Refreshing Korean Clam Hand-Rolled Noodle Soup (Kalguksu)

A clean, nourishing bowl of Korean Kalguksu featuring chewy hand-rolled noodles and fresh clams in a delicately seasoned, clear oceanic broth.

Ingredients

• 200 g fresh hand-rolled noodles
• 300 g fresh clams
• 1/2 zucchini
• 2 pieces dried kelp
• 1 liter water
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar (for soaking clams)
• to taste salt

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the kelp base

   

   Take two pieces of dried kelp from the package. These will serve as the foundation for your clear, flavorful soup base.

   Tip: Dried kelp is essential for a deep, authentic umami flavor in Korean soups.
2. 2Start the soup base

   

   Add the two pieces of dried kelp into a pot filled with cold water. Bringing the kelp to a boil in cold water helps extract its flavor effectively for a clean broth.

   Tip: Starting with cold water ensures a more delicate and clear extraction compared to dropping kelp into boiling water.
3. 3Clean the clams

   

   Place the raw clams in a bowl of water, adding a pinch of sugar. This process encourages the clams to expel any sand they may be holding.

   Tip: Soaking clams in water with sugar is a quick and effective way to ensure they are grit-free before cooking.
4. 4Remove the kelp

   

   Once the water has boiled for two minutes, use a slotted spoon to remove the pieces of kelp from the pot.

   Tip: Removing the kelp promptly after two minutes prevents the broth from becoming slimy or overly bitter.
5. 5Add the clams

   

   Carefully add the cleaned clams into the pot of boiling broth. As they cook, they will open and release their natural oceanic flavor.

   Tip: Skim any foam that rises to the surface after adding the clams to keep the broth perfectly clear.
6. 6Prepare the zucchini

   

   On a cutting board, slice the green zucchini into thin strips or rounds. These will be added to the soup later to add freshness and texture.

   Tip: Adding zucchini towards the end of the cooking process helps it maintain its vibrant color and slight crunch.
7. 7Prepare the zucchini

   

   Stack the zucchini slices neatly on a cutting board and slice them into thin, uniform strips. These strips will be added to the soup later to provide a fresh, crisp texture that complements the noodles.

   Tip: Keep the strips relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
8. 8Skim the broth

   

   As the clam broth comes to a boil, use a metal ladle to carefully skim off the white foam that rises to the surface. Removing this foam ensures the final soup base remains clear and clean-tasting.

   Tip: Do this periodically as the soup boils to keep the broth looking pristine.
9. 9Season the broth

   

   Add fish sauce to the boiling broth to enhance the savory flavor of the clams. Adjust the seasoning with a touch of salt if needed to balance the taste to your preference.

   Tip: Add the fish sauce gradually and taste the broth as you go, as its salinity can vary.
10. 10Rinse the noodles

    

    Place the fresh hand-rolled noodles into a wire strainer and rinse them briefly under cold running water. This removes excess surface starch, which prevents the soup from becoming cloudy when the noodles are added.

    Tip: Shake off all the excess water thoroughly after rinsing.
11. 11Cook the noodles

    

    Gently slide the rinsed noodles into the pot of boiling clam broth. Let them cook until they reach a chewy, al dente texture.

    Tip: Be careful when adding the noodles to avoid splashing hot broth.
12. 12Add the zucchini

    

    Just before the noodles are fully cooked, add the prepared green zucchini strips to the pot. Cook for a short time until the zucchini is tender but still retains a bit of crunch.

    Tip: Add the zucchini towards the end so it doesnt overcook and lose its vibrant color.
13. 13Finish the clam noodle soup

    

    Using metal tongs, gently stir the pot to lift the cooked hand-rolled noodles, zucchini strips, and clams. Ensure everything is well-combined and heated through before turning off the heat and preparing to serve the dish.

    Tip: Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue to soften slightly in the hot broth even after being removed from the stove.

Storage & Reheating

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Frequently Asked Questions