Korean hangover soup

Hangover? I Can Help You

We all have our go-to remedies when dealing with a hangover, right? Whether it’s greasy comfort food like burgers, pizza, or tacos, or something light and soothing like a refreshing cold noodle dish – everyone has their favorites. But when it’s a heavy hangover, I personally crave something that will warm me up and provide a bit of spice to really kick-start my recovery.

That’s when I turn to a traditional Korean hangover soup: Hwangtae Kongnamul Guk.

This clear and spicy soup is made with dried pollack and bean sprouts, both of which are known to help ease the discomfort of a hangover. Pollack is a lean fish packed with protein and nutrients that help replenish the body after a long night of drinking.

Bean sprouts, on the other hand, are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that boost hydration and promote digestion, which is exactly what your body needs after a night out. So, after my boyfriend had one too many drinks the other night, I knew exactly what to do to get him back on track! Here’s how I made it.

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🍽️ Ingredients

To prepare this hearty and rejuvenating soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Dried Pollack (Hwangtae): A key ingredient that brings a rich, savory flavor to the broth. This dried fish is packed with nutrients and protein, perfect for restoring your body after a hangover.

• Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul): Known for their high vitamin content, they add crunch and a fresh taste to the soup while helping your body stay hydrated.

• Sesame Oil: For stir-frying the pollack, sesame oil imparts a nutty flavor that complements the fish perfectly.

• Fish Sauce: For a deep umami flavor, fish sauce is essential in Korean cuisine. It enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Salt: Adjust the salt to taste for a well-balanced broth.

• Green Onions (scallions): These will add freshness and a mild oniony kick to the soup.

• Spicy Green Peppers: These are optional, but they add the perfect spicy finish to the soup, making it all the more comforting.

How to Make It

1. Soak the Dried Pollack
   Start by soaking the dried pollack in water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate it. Dried fish can be tough if you don’t soak it properly, so give it enough time to soften up. Once it’s nice and tender, cut it into bite-sized pieces, ensuring each piece will absorb the flavors of the broth well.

Dried pollack is rich in nutrients, and once it soaks in water, it releases a deliciously savory flavor. You’ll notice that the texture becomes more tender and suitable for the soup. If you like a bit more depth to your soup, feel free to leave the fish soaking for a bit longer, but around 10 minutes should be just right.

2. Stir-Fry the Pollack
   Once the pollack is softened, heat up some sesame oil in a hot pot or a wok. Sesame oil has a unique nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish, especially when you lightly stir-fry the pollack before adding water. Stir-fry the pieces of pollack for a few minutes until they release a savory aroma. This step not only enhances the flavor of the fish but also creates a beautiful depth in the broth.

It’s important not to overcook the pollack here, as you want it to maintain a tender texture once it hits the broth.

The oil will help release all those good flavors and make sure they infuse into the soup later.

3. Add Water and Bean Sprouts
   Once the pollack is lightly stir-fried, pour in the water to form the base of the broth. This is when the flavors start to meld together, creating a delicious, savory broth that will soothe your body. Bring the water to a boil.

As the broth heats up, add in the fresh bean sprouts. Bean sprouts are essential in this soup as they provide a wonderful crunch and add a mild, slightly nutty flavor. They also contribute to the health benefits of the soup, aiding in hydration and digestion, which can help calm your stomach after a night of drinking.

Let the soup simmer for a while so the bean sprouts can cook and absorb all the flavors from the pollack and the broth.

4. Season It Right
   Now it’s time to season your soup. Add fish sauce for an extra umami kick. The fish sauce provides a rich, savory depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Adjust the amount of salt to taste, but keep in mind that the fish sauce already adds a bit of saltiness, so be careful not to overdo it.

5. Add Final Touches
   Once the soup starts to boil and everything is nicely cooked, toss in the chopped green onions and spicy green peppers. These additions are what give the soup its signature punch. The green onions add a fresh, mild flavor that complements the salty broth, while the spicy green peppers provide a fiery kick that will help revitalize you after a rough night.

If you like it spicier, feel free to add more peppers. You can also adjust the number of green onions based on how fresh you want the flavor to be.

6. Serve and Enjoy
   After everything has cooked down and the flavors have melded together, your Hwangtae Kongnamul Guk is ready to serve! Ladle the broth and ingredients into a bowl, and enjoy it hot.

The combination of the tender pollack, crunchy bean sprouts, and the spicy, umami-rich broth will soothe your body and help you feel better in no time.

Just one sip of this hot, flavorful broth and you’ll feel the hangover slowly melting away. It’s an incredibly comforting dish that brings you warmth, nourishment, and healing – all in one bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Korean Hangover Soup

Not only is Hwangtae Kongnamul Guk a perfect hangover cure, but it’s also a deliciously comforting dish that you’ll want to make even when you’re not feeling under the weather. The light broth, the spice from the peppers, and the umami from the pollack and fish sauce create a perfect balance of flavors that’s both comforting and revitalizing. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for any time of day!

This soup is an excellent dinner idea or lunch idea when you’re craving something both satisfying and good for your body. If you enjoy Korean food or are looking for an easy-to-make hangover soup, this dish is a must-try!

Whether you’re dealing with a hangover or simply looking for a nutritious and flavorful dish, Hwangtae Kongnamul Guk will hit the spot every time. It’s not just a quick fix for hangovers, but a great go-to recipe when you need a comforting, healthy meal that can be made with ingredients you probably already have at home.

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Feel free to try it out and enjoy!

For more recipe you can check out napa cabbage soup.