Korea, a land of vibrant culture and rich culinary traditions, offers a repertoire of dishes that tell the tales of its history and heart. One such comforting classic is the Korean Beef Oxtail Soup, a dish that carries the essence of home-cooked warmth right to your dining table. As a passionate food enthusiast at Food And Meal, it’s my pleasure to share with you a recipe that not only nourishes the body but also soothes the soul.
For as long as I can remember, food has been the centerpiece of our family gatherings, bridging generational gaps with every spoonful. Korean Beef Oxtail Soup, or “Kkori Gomtang” as it is lovingly known, is a dish I hold dear, infused with nostalgia and gastronomic joy. It’s the kind of soup that simmers gently across hours, drawing every ounce of flavor from the oxtails, resulting in a broth that’s deeply savory with layers of taste that unveil themselves like a well-aged wine.
On weekends, when the hustle of the work week dies down, and the window panes start to catch raindrops from the playful monsoon outside, that’s when the urge to recreate this masterpiece stirs within me. There’s something almost therapeutic about the process – selecting the finest oxtails, meticulously preparing the ingredients, and then patiently watching as the magic unfolds in the pot. And while the soup cooks, filling the air with a heartwarming aroma, it’s a time for me to pause and reflect, to remember that the best things in life often require just that – time.
Whether you’re looking to evoke memories of bustling Korean markets, or you’re simply in search for comfort in a bowl during the cooler days, this time-honored recipe is sure to foster warmth and bring people together. So, let me guide you through each step to achieving the perfect bowl of Korean Beef Oxtail Soup, a dish that might just stir up sentiments and palates alike.
Korean Beef Oxtail Soup Recipe
Korean Beef Oxtail Soup Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds oxtails, trimmed of visible fat
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 4 garlic cloves
- 10 to 12 peppercorns
- 4 scallions, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Soak the oxtails in cold water for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
- In a large stockpot, cover the oxtails with about 15 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat, for 10 minutes, regularly skimming any fat or foam from the surface. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 30 minutes, continuing to skim the foam. Then lower the heat to low and simmer gently for about 3 hours.
- Transfer the oxtails to a plate and set aside.
- Using a fine-meshed strainer, strain any floating pieces and fat from the soup. Return the soup to the stockpot.
- Reduce the heat to low and bring the soup to a simmer. Add the salt, garlic, and peppercorns to the pot. Continue to simmer for about 30 minutes. Discard the peppercorns and garlic.
- To serve, put the oxtails in individual large soup bowls and ladle the broth over the top. Sprinkle with the chopped scallions and season with black pepper.
Video
Notes
VARIATION TIP: You can serve this soup with rice cakes or sweet potato noodles in addition to the rice.
Nutrition
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This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Korean Beef Oxtail Soup Cooking Tips
Let’s start with the oxtails – the heroes of our story. It’s essential to treat them right to unlock the depth of flavor they’re capable of imparting. Begin by giving them a thorough wash, as we’re about to coax out all their richness. A critical tip that might seem like a mere detail, but is indeed a cornerstone to any good soup, is the parboiling process. This initial dance with heat removes impurities and ensures that every spoonful of your final product is clear, clean, and ready to tug at heartstrings.
Once your oxtails are prepped and cleaned, the real magic starts. Simmering them slowly and gently over low heat draws out not only the nutrients from the bones but allows time for the meat to become fork-tender. This is a dish that refuses to be rushed; it asks for your patience and rewards you in equal measures. And therein lies its beauty: it whispers of times when slowing down was not a luxury, but a given.
Spices and seasonings should be added with a considerate hand. Too much and you might overpower the subtle nuances; too little, and the soup won’t reach its full symphony of flavors. But remember, this understanding only deepens with each attempt, as every batch of soup becomes a reflection of your growing intuition and finesse in the kitchen.
Whenever I’m watching the pot, lost in the cadence of a gentle boil, there’s a harmonious blend of mindfulness and anticipation that sets in. The act of skimming off the fat from the top, though some might find perfunctory, adds a touch of clarity to both the soup and my thoughts. It’s these moments, these tiny actions, that make the end result more than just a meal – they make it a cherished memory.
