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Korean Radish Soup (Mu Doenjang Guk)

Radish Soup (무된장국 Mu Doenjang Guk) - the most comforting, soothing and umami flavor packed soup that just brings me back home.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 48 kcal
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

  • 1 oz dried anchovies for soup (guk myeolchi 국멸치)
  • 1 piece dried kombu (kelp) or dashima 다시마 (approx 3.5 in x 1.5 in)
  • 8 cups water
  • 1.25 lb Korean radish (mu 무) (5 1/2 cups julienned)
  • 3 Tbsp Deonjang (I used Jayone here)
  • 1 Tbsp red miso
  • 1 Tbsp Jaerae Doenjang (Traditional slow fermented - optional but best for flavor)
  • 1 tsp guk ganjang (Soysauce for Soup - optional to taste)
  • 1 Tbsp garlic (chopped. if using frozen, add more)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 green onions
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder (gochukaru 고추가루)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add 8 cups of water to pot. Add dried anchovies and dried kombu kelp. Heat on medium low heat for 20 min. Do not boil.
  2. While anchovy stock is developing, cut radish into large chunks and then into slices, then julienne into thin 0.5 cm (0.2 inch) sticks. A little thicker or about the same as size of shoestring fries.
  3. When anchovy stock is ready (yellowish color), remove anchovies and kelp from pot.
  4. Add all 3 soybean pastes from above if they are available. If not, just use 3 or 4 Tbs Korean soybean paste (whatever you have) and 1 Tbs red miso to pot. Mix well into the soup by smooshing the paste against the side of the pot with a spoon and swishing it around.
  5. Add radish sticks to soup and bring to boil on medium high heat.
  6. Simmer for 25 minutes or more until radishes are soft and tender.
  7. Add cut green onions, chopped garlic and garlic powder and simmer for 5-10 more minutes.
  8. Taste the soup. Add 1 tsp guk ganjang if you think it needs a little more salt. Remember guk ganjang not only adds salt but also tons of umami flavor so add this if you think it lacks that something.
  9. Finish with some red chili powder (gochukaru). Add more if you want it more spicy.

Notes

  • Serve hot with rice, kimchi and other side dishes and it will make a wonderfully comforting meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories 48kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 2g (4%) Sodium 449mg (19%) Potassium 237mg (7%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 90IU (2%) Vitamin C 22.2mg (25%) Calcium 41mg (4%) Iron 0.7mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 48

% Daily Value*

Calories 48kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 2g 4%
Sodium 449mg 19%
Potassium 237mg 5%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 90IU 2%
Vitamin C 22.2mg 25%
Calcium 41mg 4%
Iron 0.7mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.