Easy Korean Mussel Soup Recipe: A College Student's Delight

Updated at: 14/01/2025

Craving a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal that won't break the bank? Look no further than this easy Korean mussel soup recipe, perfect for busy college students or anyone on a budget. This vibrant dish combines the savory richness of mussels with the satisfying chewiness of ramen noodles, all in a spicy and umami-packed broth. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing deliciousness. You'll be surprised at how easily you can elevate a simple weeknight meal into a restaurant-quality experience.

This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and minimal cooking techniques, making it ideal for even the most novice cooks. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor achieved with just a few simple steps. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step guide below!

Tools Needed

  • Large frying pan or pot

Ingredients

  • Mussels: 1 kilogram
  • Onion: 1
  • Spring Onion: 1
  • Korean Green Chili Pepper (Chun-hyang): 1/2
  • Water
  • Minced Garlic: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 tablespoon
  • Korean Ramen (Shin Ramyun)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Mussels and Aromatics

  • Select mussels with tightly sealed lips. Clean any debris from the shells.
Select mussels with tightly sealed lips. Clean any debris from the shells.
Prepare Mussels and Aromatics

Step 2. Simmer the Broth

  • In a large pan, add half an onion (cut in half), spring onion (chopped including green stalk), and half a Korean chili pepper (sliced).
  • Pour enough water to barely submerge the vegetables. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce heat to medium-high. Add minced garlic and salt. Stir well.
In a large pan, add half an onion (cut in half), spring onion (chopped including green stalk), and half a Korean chili pepper (sliced).Pour enough water to barely submerge the vegetables. Bring to a boil over high heat.Reduce heat to medium-high. Add minced garlic and salt. Stir well.
Simmer the Broth

Step 3. Cook the Mussels

  • Once the mussels have opened (about 10-15 mins), remove vegetables. Ladle some broth over the mussels.
  • Add a few more chili peppers on top, and a final scoop of broth.
Once the mussels have opened (about 10-15 mins), remove vegetables. Ladle some broth over the mussels.Add a few more chili peppers on top, and a final scoop of broth.
Cook the Mussels

Step 4. Assemble and Serve

  • Cook ramen noodles separately. Add mussels back to the broth before serving.
  • Add cooked ramen noodles, mussels, peppers, and spring onions to the soup.
Cook ramen noodles separately. Add mussels back to the broth before serving.Add cooked ramen noodles, mussels, peppers, and spring onions to the soup.
Assemble and Serve

Read more: Korean Suyuk (수육): Perfect Thinly Sliced Pork Belly

Tips

  • Don't overcook the mussels; they will shrink.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger servings.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the ramen noodles with something else?

Absolutely! Other noodles like udon, spaghetti, or even rice noodles would work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. What if I can't find gochujang (Korean chili paste)?

You can substitute with a blend of chili garlic sauce and a teaspoon of brown sugar to approximate the flavor, or simply omit it for a milder soup.


This easy Korean mussel soup recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and satisfying a meal can be without requiring hours in the kitchen or a hefty budget. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish as a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!