As life swirls around us with unfathomable pace, there’s always comfort to be found in a bowl of Korean Beef Oxtail Soup. Its rich broth, the tender meat falling right off the bone, and the feeling it invokes of being held in a gentle embrace, nudges a reminder of what’s important: taking the time to nurture and nourish ourselves and our loved ones.
Serving Suggestions for Korean Beef Oxtail Soup
For a delightful dining experience with Korean Beef Oxtail Soup, consider pairing it with a variety of complementary dishes. Start with a light and flavorful appetizer such as steamed skate fish to prepare the palate. Enhance the richness of the oxtail soup by topping it with scallion kimchi or soy sauce eggs for added depth and protein. For a side dish, scallion pancakes provide a crispy texture that contrasts well with the tender oxtail meat. Include a small serving of soybean paste stew to further complement the bold flavors of the soup. Refresh the palate with pickled cucumbers, offering a crunchy and acidic balance. Conclude the meal on a sweet note with coconut date bites. If seeking an additional noodle dish, Japanese Mazesoba can be served on the side, providing flavorful and textured variety. These carefully curated serving suggestions aim to create a well-rounded culinary experience, marrying the robust taste of Korean Beef Oxtail Soup with a diverse array of complementary textures and flavors.
FAQs on Korean Beef Oxtail Soup
- Is Korean oxtail soup good for you? Yes, Korean oxtail soup can be a nutritious option. Oxtail is rich in nutrients like protein and collagen, and the broth is often infused with aromatic herbs and spices, providing a flavorful and wholesome dish.
- What ethnicity is oxtail soup? Oxtail soup is a dish found in various cuisines around the world, with variations in preparation and flavors. While it is commonly associated with European and Caribbean cuisines, the Korean version, in this case, showcases its own unique blend of flavors and ingredients.
- Is oxtail soup good for you? Oxtail soup can be beneficial for health. The oxtail meat is a good source of protein, and the broth, when prepared with care, can contain essential nutrients. Additionally, the collagen-rich broth may have potential benefits for joint health and skin.
- Is oxtail bone broth good for you? Yes, oxtail bone broth can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Bone broth, in general, is known for its collagen content, which may contribute to joint health and skin elasticity. It also provides essential minerals and can be a comforting and nourishing beverage.
- How long should I simmer the oxtail? Ideally, the longer the better. For a rich and flavorful broth, aim for at least 3 to 4 hours on a low simmer.
- Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot? Absolutely! Using a pressure cooker can reduce the cooking time significantly, while still maintaining depth in flavor.
- Is it essential to blanch the oxtail? Yes, blanching removes impurities and blood clots from the bones, ensuring a clearer soup.
- Can I add vegetables to the soup? Traditional versions keep it simple, but you can add vegetables like Korean radish or carrots for added texture and flavor.
- How do I store leftovers? Cool the soup to room temperature. Then, store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Conclusion
As we reach the end of this gastronomic tale, I hope you’ve felt the embrace of Korean culture through the robust flavors and soothing warmth of the Korean Beef Oxtail Soup. Each step, from preparing the oxtails to the final garnish, is a stitch in the fabric of a much larger culinary narrative—one that Food And Meal is committed to sharing with you.
At FoodAndMeal.com, we believe that every recipe is not just a set of instructions but an opportunity for connection, discovery, and pure enjoyment. The Korean Beef Oxtail Soup, with its rich history and heartening essence, is more than a dish; it’s a reflection of patience, thoughtfulness, and an invitation to indulge in the comfort of cooking.
May the time spent in your kitchen crafting this soup translate into moments of mindfulness and joy at your dining table. Gather your loved ones, ladle out hearty bowls full of love, garnished with your chosen accompaniments, and savor the simple yet profound delight that food can bring into our lives.
We at Food And Meal cherish the beauty of a shared meal and the stories it can tell. Visit us at foodandmeal.com to continue exploring an array of recipes, tips, and culinary inspirations designed to ignite your passion for the art of food.
And remember, whether you’re someone who relishes the art of slow cooking or are just beginning your journey in the world of gastronomy, a pot of Korean Beef Oxtail Soup is a delicious reminder of the joys found within the simmering and savored moments in life.
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.