“Do you know what soup Koreans eat on their birthdays?” — Miyeok- guk is traditionally eaten as a birthday soup in South Korea.
What is Miyeok ?
The edible brown seaweed known as miyeok is frequently used in Korean cuisine, particularly in soups like migeok-guk (seaweed soup). It is closely related to Wakame and is also known as sea mustard in English that is simmered in a light broth to make the traditional Korean seaweed soup known as miyeok-guk. It has a clean savory flavor and is typically made with broth, beef or seafood. It is mild and not spicy.
Every year on their birthday, Koreans traditionally eat miyeok-guk as a way to thank their mothers for bearing them. Because miyeok is so nutritious, women have traditionally eaten it for several months following childbirth to aid in the healing process.
Ingredients:
1. Dried miyeok (Korean seaweed / wakame ) .
2. Beef ( stew meat, brisket or chuck), sliced or small cubes.
3. Sesame oil .
4. Soy sauce or Korean soup soy sauce ( guk – ganjang ) to taste .
5. Fish sauce ( optional for deeper flavor)
6. Garlic cloves, minced.
7. 5 – 6 cups water or light beef / anchovy broth.
8.Salt and pepper according to taste.
Steps:
1. Soak the dried miyeok in plenty of cold water for 10-20 minutes until soft, then rinse, squeeze out excess water and cut into bite size pieces.
2. Lightly season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the beef in a pot with sesame oil over medium heat until it begins to brown.
4.To blend the flavors, add the minced garlic and soaked to the pot and sauté for two to three minutes .
5. Bring to a boil after adding the water or broth, soy sauce and fish sauce if desired.
6. After boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 to 30 minutes or until the broth is rich and the beef is tender. If necessary, add more salt or soy sauce.
7. If desired, top with a little sesame oil and serve hot with kimchi and steamed rice .
In addition to offering fiber and vitamins A,C,E and k, miyeok-guk is high in minerals like iodine, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. It has long been thought that this nutrient profile helps with digestion and postpartum recuperation.
Written by – Sahinoor
About the Author –
My name is Sahinoor. I have a strong desire to learn a new language and culture whenever I get spare time. Despite being from a different culture, I have always been interested in other cultures. After watching Korean drama, I became very interested in Korean culture and life-style as a teenager. My passion for learning has given me a fantastic opportunity to write articles. I will be able to broaden my knowledge and discover a lot more about my cherished South Korea by writing articles.