TTEOKGUK (GOOD LUCK KOREAN RICE CAKE SOUP)

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Tteokguk (Good Luck Korean Rice Cake Soup) image

Korean rice cakes can be found frozen or vacuum-packed at Asian markets. They're delicious in soups (of course) but also seared or lightly grilled.

Provided by Sohui Kim

Categories     Bon Appétit     Soup/Stew     Winter     Beef     Green Onion/Scallion     Ginger     Garlic     Radish     Rice     Wheat/Gluten-Free

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/2-pound piece point- or flat-cut beef brisket or stew meat, fat trimmed
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Kosher salt
4 scallions
1 (3-inch) piece ginger, peeled
4 garlic cloves, finely grated
1/3 Korean radish, peeled, quartered lengthwise, sliced crosswise 1/2" thick, or 1/2 medium daikon, halved lengthwise, sliced crosswise 1/2" thick
4 large eggs
8-10 ounces Korean rice cakes (tteok), sliced
2 teaspoons fish sauce
Freshly ground black pepper
Korean red chile threads (optional; for serving)

Steps:

  • Cut meat into 1 1/2" pieces. Heat sesame oil and 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add meat and season with salt. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 8-12 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, separate scallion whites from greens and coarsely chop; set aside. Thinly slice scallion greens and set aside separately for serving.
  • Using a flat-bottomed mug or the side of a chef's knife, lightly smash ginger. Add to pot along with garlic, reserved scallion whites, and 16 cups cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, skimming any foam from surface, until meat is tender, 60-75 minutes, if using stew meat, or up to 2 hours , if using brisket. Transfer meat to a plate with a slotted spoon, then scoop out ginger and scallion whites and discard.
  • Add Korean radish to pot and simmer until tender but not mushy (it should still hold its shape), 12-15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1 tsp. vegetable oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl and season with a large pinch of salt. Pour half of eggs into the center of skillet and quickly swirl pan to distribute evenly. Cook eggs undisturbed until they are just set, about 2 minutes. Carefully loosen with a heatproof rubber spatula, flip, and cook until other side is just set, about 1 minute. Slide egg crepe onto a cutting board and fold in half; let cool. Slice into 1/4"-thick ribbons. Repeat with remaining eggs and 1 tsp. vegetable oil.
  • Slice beef as thin as you can and return to pot; add rice cakes. Cook until rice cakes are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in fish sauce; taste and season soup with more salt and a few grinds of pepper.
  • Ladle soup into bowls and top with sliced egg, reserved scallion greens, and chile threads (if using).
  • Do Ahead
  • Soup (without garnishes) can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Reheat over medium before serving.

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