7 Irresistible Duk Guk Recipes to Try Today

In Korean culture, the New Year isn't marked just by fireworks and resolutions but by the delightful bowl of Duk Guk, a traditional rice cake soup. Known for its white rice cakes symbolizing purity and cleanliness, Duk Guk is often enjoyed as the first meal of the New Year, promising prosperity and good health. This dish isn't just a treat for the palate; it's steeped in tradition, making it a perfect way to welcome the year ahead. Here are seven irresistible Duk Guk recipes that you can try today to bring a taste of Korean tradition into your kitchen.

1. Classic Duk Guk

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sliced rice cakes (duk)
• 8 cups beef or anchovy broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Garnish: scallions, shredded nori, cooked egg strips

Directions:

1. In a pot, bring the beef or anchovy broth to a simmer.
2. Add the sliced rice cakes and cook until they soften, about 5-10 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce and salt, and drizzle with sesame oil.
4. Pour the beaten eggs in a slow stream to create ribbons in the soup.
5. Garnish with scallions, shredded nori, and cooked egg strips.

2. Seafood Duk Guk

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sliced rice cakes (duk)
• 8 cups fish broth or dashi
• 1/2 pound assorted seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Garnish: scallions, red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Heat fish broth or dashi in a pot.
2. Add the rice cakes and cook until soft.
3. Add the seafood and cook until done.
4. Pour in fish sauce, then the beaten eggs, stirring to create ribbons.
5. Garnish with scallions and a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

👨‍🍳 Note: Fresh seafood should be thoroughly cleaned and deveined if necessary for best results in this dish.

3. Mushroom Duk Guk

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sliced rice cakes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, oyster, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Garnish: green onions, toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Simmer vegetable broth in a pot.
2. Add sliced rice cakes and cook until tender.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
4. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, then slowly pour in beaten eggs.
5. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

4. Beef and Egg Duk Guk

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sliced rice cakes
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1/2 pound beef (sliced thinly)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Garnish: scallions, julienned carrot

Directions:

1. In a pot, bring beef broth to a gentle boil.
2. Marinate beef slices in soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic for 10 minutes.
3. Add rice cakes to the broth, followed by the marinated beef.
4. Slowly stir in beaten eggs to create ribbons.
5. Garnish with scallions and julienned carrot for color and crunch.

5. Spicy Duk Guk (Duk Mandu Guk)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sliced rice cakes
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 10-12 mandu (Korean dumplings)
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (red chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Garnish: scallions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Heat broth in a pot, and when it starts to simmer, stir in gochujang until dissolved.
2. Add rice cakes and cook until they are tender.
3. Add mandu and cook until they float to the surface, about 5 minutes.
4. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil, then garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes.

🌶 Note: Adjust the amount of gochujang to your desired level of spiciness.

6. Vegetarian Duk Guk

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sliced rice cakes
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup spinach, blanched
• 1 zucchini, sliced thinly
• 1 cup bean sprouts, blanched
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs, beaten (optional)
• Garnish: scallions, sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Bring vegetable broth to a simmer.
2. Add sliced rice cakes and cook until tender.
3. Add zucchini slices, bean sprouts, and spinach. Cook briefly until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
4. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. If using eggs, drizzle them in to create ribbons.
5. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

7. Dumpling and Rice Cake Fusion

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sliced rice cakes
• 10-12 mandu (Korean dumplings)
• 8 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Garnish: scallions, nori strips

Directions:

1. Simmer broth in a pot.
2. Add rice cakes and cook until they start to soften.
3. Add the dumplings and cook until they float.
4. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, then pour in the eggs in a steady stream to create egg ribbons.
5. Garnish with scallions and nori strips for a sea touch.

Each recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy Duk Guk, showcasing the versatility of this beloved Korean soup. The variations provided can cater to different tastes, from traditional to modern twists, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish regardless of dietary preferences or taste preferences.

What does Duk Guk symbolize in Korean culture?

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Duk Guk symbolizes purity, cleanliness, and the cutting away of the past year’s misfortunes. The round, white rice cakes represent coins, symbolizing prosperity and a bountiful year ahead.

Can Duk Guk be made vegetarian?

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Yes, Duk Guk can easily be adapted for vegetarians by using vegetable broth and substituting any meat with vegetables or tofu. There’s also the option to exclude the egg ribbons or replace them with vegan egg substitutes.

Is there a way to prepare Duk Guk ahead of time?

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You can prepare the broth and keep it refrigerated. Add rice cakes and any toppings right before serving to maintain the soup’s texture and flavor. Rice cakes soften quickly, so avoid adding them too early.