Spicy Bean Sprout Broth from Korea (Kongnamul Guk)
Title: K-Style Sprout and Enoki Mushroom Broth: A Tasty Side for Korean Feasts
Yield: 6 ServingsTotal Time: 15 to 20 minutes (Active Time: 15 to 20 minutes)
Spice 'Em Up Ingredients (17)
- 1/2 pound soybean sprouts
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 spring onions or scallions
- 1/2 bunch enoki mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground red chili pepper
- Toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling
Bubbling Broth
- 8 to 10 dried anchovies
- Kelp (Kombu)
- 4 cups water
Flexible Extras (Optional)
- 2 ounces lean beef, sliced thinly
- 1 bunch chives, chopped
- 2 ounces Daikon radish, sliced thinly
- 1 or 2 green chili peppers, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Pure toasted sesame seed oil
K-Broth Steps
- Prepare extras if desired: Slice beef, radish, and chives. Chop chives and peppers.
- Rinse bean sprouts and remove roots.
- Cut scallion/onion into 1/2-inch pieces diagonally.
- Slice garlic cloves in half lengthwise.
- In a big pot, add salt, anchovies, and kelp to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Remove anchovies and kelp once boiled.
- Cook garlic, and any (or all) of the optional ingredients in the pot. Boil again, then reduce heat to medium. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add bean sprouts, enoki mushroom, and chili pepper flakes. Cook for one more minute.
- Turn off the heat and add the scallion/green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve while hot with sticky rice and kimchi, and don't forget a few shots of Soju for good measure!
Enrichment Boost
Whether you're a Korean cuisine guru or just an adventurous foodie, this Korean sprout and enoki mushroom soup dish is versatile and sure to delight. Opt for lean beef or tofu to add protein, or embrace the veggie-centric version for a plant-based dish. Dial up the heat with your choice of Jalapeños or Habaneros, and don't forget sesame oil for an authentic Korean touch. Pour yourself a glass of Soju for an authentically spicy and soulful meal!
- For an additional twist, you could try adding half a teaspoon of coarse ground red chili pepper to the broth for a spicier flavor.
- If you're looking for more recipes that include similar ingredients, you might enjoy a chili dish with scallions, perhaps with a side of kombu-infused rice for an added nutritional boost.
- Recipes that fall under the uncategorized category can often be a great way to experiment with new flavors and combinations, such as enoki mushrooms and scallions in a broth with half a teaspoon of coarse ground red chili pepper.
- To make a vegetarian-friendly version of the K-Style Sprout and Enoki Mushroom Broth, simply omit the lean beef and replace with tofu or more enoki mushrooms, adjusting the seasoning as needed.