Baek Jong-won's Beef Seaweed Soup Recipe: A Must-Have for Korean Birthday Meals, Warm and Healthy

Beef seaweed soup is a quintessential dish in Korea, indispensable for birthday celebrations. "Eating seaweed soup" is considered a symbol of birthday wishes, and it's also a popular postpartum recovery meal for mothers. With Baek Jong-won's recipe, anyone can easily make this healthy and delicious traditional Korean dish. The rich savory taste, tender seaweed, and savory beef combine to make beef seaweed soup a nutritious and healthy meal.

Why Seaweed Soup is Special

Seaweed soup is more than just a delicious dish; it's a culinary tradition imbued with health benefits. Seaweed is known to be rich in minerals, iodine, and dietary fiber, making it a well-known health-supporting food. Postpartum mothers often enjoy seaweed soup because seaweed is helpful in promoting blood circulation and eliminating waste from the body. The tradition of eating seaweed soup on birthdays continues to honor the beginning of life and the dedication of mothers.

Introducing the Ingredients

Basic Ingredients

• Beef (Brisket): 1/2 cup (100g)
• Cut Seaweed: 1/3 cup (10g)
• Sesame Oil: 2 tbsp (14g)
• Soy Sauce: 3 tbsp (30g)
• Water: Approximately 7 cups (1.3L)
• Minced Garlic: 2/3 tbsp (10g)
• Anchovy Fish Sauce: 1 and 1/2 tbsp (15g)

How to Make It

1. Soaking the Seaweed

• Soak the cut seaweed in cold water for 10-15 minutes.
• Drain the soaked seaweed in a colander, remove excess water, and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sautéing the Beef

• Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium-low heat.
• Add the beef and sauté until it is browned, enhancing the savory flavor.

3. Adding the Seaweed

• Add the soaked seaweed to the sautéed beef and stir-fry together.
• Sautéing the seaweed maximizes its savory flavor.

4. Seasoning with Soy Sauce

• Add soy sauce to the stir-fried seaweed and beef, and stir-fry until the flavors blend.

5. Boiling the Broth

• Pour approximately 7 cups (1.3L) of water into the pot and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to enhance the aroma.

6. Final Seasoning Adjustment

• Add anchovy fish sauce to complete the deep flavor of the soup.
• Taste and add more salt if needed to suit your preference.

7. Completion

• Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, then serve warm.

Cooking Tips

1. Meat Selection

• Using beef shank for soup instead of brisket will result in a more tender texture.

2. Type of Seaweed

• Cut seaweed is convenient, while long seaweed provides a deeper flavor.

3. Secret to Deep Flavor

• Using soy sauce and anchovy fish sauce together enhances the savory taste and aroma.

4. Additional Ingredients

• Tofu, mushrooms, or potatoes can be added for extra flavor.

Health Benefits of Beef Seaweed Soup

Seaweed is rich in iodine, beneficial for thyroid health, and contains abundant calcium and iron, helpful for bone health and preventing anemia. Beef is an excellent source of protein and iron, and when cooked with seaweed, it provides a balanced nutritional profile.

Beef Seaweed Soup and Korean Birthday Culture

In Korea, there's a tradition of eating seaweed soup on birthdays. This custom began as a way to celebrate and commemorate the health of the newborn and the mother. Baek Jong-won's beef seaweed soup, with its simple recipe and rich flavor, is a dish that can be enjoyed not only on birthdays but also frequently in everyday life.

Today, prepare a warm table with a bowl of beef seaweed soup, filled with Korean tradition and health!