Easy ox bone soup (Seolleongtang) is a traditional Korean hot soup made with beef bone broth, tender beef slices, green onions, and thin noodles. This quick and simplified version of Seolleongtang is perfect for those busy days when you’re craving a comforting meal in under 20 minutes. While it may taste slightly different from the traditional Seolleongtang that simmers for hours, this recipe is still incredibly delicious. For a convenient twist, you can use store-bought beef broth, with Korean beef broth being the preferred choice. Not only is this soup satisfying, but it’s also packed with collagen, protein, and essential nutrients. Enjoy this hearty dish during the winter season or whenever you’re in need of a quick and flavorful meal.
Beef Broth Selection: A Guide to Finding the Best Fit
When it comes to enhancing the flavor of your soup, choosing the right beef broth is crucial. I suggest visiting a Korean grocery store like H-Mart and selecting a Seolleongtang (ox bone broth) as shown in the picture above. Personally, I prefer the brand JINGA. The one I picked doesn’t include beef, as I find that pre-packaged versions with beef tend to result in chewy and overcooked meat. That’s why I prefer adding my own sliced beef.
For heating the bone broth, I use a Korean stone bowl that I purchased from H-Mart (also available on Amazon). It effectively keeps the soup warm for a longer period of time.
Necessary Ingredients for a Flavorful Ox Bone Soup
- 1 packet of Korean ox bone soup (beef broth)
- 1-2 Chinese chives
- 1 green onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste – I recommend adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt for optimal flavor.
- Thin slices of beef (4-6 slices) – I prefer using beef flank steak with marbling for a richer taste. You can find pre-sliced beef at Asian grocery stores.
- Small bundle of Korean somyeon noodles
Side dishes:
- kimchi radish
- kimchi
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfecting Ox Bone Soup
Step 1. Start by opening the package of ox bone broth. Pour the broth into a pot and turn the heat to medium-high. (Optional step – if using somen noodles, boil them for 2 minutes, then strain. Rinse with cold water to remove excess starch, and strain again.
Step 2. Slice the green onions and Chinese chives, and cut the beef into 3-inch slices
Step 3. Once the ox bone broth comes to a boil, add the sliced beef and cook it according to your preference. Take out the beef from the broth and set it aside.
Step 4. Turn off the heat and add the green onions, Chinese chives, and noodles to the pot. For seasoning, start with ¼ teaspoon of salt and adjust according to your taste. I find that ½ teaspoon is perfect, but I recommend not exceeding 1 teaspoon. Depending on the brand of bone broth you used, adding more than 1 teaspoon of salt may make the soup too salty, and it may be difficult to correct the seasoning.
Step 5. Serve this simple ox bone soup alongside Korean kimchi radish and kimchi. The soup is also delicious when enjoyed with a piping hot bowl of rice. Enjoy it while it’s still warm!
Easy Recipe: How to Make Seolleongtang Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 packet (500mL) of Korean ox bone soup beef broth
- 1-2 Chinese chives
- 1 green onion
- Salt and pepper (recommend 1 teaspoon salt), to taste
- 4-6 thin slices of beef
- Small bundle of Korean somyeon noodles
Instructions:
- Open the package of Korean ox bone soup and pour the broth into a pot. Turn the heat to medium-high. (Optional step: Boil the Korean somyeon noodles for 2 minutes, strain, rinse with cold water to remove excess starch, and strain again.)
- Slice the green onions, Chinese chives, and beef into 3-inch pieces.
- Once the ox bone broth comes to a boil, add the sliced beef and cook it to your desired level of doneness. Take out the beef from the broth and set it aside.
- Turn off the heat and add the green onions, Chinese chives, and noodles to the pot. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt, then add more if needed. Personally, I find ½ teaspoon to be perfect, but I would not recommend going over 1 teaspoon. Depending on the bone broth you bought, the soup may become too salty if you exceed 1 teaspoon and it may be difficult to adjust the seasoning.
- Serve this easy ox bone soup with Korean kimchi radish and kimchi. The soup is also delicious with a hot bowl of rice. Enjoy it while it’s still warm!
