Description
A traditional Korean seaweed soup (Miyeok-Guk) that is light, nutritious, and deeply flavorful. Made with tender beef, seaweed, and a savory broth, this iodine-rich dish is commonly eaten for birthdays, postpartum recovery, and daily nourishment. Simple to make and packed with essential minerals, this soup is a must-try for a healthy diet.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup dried seaweed (miyeok or wakame)
- 5 oz sliced beef (brisket or sirloin) or tofu (for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 5 cups water or beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt (optional, depending on broth)
Optional Additions
- ½ tsp fish sauce (for extra umami)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
- ½ tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Seaweed
- Soak dried seaweed in a bowl of water for 10-15 minutes until it expands and softens.
- Drain and cut into smaller pieces if necessary.
2. Cook the Beef
- Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced beef and minced garlic, then sauté for 2-3 minutes until the beef is lightly browned.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Add 5 cups of water or broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
4. Add the Seaweed & Seasoning
- Stir in the soaked seaweed and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Season with soy sauce and salt to taste.
5. Final Touches & Serve
- Optionally, add fish sauce, black pepper, and green onions for extra flavor.
- Serve hot with a side of steamed rice.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with tofu and use vegetable broth.
- If using seafood (shrimp or mussels) instead of beef, add it in the last 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust seasoning gradually, as seaweed has a natural salty taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg