Korean oxtail soup, Oksikguk in Korean language, is an excellent example of traditional Korean food in terms of taste and texture. This is a delicious, slow-cooked oxtail soup that is enjoyed widely in Korea, and it can make your dull and chilly day so much brighter! Here in this article, you’ll read about the background information, origins, and methods of making this popular Korean dish.
The brief history of oxtail soup in Korea
Korean oxtail soup refers back to the era of the Joseon Dynasty – about the year 1392. At that time, oxtails were, for some reason, deemed inferior, sinewy pieces of meat that were coined to lengthy preparation in order to turn into delicious morsels of food. Housewives again utilized oxtails in preparing thick and wholesome soups that practically carried families through the winter.
Oxtail soup, however, gained even more popularity after the Korean War period. At that time, most Korean people were so poor that oxtail soup became a popular dish because the ingredients were tolerably cheap, but the dish was healthy and satisfying. This made oxtail soup to become strongly associated with the Korean cultures of generations who continue to embrace it.
Authentic Korean Oxtail Soup Ingredients Used in Making Authentic Korean Oxtail Soup
The main component of the Korean soup with oxtails is oxtails. The meaty and gelatinous part is the main structure and forms the base of the soup, which has a rich taste and a tender, open feel to your tongue.
Other essential ingredients include:
1. Vegetables: Green onions and carrots are preferred as they blend well with oxtail, while radishes are included to make the dish more a healthy one.
2. Noodles: For the addition of flavour and texture, the operation locally employs homemade noodles classified as japchae and made by hand.
3. Soy sauce and garlic: The aroma of these herbs gives this soup flavour and makes it taste better, as they also contain Umami, which gives the oxtails depth.
4. Gochujang and red pepper flakes: Korean spices can be used in this soup, and they will add a little heat and spiciness to balance the great taste of this soup.
Making Korean Oxtail Soup
It takes time and effort to provide oxtail soup with the ideal taste between bitter and sweet.
Here is a simple recipe you can follow:
1. Preparation: Wash the oxtails, drain well, and dry. Peel the carrots and cut the radish and onions into large pieces. Cut the vegetables into fine small pieces.
2. Simmer the oxtails: Place the oxtails in a very large deep pot and cover well with water. Follow by adding garlic and soy sauce and sprinkle some salt. The point of this is to cook them slowly for about 2 to 3 hours on the stovetop so the oxtails will soften and the meat will come off the bone.
3. Add vegetables: When the oxtails are done, put carrot, radish and onion in the pot. Once the vegetables have been chopped, they are then cooked for 15 – 20 minutes in the wonderful soup that gives them that lovely soft texture.
4. Add noodles: At this point, tteok and japchae noodles should be placed in the soup and left for another 5 – 7 minutes until tender.
5. Season to taste: Even so, it is still preferable to season the vegetables to your liking and add more salt, soy sauce or red pepper flakes as you may want.
6. Serve: If you’d like a tasty Korean option, serve the Korean oxtail soup as it is in bowls.
Secrets for Making the Finest Korean Oxtail Soup
1. Patience: By letting the oxtails do their thing by allowing the rich stocks from the oxtails to be let go into the soup, they should be cooked for a longer period of time. Thanks to this slow cooking, the nectar of an oxtail soup area will be unveiled here.
2. Vegetables: You can combine the vegetables to the recipe at different levels of doneness so it’s soft enough for the dish but retains its texture.
3. Seasoning: The amounts of soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes can be played with by you.
4. Accompaniments: Scallions or sliced boiled eggs or perhaps sesame seeds to add a little twist to every single spoonful of the soup.
5. Serving: To serve the oxtail soup for a heavier dinner, you can have the soup with noodles to get every drop of the soup.
Oxtail soup is one of the most valued recipes, and it has been in the Korean diet for many years and continues to find fans. Once you know the components and processes that define the recipe of this dish, you can achieve the exact same taste as a delicious Korean home meal. So, don your apron, set the table, and make a pot of yummy oxtail soup ready, and you can kick start your delicious journey by cooking delicious soup.
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