A Magical Soup That Warms Your Soul
As the weather gets chilly, there's nothing better than a warm bowl of soup. November is the perfect season for oysters, often called the 'milk of the sea.' When combined with sweet winter cabbage, the synergy is incredibly delicious. Today, I will introduce the 'Oyster Cabbage Soup' recipe, which boasts a deep flavor comparable to professional seafood jjamppong without the need for a separate broth.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- No Broth Needed: The natural seafood broth from the oysters and the sweetness of the cabbage create the ultimate flavor.
- Perfect Hangover Cure: The spicy kick from Cheongyang peppers soothes your stomach wonderfully.
- Rich in Nutrients: Oysters are rich in zinc, and cabbage is packed with Vitamin C.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Oysters: 1.5 cups (fresh seasonal oysters)
- Cabbage: 8-10 leaves
- Onion: 1/2 small
- Carrot: 1/4
- Green Onion: 1 stalk
- Cheongyang Pepper: 1-2 peppers
- Water: 7-8 cups
Seasonings and Oils
- Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp
- Cooking Oil: 1 tbsp
- Minced Garlic: 1 tbsp
- Mirin: 2 tbsp
- Tuna Extract: 4 tbsp (or fish sauce)
- Black Pepper: A pinch
- Salt: To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cleaning and Seasoning the Oysters
Rinse the oysters gently in lightly salted water 2-3 times, then drain well. In a bowl, mix the oysters with 4 tbsp of tuna extract, a pinch of pepper, 1 tbsp minced garlic, and 2 tbsp of mirin. Marinating them briefly deeply enhances the flavor.
2. Chopping the Vegetables
Cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrot into thin strips. Chop the green onion and Cheongyang peppers diagonally, and slice the onion slightly thick.
3. Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In a deep pot, add 1 tbsp of cooking oil and 1 tbsp of sesame oil over medium heat. Add all the prepared vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they soften slightly. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage.
4. Adding the Oysters
Once the vegetables are slightly translucent, add the marinated oysters. Stir-fry gently until the oysters become plump and start releasing their milky juices.
5. Boiling the Soup
Pour 7-8 cups of water into the pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and simmer for another 5-10 minutes to extract all the deep flavors.
6. Final Seasoning
Taste the soup and add salt to adjust the seasoning. Finish with an extra dash of black pepper if desired. Enjoy your perfect winter soup!