Main Content**
Here is a step-by-step recipe to prepare a single serving of classic Korean Beef Radish Soup.
**Ingredients:**
– Korean radish (mu), diced – 150g
– Thinly sliced beef brisket – 70g
– Garlic, minced – 1 clove (about 3g)
– Green onion, chopped – 10g (about 1 small stalk)
– Soy sauce – 10ml (2 tsp)
– Sesame oil – 5ml (1 tsp)
– Salt – to taste (around 1/4 tsp)
– Ground black pepper – a pinch
– Water – 600ml
**Recipe Steps:**
1. **Prepare the radish and beef:**
Peel the radish and cut it into small cubes, about 1.5 cm pieces. Thinly slice the beef brisket if not pre-sliced.
2. **Sauté beef and garlic:**
In a medium pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the sliced beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it starts to brown lightly.
3. **Add radish and water:**
Add the diced radish to the pot, stir briefly with beef, then pour in the 600ml of water. Bring to a boil.
4. **Simmer the soup:**
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes. The radish will become tender and the broth will develop a mellow, flavorful taste.
5. **Season:**
Add the soy sauce, salt, and black pepper to the soup. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
6. **Add green onions:**
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the chopped green onions to the pot for fresh aroma and color.
7. **Serve:**
Ladle the hot soup into a bowl and enjoy immediately. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or kimchi on the side.
**Conclusion**
소고기 무국 (Korean Beef Radish Soup) is a wonderful example of the elegance in Korean traditional soups: simple ingredients harmonizing into a deeply satisfying meal. The mild sweetness from radish combined with the savory beef broth offers gentle nourishment that warms both the body and soul. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for anyone looking to explore authentic Korean home cooking with minimal fuss. Give it a try and experience a mildly savory Korean classic that’s loved across generations.
