Spicy Beef & Scallion Soup

육개장

Yookgaejang is a spicy beef soup consisting of variety of ingredients.  It is made of shredded beef boiled with bean sprouts, fern brake, red pepper, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, oil and pepper. It is served as a hot soup and usually eaten with a bowl of plain rice.  The key ingredient of yookgaejang is the Korean chili powder (kochukaru) which turns the soup into a nice red color.  This is one of Korea's hottest dishes and is not for those who dislike spicy foods. 

The soup is considered to be very healthy and refreshing in taste. Chicken can be used as a substitute for beef.

Recommended restaurant: Kum Gang San

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb beef (any part for quick cooking), 2 inches julienne
• 1/2 lb bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup gosari (packaged fern brake in water), drained
• 2 green onions, 1 inch bias cut
• 3 tbsp Korean chili powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil, salt, pepper
• 8 cups water

Cooking Directions

1. In a big pot, saute beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili powder for 4-5 minutes.
2. Add water and bean sprouts, cover lid and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium low, cook for 20 minutes, add fern brake, cook for another 20-30 minutes until beef gets tender.
4. Add green onions, salt and pepper to taste when served.