Korean Beef Soup (Yukgaejang)
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Cuisine
Korean
Servings
4 peopl
Calories
349
A bowl of yukgaejang is the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. This classic Korean soup features shredded beef simmered in a rich, spicy broth with garlic, soy, sesame oil and chilli flakes. Traditionally enjoyed as a nourishing meal, the soup is packed with vegetables and silky egg ribbons, giving it both depth and texture. Using pantry staples often found at Big Asia Supermarket like Korean chilli flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil and glass noodles, this version brings authentic flavour while still being easy to cook at home.
Ingredients
Beef and broth
-
400 g beef brisket or chuck steak
-
6 cups water
-
3 cloves garlic, crushed
-
1 small onion, halved
Soup base
-
1 tbsp sesame oil
-
1½ tbsp Korean chilli flakes (gochugaru)
-
1 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tsp fish sauce
Vegetables and noodles
-
1 cup bean sprouts
-
1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried, soaked)
-
1 cup fernbrake (gosari) or substitute with spinach or Asian greens
-
2 spring onions, sliced
-
60 g Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon)
Egg garnish
-
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Optional garnish
-
chilli oil
-
sesame seeds
-
extra spring onions
Directions
1.Make the beef broth
Place beef, water, onion and garlic in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30–40 minutes until the beef becomes tender.
Remove the beef and shred it into thin strips using two forks. Strain the broth and set aside.
2.Season the beef
In a bowl mix shredded beef with sesame oil, gochugaru and soy sauce
This step builds the flavour that gives yukgaejang its deep red colour and spicy aroma.
3.Build the soup
Return the broth to the pot and add the seasoned beef mixture.
Bring to a gentle simmer and add mushrooms, fernbrake or greens and bean sprouts
4. Add noodles
Add glass noodles and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
5. Finish with egg ribbons
Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the soup while stirring gently to create silky ribbons.
Taste and adjust seasoning with soy sauce or fish sauce if needed.
Recipe Note
Serving Notes
Serve piping hot in deep bowls with steamed rice on the side. Sprinkle with extra spring onions and sesame seeds. The soup should be spicy, rich and slightly smoky from the chilli flakes.
Yukgaejang is often enjoyed as a full meal on its own, especially on cooler or rainy days when something warming hits the spot.
Leftover Ideas
- Next-day noodle soup - Add extra glass noodles or udon and reheat gently for a quick lunch.
- Rice bowl upgrade - Serve leftover soup over rice with a fried egg for a comforting meal.
- Korean style hotpot - Add tofu, napa cabbage and mushrooms to the leftover broth and simmer for a quick hotpot-style dinner.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- per serving
- Calories
- 349
- Carbs
- 25 grams
- 8%
- Protein
- 28 grams
- 56%
- Fat
- 16 grams
- 24%
- Saturated Fat
- 4 grams
- 26%
- Trans Fat
- grams
- 84%
- Cholesterol
- 144 milligrams
- 48%
- Fiber
- 4 grams
- 17%
- Sugar
- 4 grams
- 5%
- Sodium
- 564 milligrams
- 25%
- Iron
- 5 milligrams
- 27%
- Potassium
- 781 milligrams
- 22%