Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional name for Korean Rice Cake Soup?
The traditional name for this dish is Duk Guk.
When is Korean Rice Cake Soup typically served?
It is traditionally served during the New Year to symbolize the start of a new age.
What does this soup symbolize in Korean culture?
It symbolizes the start of a new age and is a traditional way to mark the holiday.
What are the main textures in this soup?
The soup features chewy rice cakes and tender dumplings in a savory broth.
What type of broth should I use for Duk Guk?
You can use either beef or anchovy broth, whether homemade or store-bought.
How much broth is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 quarts of broth.
What is Dashida and how much do I need?
Dashida is a Korean soup stock powder; you should use 1 tablespoon of either beef or anchovy flavor.
How should I prepare the rice cakes if they are hard?
If the rice cakes are hard, they should be soaked in water before being added to the soup.
How long do the rice cakes need to boil?
They should boil for about five minutes until they are tender and have absorbed the broth flavor.
How are the eggs prepared for the garnish?
The eggs are beaten, cooked into a thin sheet in a non-stick skillet, and then cut into thin strips.
What size should the egg strips be?
The egg strips should be cut to about two inches long.
How is the beef prepared for this recipe?
The beef is sliced into 2-inch strips and browned in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
How much beef is included in the soup?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of beef.
What are Korean dumplings called?
Korean dumplings are known as mandu.
How many dumplings should I prepare?
The recipe suggests using 12 dumplings.
Why are the dumplings cooked in a separate pot?
They are boiled separately according to package instructions to ensure they are tender before assembly.
How should the green onions be cut?
The green onions should be cut into 2-inch pieces.
When are the green onions added to the broth?
They are added after the rice cakes have boiled for five minutes, then cooked for one additional minute.
How do you prepare the nori for the soup?
Two sheets of nori should be crumbled to be used as a topping.
How do you assemble the final dish?
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with beef, egg strips, crumbled nori, and the boiled dumplings.
Can I add extra garnish to the soup?
Yes, you can garnish with additional green onions if desired.
What is the heat setting for boiling the broth?
The broth should be brought to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 eggs.
Is this soup considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming dish and a delicious bowl of comfort.
What is the total weight of the rice cakes used?
The recipe uses one package of rice cakes, weighing 1 7/8 lb.
Can I use a non-stick skillet for the eggs?
Yes, a heated non-stick skillet is recommended to create the thin egg sheet.
What flavor of Dashida is best?
Either beef or anchovy flavor Dashida can be used depending on your broth choice.
Is this recipe suitable for family meals?
Yes, it is perfect for any special occasion or a cozy family meal.
What type of seaweed is used as a topping?
Nori is the type of seaweed used to crumble over the soup.
Does the soup contain any vegetables?
The primary vegetable used is a bunch of green onions.