person holding a seaweed
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Don’t be afraid of this strange looking soup!

Korean Seaweed Soup, also known as Miyeok Guk, is a traditional Korean soup that has been consumed for centuries. It is a staple in Korean cuisine and is often served on birthdays, after giving birth, or on other special occasions. This nutritious soup is not only delicious but also offers a wide range of health benefits.

In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of Korean Seaweed Soup and provide a recipe so that you can enjoy this flavorful dish at home. I wrote about roasted seaweed snacks in an older post, but that one was geared toward the crispy and dried version of the equally healthy greenery.

I’m not gonna lie to you…Miyeok Guk was ‘yuck yuck guk’ to me when I first arrived here. My first experience was with a friend of mine who served me a steaming hot bowl of green slimy slippery and utterly yucky-looking seaweed soup. I was devasted as the smell was fantastic but the look of it, not so much. It took me a few months to get used to this popular soup and I completely fell in love with it…

Funny how times have changed, I now ask my wife to ‘hook me up’ some of this now-yummy soup several times a month. My 6-year-old loves to eat this soup as well, and he’s never seen it as being weird or slimy. You get to learn(and appreciate) many things while living abroad for as long as I have, including opening your eyes to foods that would otherwise be shunned under the radar.

Health Benefits of Korean Seaweed Soup

  1. Rich in Nutrients Seaweed is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in iodine, which is essential for proper thyroid function. Other nutrients found in seaweed include calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K. All of these nutrients are important for overall health and can help prevent various diseases.
  2. Promotes Digestive Health Seaweed contains a type of fiber called alginate, which has been shown to promote digestive health. Alginate helps to reduce inflammation in the gut and may also help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
  3. Supports Immune Function Seaweed is high in antioxidants, which help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause cellular damage and may contribute to the development of chronic diseases. The antioxidants in seaweed help to neutralize free radicals and support the immune system.
  4. May Help Lower Cholesterol Some studies have suggested that seaweed may help to lower cholesterol levels. Seaweed contains a type of fiber called fucoidan, which has been shown to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
  5. Good for Heart Health Seaweed is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Omega-3s help to reduce inflammation in the body and may also help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Miyeok Guk Recipe

Now that we have explored the many benefits of Korean Seaweed Soup, let’s move on to the recipe. This recipe serves four and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll find many of your ingredients at Kmall 24!

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz dried miyeok (seaweed) or Goldmedal Laver
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 tbsp BEBEFOOD – SESAME OIL
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp BEBEFOOD – MILD SOY SAUCE
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Soak the miyeok in a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes, or until it is soft and pliable.
  2. Drain the miyeok and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add the sliced green onions to the pot and sauté for another minute.
  5. Add the water and the miyeok to the pot and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the miyeok is tender.
  7. Add the soy sauce and salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy!

I’m Canadian and love potatoes…So my wife cuts 4 medium potatoes in quarters and adds them to the soup. It’s a great combo and goes well with the soup’s overall flavor. You can also add chopped shrimp or other small kinds of seafood.

Final Thoughts

Korean Seaweed Soup, or Miyeok Guk, is a delicious and nutritious soup that offers a wide range of health benefits. Whether you are looking to support your digestive health, boost your immune system, or improve your heart health, this soup is a great choice.

So next time you are in the mood for a hearty and healthy soup, give Miyeok Guk a try! Give it to your kids, they may love it…

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