Description
This Korean Winter Soup Recipe is a hearty and nourishing dish made with tender beef short ribs, radish, and a deeply flavorful broth. It’s the perfect warming meal to enjoy during cold weather.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef short ribs
- 10 cups water
- 1 whole yellow onion, with skin (if organic)
- 2 green onions or 1 Korean leek (for broth)
- 2 green onions or 1 Korean leek, sliced for topping
- 2 thick ginger slices
- 3-4 dried or fresh green onion roots (optional)
- 1/2 medium radish, quartered into thin slices
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic or 5-6 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce for soup (guk ganjang)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
1. Soak the short ribs in cold water for 1 hour to draw out excess blood. Alternatively, flash boil and discard the first liquid, then rinse and set aside.
2. While the ribs soak, prepare the aromatics: whole yellow onion with skin, ginger slices, chopped garlic, green onions, and optionally green onion roots.
3. In a large stock pot, combine the soaked ribs, prepared aromatics, and 10 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and skim off any foam that rises to the top to ensure a clear broth.
5. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer the broth uncovered for 1 hour. Continue to skim foam as needed.
6. Add the radish slices and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes, until the radish is soft and infused with flavor.
7. Remove and discard all aromatics from the broth. Add soy sauce, sea salt, and additional chopped garlic. Simmer for 10 more minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and freshly ground black pepper. Pair with rice for a complete meal.
Notes
Soaking or flash boiling the ribs removes impurities for a clearer, cleaner-tasting broth.
Use organic onion with skin for enhanced color and nutrients in the broth.
Radish adds a subtle sweetness and balances the richness of the ribs.
For a stronger flavor, let the soup sit overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Garnishing with black pepper and fresh green onions just before serving adds a fresh final touch.
Serve with steamed rice and kimchi for a traditional Korean meal experience.