Spicy Beef Stew

Yukgaejang, the spicy beef stew, is a vibrant and robust Korean dish that ignites a fiery warmth from within with each spoonful. Brimming with tender beef, an array of vegetables, and an array of bold spices, this stew is the epitome of comfort and indulgence. Despite its deeply complex flavors, Yukgaejang is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and time. The result is a soup that tastes as if it has been lovingly simmered all day, infusing your home with tantalizing aromas that beckon everyone to the dinner table. Served steaming hot, this fiery red stew delivers a delightful blend of heat and flavors that will awaken your senses and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly day or an invigorating meal to lift your spirits, Yukgaejang is the ultimate choice for an unforgettable dining experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound beef brisket, trimmed
• 8 scallions, cut into thirds
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• ¾ cup dried presoaked fernbrake (gosari or bracken fern fiddleheads), rinsed
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons gochugaru
• 2 tablespoons gochujang or gluten-free gochujang
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce or gluten-free soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup cooked glass noodles (optional)

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large stockpot over high heat, bring the brisket and about 4 quarts of water to a boil.
2. Immediately reduce the heat to low and simmer until the meat is tender, about 1 hour, skimming off the fat and foam that appear on the surface of the broth during cooking.
3. Remove the meat from the broth, leaving the broth in the pot.
4. When the meat is cool enough to handle, shred it along the grain with your hands or two forks.
5. In a large bowl, combine the shredded beef with the scallions, bean sprouts, and gosari (fernbrake).
6. Add the garlic, sesame oil, gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, and pepper.
7. Add the meat mixture to the broth in the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes. Taste and add additional soy sauce, if needed.
8. Swirl the beaten egg into the soup, stirring. Add the noodles (if using).
9. Serve immediately.

YIELD:

Serves 6

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• This soup is used as both a cold remedy and a hangover remedy. It definitely warms you from the inside and clears your sinuses, so I like to eat it when I’m feeling under the weather.

TIPS:

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add kimchi to the soup for a tangy and spicy kick.

In conclusion, Yukgaejang is a delectable and hearty Korean stew that elevates comfort food to an entirely new level. Its bold, spicy flavors dance on your taste buds, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. This dish is a testament to the incredible richness and diversity of Korean cuisine, where a few simple ingredients combine to produce a symphony of flavors that captivate the senses.

As you savor the delightful Yukgaejang, take a moment to appreciate the ease of preparation that delivers such incredible results. The tender beef, crisp vegetables, and invigorating spices meld together to create a dish that is both comforting and exhilarating.

So, gather your loved ones and indulge in this vibrant and spicy beef stew that will warm your soul and ignite your passion for Korean cuisine. Yukgaejang is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of the joy that comes from sharing heartwarming food with family and friends.