Sogogi Gukbap
Korean Beef and Rice Soup
A comforting and clear Korean beef soup, featuring tender brisket and rice, traditionally a specialty of Daegu. This recipe focuses on building a rich, clean broth from beef bones and brisket.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef brisket(Choose a piece with good marbling for flavor and tenderness.)
- 500 g Beef bones(Marrow bones or knuckle bones work well for a rich broth.)
- 1/2 medium Korean radish (mu)(About 200-250g. Peel and cut into large chunks.)
- 3 L Water(For the broth.)
- for serving Cooked rice(Preferably short-grain white rice.)
- 4 stalks Scallions(White and light green parts thinly sliced for garnish, dark green parts reserved for broth if desired.)
- 1 large Egg(Optional, for topping. Can be lightly beaten and drizzled in, or served as a soft-boiled egg.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- optional Fish sauce or soy sauce(For seasoning at the table.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the beef bones: Place the beef bones in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat for about 5-10 minutes. You'll see impurities and scum rise to the surface. Drain the bones completely and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove all scum. Clean the stockpot.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Make the broth: Return the cleaned bones to the clean stockpot. Add the beef brisket and the large chunks of Korean radish. Pour in 3 liters of cold water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer gently for at least 2 hours, or until the brisket is very tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of simmering. The broth should be clear and fragrant.
⏱️ 2 hours - 3
Prepare the brisket and radish: Carefully remove the tender brisket and radish chunks from the broth using a slotted spoon. Place them on a cutting board and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, thinly slice the brisket against the grain. Cut the radish into bite-sized pieces.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Strain the broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (if available) into a clean pot or container. Discard the bones and any remaining solids. You should have a clear, flavorful broth. Taste the broth and season with salt and black pepper as needed. If the broth seems too light, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to concentrate the flavor.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Prepare garnishes: Thinly slice the white and light green parts of the scallions. If using egg, you can lightly beat it and have it ready to drizzle into the soup, or prepare a soft-boiled egg. Ensure your cooked rice is hot and ready.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Assemble the bowls: Place a generous portion of hot cooked rice into each serving bowl. Ladle the hot, clear beef broth over the rice, ensuring it covers the rice well. Arrange the sliced brisket and radish pieces on top of the rice and broth.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the sliced scallions over the soup. If using, drizzle the beaten egg into the hot broth (it will cook instantly) or add your prepared soft-boiled egg. Serve immediately. Guests can further season their soup at the table with salt, pepper, and optional fish sauce or soy sauce to their preference.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer broth, you can blanch the brisket briefly before adding it to the simmering pot.
- ✓Don't discard the radish; it absorbs the beefy flavor and adds a pleasant texture.
- ✓The broth is the star; ensure it's well-seasoned and clear. Skimming is crucial for clarity.
- ✓Serve with kimchi and other Korean banchan (side dishes) for a complete meal.
- ✓Daegu style often includes a slightly more robust radish flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For an 'extra beefy' version, use a larger piece of brisket or add beef tendon to the broth.
- Some variations include adding beef blood sausage (sundae) for a heartier soup.
- A touch of minced garlic can be added to the broth during the last 30 minutes of simmering for added depth.