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Spicy Korean Yukgaejang Recipe

Spicy Korean Yukgaejang (Shredded Beef Soup) Recipe - Hearty, Fiery, and Comforting

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Beef: 1.5–2 pounds beef shank, brisket, or chuck (shank is traditional and shreds well)
  • Water or Broth: 10 cups water (or low-sodium beef stock for extra richness)
  • Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion (halved), 6 cloves garlic (smashed), 1 thumb-sized piece ginger (sliced), 2 scallions (white parts for broth)
  • Korean Chili Flakes (Gochugaru): 3–5 tablespoons, to taste
  • Korean Chili Paste (Gochujang): 1–2 tablespoons (optional, for body and sweetness)
  • Light Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (or Korean soup soy sauce, guk-ganjang, if available)
  • Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon (adds depth; optional but recommended)
  • Sesame Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Neutral Oil: 2 tablespoons (vegetable or canola)
  • Vegetables: 2 cups mung bean sprouts, rinsed
  • 2 cups fernbrake (gosari), soaked and pre-boiled if dried (or substitute 3 cups fresh spinach)
  • 1–2 cups mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or enoki), sliced
  • 4–5 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Optional add-ins: 1 teaspoon sugar (if you like a hint of sweetness), dash of black pepper, extra gochugaru for serving
  • To serve: Steamed white rice, kimchi, and toasted gim (seaweed) if you like

Instructions
 

  • Simmer the beef: Place the beef, onion, garlic, ginger, and the white parts of 2 scallions in a large pot. Add 10 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 1.5–2 hours, skimming foam as needed, until the beef is very tender.
  • Strain and shred: Remove the beef to a cutting board and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth, discard the solids, and return the clear broth to the pot. Shred the beef into bite-sized strands with forks or by hand.
  • Make the chili oil base: In a skillet, heat neutral oil over medium. Add gochugaru and stir for 30–45 seconds until fragrant and brick-red. Add minced garlic (2 extra cloves if you like), a drizzle of sesame oil, and the scallion pieces. Cook 1 minute more. Do not let the chili burn.
  • Build the soup: Stir the chili oil mixture into the broth. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and gochujang (if using). Bring to a simmer and taste. Adjust salt and heat by adding more soy or gochugaru as needed.
  • Add vegetables and beef: Add shredded beef, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and gosari (or spinach if substituting). Simmer 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have some bite.
  • Finish with eggs and sesame oil: Lower the heat so the soup is gently bubbling. Create a small whirlpool with a spoon and slowly drizzle in beaten eggs in a thin stream to form ribbons. Turn off heat. Add remaining sesame oil and a few cracks of black pepper.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls. Top with extra scallions and a sprinkle of gochugaru if you want more kick. Serve hot with steamed rice and kimchi.