How to Make Delicious Saeujeot Soup in 7 Steps

Saeujeot Soup is a savory and comforting Korean soup made with fermented shrimp (saeujeot). It's packed with umami flavors and perfect for a simple yet satisfying meal. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a flavorful Saeujeot Soup, complete with some helpful tips to enhance the taste.

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

• 200 grams of pork belly (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon saeujeot (fermented shrimp)
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 4 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Sesame oil (for garnish)
• Salt to taste

7 Steps to Make Saeujeot Soup

1. Prepare the Pork Belly

In a pot, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced pork belly and stir-fry it until it starts to turn golden and crispy. This will add depth to the soup's flavor.

Tip: Don’t skip frying the pork belly. The rendered fat adds richness to the broth and enhances the overall flavor.

2. Add the Saeujeot and Garlic

Once the pork is browned, add the minced garlic and saeujeot (fermented shrimp). Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors of the shrimp paste and garlic infuse into the pork.

Tip: Make sure to cook the saeujeot well to bring out its umami flavor and reduce any strong fermented smell.

3. Pour in the Water

Add 4 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil. This will create the base of the soup. Let the pork and saeujeot simmer together for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Add the Vegetables

Add the sliced onion and zucchini to the soup. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Tip: Add vegetables in stages depending on their cooking time. Zucchini cooks faster, so keep an eye on the texture.

5. Season the Soup

Season the soup with soy sauce, ground black pepper, and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, as the saeujeot can be salty on its own.

Tip: Start with a small amount of salt since the saeujeot already adds saltiness. You can always add more later.

6. Add Green Onions

Once the vegetables are cooked, add the chopped green onions. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to soften the green onions and enhance the freshness of the soup.

7. Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the soup for a nutty finish. Serve the soup hot with steamed rice and kimchi for a complete Korean meal.

Tip: A final drizzle of sesame oil before serving adds an aromatic touch and rounds out the flavors of the soup.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Saeujeot Soup:

1. Control the saltiness: Since saeujeot is salty, be careful when adding additional salt. Taste as you go and adjust gradually.
2. Cook the pork belly well: Frying the pork belly until it's crispy adds richness and texture to the soup.
3. Balance the umami: If the soup tastes too strong, balance the flavors by adding a little more water or a pinch of sugar to mellow out the saltiness.
4. Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables like zucchini and onion add a light, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the broth.

Enjoy your hearty and delicious Saeujeot Soup!