Savory Korean Rice Cake Soup (Ddeok Gook)
Ddeok Gook is a beloved traditional Korean soup, especially enjoyed during the Lunar New Year as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. This hearty soup features chewy, flat Korean rice cakes (ddeok) immersed in a rich and savory anchovy broth that captivates the taste buds with its umami essence. Marinated slices of tender beef add another layer of depth, while vibrant green onions provide freshness. Topped with crumbled nori, this dish is not only comforting but also a festive way to celebrate the New Year. Share this warm bowl of goodness with loved ones to herald good fortune in the year ahead.
2
Servings
138
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Korean rice cake (ddeok gook ddeok)
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
Dried anchovy (myeol chi)
1/4 cup (none)
Water
6 cups (none)
Green onions
2 (chopped)
Beef (cut into strips)
4 ounces (thinly sliced)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Nori (seasoned kim, dried laver seaweed)
2 sheets (crumbled)
Soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the thinly sliced rice cakes in cold water for 30 minutes to soften them.
2
While the rice cakes are soaking, marinate the beef strips by combining them with soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, sugar, and minced garlic. Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes.
3
In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the marinated beef until it is browned and cooked through. Set it aside once done.
4
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil, then add the dried anchovies. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to create a flavorful broth.
5
Carefully strain the anchovies from the broth, discarding them, and return the broth to the pot.
6
Introduce the soaked rice cakes into the broth, bringing it back to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice cakes are tender and chewy.
7
Once the rice cakes are cooked, add the chopped green onions to the pot.
8
Slowly pour in the beaten egg while stirring gently. This will create lovely strands of egg in the soup. Be careful not to stir too vigorously right after adding the egg to keep the broth clear.
9
Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each serving with sautéed beef and crumbled nori for added flavor and garnish.
10
Serve hot and enjoy this delightful Korean dish!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
21.5g
Carbs
9g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ddeok Gook?
Ddeok Gook is a traditional Korean soup featuring chewy rice cakes in a savory broth, typically served during celebrations.
When is Savory Korean Rice Cake Soup traditionally eaten?
It is traditionally enjoyed during the Lunar New Year as a symbol of prosperity and longevity.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 2 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the broth?
The broth is made using water and dried anchovies (myeol chi) to create an umami-rich base.
How should the rice cakes be prepared before cooking?
The rice cakes should be soaked in cold water for 30 minutes to soften them before they are added to the soup.
What ingredients are used to marinate the beef?
The beef is marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, sugar, and minced garlic.
How long should the beef marinate?
The beef should marinate for at least 15 minutes.
How do you create egg strands in the soup?
Slowly pour the beaten egg into the pot while stirring gently to create lovely egg strands.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 138 calories.
How much protein is in this rice cake soup?
There are 9 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
The dish contains 21.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long do you simmer the anchovies to make the broth?
The dried anchovies should simmer in boiling water for about 5 minutes.
What do you do with the anchovies after simmering?
The anchovies should be strained from the broth and discarded.
How long do the rice cakes take to cook in the broth?
The rice cakes take 10-15 minutes of simmering until they become tender and chewy.
What kind of beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of beef cut into thin strips.
How is the beef prepared for the final dish?
The marinated beef is sautéed in a skillet until browned and cooked through, then used as a topping.
What garnishes are added to the soup before serving?
The soup is topped with sautéed beef and crumbled nori (seasoned seaweed).
How much water is needed for the recipe?
You will need 6 cups of water.
How many sheets of nori are used?
Two sheets of crumbled nori are used for garnish.
What is the purpose of not stirring vigorously after adding the egg?
Gentle stirring ensures the broth stays clear rather than becoming cloudy from the egg.
Is there fiber in this soup?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How much minced garlic is used in the beef marinade?
The marinade uses 1/8 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What type of rice cake is used?
The recipe uses thinly sliced Korean rice cakes specifically for ddeok gook.
What is another name for Nori in Korean cuisine?
It is often referred to as seasoned kim or dried laver seaweed.
How many green onions are required?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped green onions.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
Yes, the beef marinade contains 1/8 teaspoon of sugar.
How much soy sauce is used for the beef?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of soy sauce for the marinade.
What is the amount of rice cakes needed for 2 servings?
You will need 1/2 cup of thinly sliced Korean rice cakes.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This dish is served hot.