Authentic Korean Yeseotang (Seafood Soup) Recipe: A Healthy and Flavorful Delight

Ingredients

1 kilogram of freshwater snails
3 liters of water
2 tablespoons of salt
1 teaspoon of pepper
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
4 green onions, sliced
1 small onion, diced
4 dried red chili peppers
1 medium daikon radish, peeled and sliced
2 hot green chili peppers, sliced
1 medium Korean zucchini, sliced

Steps and instructions

Clean the snails thoroughly in salted water, changing the water several times until it runs clear.
Once cleaned, boil the snails for about 10 minutes in a large pot filled with 3 liters of water.
Drain the snails and set aside, keeping the water for later use.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced radish, and red chili peppers. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened.
Add the snails back into the pot along with the soy sauce, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Add the sliced green onions, hot green chili peppers, and Korean zucchini. Cook for another 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper or red pepper flakes to taste.
Serve the Yeseotang hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Tools for making

Large pot - Needed to boil the snails and cook the soup.
Strainer - Used to drain the snails after boiling and separate them from the cooking liquid.
Knife - Essential for dicing the onion, slicing the radish, zucchini, and green onions.
Cutting board - Provides a sturdy and safe surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the salt, pepper, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
Stirring spoon - Helps to mix and combine the ingredients in the pot.
Soup ladle - Used to serve the Yeseotang into bowls.
Garnish, such as extra green onions - Optional, but adds visual appeal and extra flavor to the dish.

Recipe variations

Substitute freshwater snails with other seafood such as clams, mussels, or shrimp.
Add other vegetables like mushrooms, cabbage, or carrots for additional flavor and texture.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh chili peppers.
Include other herbs and spices like ginger, lemongrass, or cilantro to enhance the aroma.
Make it vegetarian-friendly by replacing the snails with tofu or tempeh.
Experiment with different types of broth, such as seafood broth or vegetable broth, to create unique flavor profiles.
Add a splash of rice wine or vinegar for a tangy twist.
For a heartier version, add cooked noodles or rice cakes.
Adjust the level of saltiness by reducing or increasing the amount of soy sauce.
Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Recipe overview

Yeseotang is a flavorful and spicy Korean soup made with freshwater snails and a variety of aromatic and spicy ingredients. As a traditional Korean dish, it is known for its unique taste and health benefits. This recipe will guide you through the process of preparing Yeseotang, from cleaning the snails to layering the flavors in the soup. Expect a spicy, hearty, and comforting dish that's perfect for any time of the year but is especially beneficial during the hot summer months. Do note that while the cooking process is straightforward, the key to a great Yeseotang is patience - allowing the soup to simmer and infuse the flavors together. Enjoy a taste of Korea with this delicious Yeseotang recipe!

Common questions

How do I clean freshwater snails for this recipe? Clean the snails thoroughly in salted water, changing the water several times until it runs clear.
Can I use canned snails instead of fresh ones? Fresh snails are recommended for this recipe to achieve the authentic taste and texture, but you can use canned snails as a substitute if fresh ones are not available.
How long should I boil the snails? Boil the snails for about 10 minutes in a large pot filled with 3 liters of water.
What should I do with the water used to boil the snails? Drain the snails and set aside, keeping the water for later use in the recipe.
What are the main vegetables used in Yeseotang? The main vegetables used in Yeseotang are diced onion, sliced radish, hot green chili peppers, and Korean zucchini.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of Yeseotang by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes according to your preference.
How long should I let the soup simmer? Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
What can I garnish Yeseotang with? Yeseotang can be garnished with extra sliced green onions if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - A large pot is needed to boil the snails and simmer the soup.
Knife - A knife is required for slicing the vegetables and preparing the ingredients.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting and chopping the ingredients.
Strainer - A strainer is needed for draining the snails after boiling.
Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pot.
Soup ladle - A soup ladle is essential for serving the Yeseotang.

Origin stories

Yeseotang, a traditional Korean soup made with freshwater snails, is a beloved summertime delicacy. Originating from the agricultural societies of Korea, the soup is known for its cooling properties, making it a popular dish during the hot and humid summer months. The dish was traditionally enjoyed by farmers, who collected freshwater snails from rice paddies and streams, turning a humble ingredient into an iconic dish. The unique, slightly crunchy texture and subtly sweet flavor of the snails, paired with the spicy and savory broth, make Yeseotang a refreshing and hearty dish. An interesting fact is that Yeseotang is also considered a health food in Korea, believed to help with skin beauty and detoxification.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.