🇰🇷 South Korea · Food

Mu-guk (Clear Radish Soup)

45 min
A great way to spend your free time
🔥 350 kcal
Nicely balanced
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Mu-guk (Clear Radish Soup)🇰🇷 KR굿바이 조미료 · CC BY 2.0 kr · Wikimedia Commons

A comforting, light, and deeply nourishing soup that acts as a staple in every Korean household. It features sweet tender radish simmered in a savory, crystal-clear anchovy broth.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Peel 500g of radish and slice it into thin, bite-sized rectangles, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.

  • 2

    In a large heavy-bottomed pot, bring 1 liter of anchovy broth to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.

  • 3

    Add the sliced radish to the pot; you will notice the broth clarity as the radish begins to soften, about 8 minutes.

  • 4

    Stir in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, which provides the salty backbone of this dish—avoid adding too much so the broth remains clear.

  • 5

    Mince 4 cloves of garlic finely and add them to the pot; the aroma should hit you instantly, signaling it is time to reduce the heat.

  • 6

    Slice 2 stalks of green onion diagonally and add to the pot, then drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to add a final aromatic finish.

  • 7

    Simmer on low for another 5 minutes until the radish is translucent and tender, but not falling apart.

  • 8

    Taste the broth carefully; if needed, adjust with a pinch of salt to balance the natural sweetness of the radish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef instead of anchovy broth?+

Yes, substituting with brisket will create a heartier, richer version of this soup.

How do I ensure the broth remains clear?+

Avoid boiling it aggressively; maintain a gentle simmer and skim off any foam that surfaces.

Can this be made vegan?+

Absolutely, simply use a high-quality kombu or shiitake mushroom broth instead of anchovies.

What should the texture of the radish be?+

It should be fork-tender yet hold its shape, providing a gentle crunch and mild sweetness.

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