Authentic Korean Jjamppong Soup: A Spicy Seafood Delight

Introduction

Welcome to Recipes in Style! I’m Sophie Grace, your culinary guide to exploring the vibrant world of flavors. Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods: Korean Jjamppong Soup. This fiery and savory noodle soup is a staple in many Korean households and a favorite dish for those craving something spicy and satisfying. With its rich broth and a delightful mix of seafood and vegetables, Jjamppong is an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the authentic taste of Korean cuisine.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting your culinary journey, my goal is to inspire you with simple, elegant, and delicious recipes that you can enjoy with ease. In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about making this exquisite dish at home. From the key ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions, and even tips for perfect results, I’m here to help you every step of the way. So, let’s dive into the world of Korean Jjamppong Soup and transform your kitchen into a culinary playground!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Key Benefits

Korean Jjamppong Soup is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a hearty meal that provides numerous benefits. Its spicy broth is comforting and warming, perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Packed with nutrient-rich seafood and vegetables, this dish is both delicious and nutritious, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a balanced diet.

Unique Features

What sets Jjamppong apart is its unique blend of flavors and textures. The combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes creates a complex profile that is uniquely Korean. Moreover, the variety of seafood used adds a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate with other ingredients. The soup is typically made with a mix of shrimp, mussels, and squid, which not only enhance the taste but also contribute to the dish’s appealing visual presentation.

Ingredients for Korean Jjamppong Soup

Main Ingredients

  • 200g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 200g mussels, cleaned
  • 200g squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup napa cabbage, chopped
  • 100g bok choy, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • 6 cups chicken broth or seafood stock
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 200g Korean wheat noodles or udon noodles
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Spring onions, sliced for garnish

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce for added depth
  • Tofu cubes for extra protein
  • Bean sprouts for added crunch
  • 1 boiled egg, halved for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation Steps

  1. Start by preparing all the ingredients. Clean and devein the shrimp, clean the mussels thoroughly, and slice the squid into rings. Set aside.
  2. Chop the vegetables: thinly slice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, julienne the carrot, chop the napa cabbage, bok choy, and slice the red bell pepper. Keep them ready for the cooking process.

Cooking Process

  1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add the carrot, napa cabbage, bok choy, and red bell pepper to the pot. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Add the gochugaru and gochujang to the vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat the vegetables in the spicy paste.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth or seafood stock, then add the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, add the seafood: shrimp, mussels, and squid. Reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.
  6. Meanwhile, cook the Korean wheat noodles or udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the sesame oil and fish sauce for additional flavor depth.
  8. Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup over the noodles, ensuring an even distribution of seafood and vegetables.
  9. Garnish with sliced spring onions and optional toppings such as bean sprouts or a halved boiled egg.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Korean Jjamppong Soup!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

Pro Chef Tips

For an even more authentic taste, consider using a seafood stock made from shrimp shells and fish bones. This will enhance the umami flavors of your soup. Additionally, always use fresh seafood whenever possible to ensure the best taste and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcooking the seafood, as this can result in a rubbery texture. Be mindful of the cooking times for each type of seafood and add them to the soup accordingly. Also, be cautious with the amount of gochugaru and gochujang, especially if you’re sensitive to spice. You can always adjust the heat level to suit your taste preferences.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Calories and Macros

A standard serving of Korean Jjamppong Soup provides approximately 400 calories, with a macronutrient distribution of around 25g protein, 12g fat, and 50g carbohydrates. These values can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.

Health Benefits

This soup is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. The seafood provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the spicy broth can help boost metabolism and improve digestion. Together, these components make Korean Jjamppong Soup a wholesome and nourishing meal.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the seafood and use a vegetable broth. Add tofu or mushrooms for additional texture and protein. For a gluten-free version, ensure your soy sauce and noodles are gluten-free and substitute with rice noodles if needed.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood, such as clams or crab, to create your own version of Jjamppong. You can also vary the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochugaru and gochujang to suit your personal taste preferences.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

How to Store

Leftover Jjamppong Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until thoroughly heated. If the noodles have absorbed too much broth, you can add a little more stock or water to adjust the consistency.

Serving Ideas

Korean Jjamppong Soup is best served hot and fresh. Pair it with steamed rice for a complete meal or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying lunch or dinner. For a truly Korean dining experience, serve it alongside banchan (Korean side dishes) such as kimchi, pickled radishes, or seasoned seaweed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main flavor of Korean Jjamppong Soup?

The main flavor profile of Jjamppong is spicy and savory with a hint of sweetness, primarily derived from the gochugaru, gochujang, and seafood used in the recipe.

Can I make Jjamppong less spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of gochugaru and gochujang or omitting them entirely for a milder version.

What can I use instead of seafood?

If you prefer a non-seafood version, you can substitute with tofu, chicken, or a variety of mushrooms to maintain the hearty texture of the soup.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure to explore the delightful world of Korean Jjamppong Soup. This flavorful and nutritious dish is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Korea, and I hope it brings warmth and joy to your table. Remember, cooking is an art that allows you to express creativity and share love through food. So, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and make this recipe your own.

Whether you’re craving something spicy and comforting or looking to impress your guests with a taste of Korean cuisine, Jjamppong is a perfect choice. I invite you to try this recipe at home and experience the bold flavors that make it a favorite among so many. Don’t forget to connect with me on social media and share your creations. Together, let’s make cooking stylish, creative, and fun!

Bon Appétit,

Sophie Grace, Your Chef 🍳✨

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Authentic Korean Jjamppong Soup: A Spicy Seafood Delight


  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A fiery, savory Korean noodle soup brimming with fresh seafood, crisp vegetables, and bold spices. Perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving comfort with a kick.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 200g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 200g mussels, cleaned
  • 200g squid, sliced into rings
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup napa cabbage, chopped
  • 100g bok choy, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • 6 cups chicken broth or seafood stock
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 200g Korean wheat noodles or udon noodles
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Spring onions, sliced for garnish
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • Optional: Tofu cubes
  • Optional: Bean sprouts
  • Optional: 1 boiled egg, halved

Instructions

  1. Prepare all ingredients: clean shrimp and mussels, slice squid into rings.
  2. Chop vegetables: slice onion, mince garlic, grate ginger, julienne carrot, chop napa cabbage and bok choy, slice red bell pepper.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
  4. Add carrot, napa cabbage, bok choy, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until softened.
  5. Mix in gochugaru and gochujang, stirring well to coat the vegetables.
  6. Pour in broth and add soy sauce and oyster sauce. Bring to a boil.
  7. Add seafood: shrimp, mussels, squid. Simmer for 10 minutes until seafood is cooked and mussels open.
  8. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  9. Season soup with salt, pepper, sesame oil, and fish sauce if using.
  10. Divide noodles into bowls, ladle soup over top, ensuring even distribution of seafood and vegetables.
  11. Garnish with spring onions, bean sprouts, or halved boiled egg if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid overcooking seafood to keep texture tender. Adjust spice level by modifying gochugaru and gochujang. For vegetarian or gluten-free versions, substitute accordingly. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1300mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: jjamppong, Korean soup, spicy seafood soup, Korean noodles, Korean comfort food

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