Ingredients (4 servings)
Adapted from popular Korean recipes :
- 250 g lean beef (brisket or shank), shredded
- 150 g Korean radish (mu), julienned
- 100 g bracken (gosari), soaked and cut
- 100 g taro stems (torandae) or omit if unavailable
- 50 g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 50 g oyster mushrooms (neutari), torn
- 100 g bean sprouts
- 2 large scallions (daepa), sliced
- 3 tbsp garlic-infused oil (or vegetable oil + minced garlic)
- 3 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce + additional to taste
- ½ tbsp sugar
- Optional: 1 tbsp oyster sauce or fish sauce
- 7–8 cups water or beef broth
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prep the bracken & radish
Soak dried bracken until soft, drain, and chop. Julienne the radish. () - Cook the beef
In a pot, heat oil, then add beef. Sauté until lightly browned. - Build deep flavor
Add garlic oil (or minced garlic), stirring until fragrant. Add gochugaru—stir thoroughly to infuse the oil and beef. - Add vegetables & seasonings
Stir in radish, bracken, taro stem, shiitake, oyster mushrooms, and bean sprouts. Add soy sauce, sugar, and oyster sauce if using. - Simmer
Pour in water or broth, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to medium and simmer ~20 minutes, or until beef is tender and flavors meld. Season further if needed. - Finish with scallions
Add sliced scallions just before turning off the heat to preserve their fresh aroma. - Serve steaming hot, ideally over rice or with rice on the side.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Lean Beef: High in complete protein, iron, and zinc — essential for muscle maintenance, immune function, and energy, especially after weight loss.
- Bracken (Gosari): Rich in fiber and antioxidants; supports digestion and adds that classic chewy texture.
- Bean Sprouts: Low-calorie and high in vitamin C, folate, and fiber—supporting gut health and satiety.
- Mushrooms (Shiitake & Oyster): Provide umami flavor plus immune-enhancing beta-glucans and selenium.
- Korean Chili (Gochugaru): Contains capsaicin to boost metabolism, improve circulation, and support digestion.
- Radish: Aids digestion and liver detox with digestive enzymes, plus adds balance to the spicy broth.
- Garlic Oil: Offers allicin, which supports heart and immune health, and infuses the broth with aroma.
- Scallions: High in antioxidants and help stabilize blood sugar, supporting heart and metabolic health.
Why Yukgaejang is Good for You
- Muscle & Metabolism: Protein-rich broth helps maintain lean muscle—especially important after fat loss.
- Gut & Immunity: Fiber from vegetables and sprouts nourishes gut bacteria, reducing inflammation.
- Cardio & Circulation: Capsaicin and allicin lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
- Hormonal & Bone Support: Radish and garlic support liver detox and bone metabolism—helpful during menopause.