Korean Namhae-Style Clam Broth
Quick answer
Namhae-jogae-tang is a southern coastal Korean clam soup that relies on an abundance of clams and minimal interference to produce a broth of startling clarity and depth.
What makes this special
- Namhae-jogae-tang focuses on fresh clams and a splash of cheongju for coastal clarity.
- A splash of cheongju burns off fishiness while keeping the clam stock clear
- Checking the clams' natural salinity before adding salt is the Namhae rule
Key ingredients
Core cooking flow
- 1 Soak 700 g clams in salted water for 30 minutes to purge grit.
- 2 Slice 1 green chili, 1/2 red chili, and 1 green onion into thin rounds before heating the pot.
- 3 Pour 1200 ml water into a pot and bring it to a strong boil over high heat.
Namhae-jogae-tang is a southern coastal Korean clam soup that relies on an abundance of clams and minimal interference to produce a broth of startling clarity and depth. The clams are purged in salted water, then cooked in water spiked with rice wine, which tempers any raw ocean smell. As the shells pop open, they release their natural liquor - briny, faintly sweet, and concentrated - which becomes the soup's defining flavor. Sliced green and red chilies add gentle heat and color without overwhelming the shellfish, while garlic and green onion contribute a quiet aromatic layer. Salt is added cautiously, since the clams themselves bring significant salinity. The result is a transparent, intensely flavored bowl that tastes like the sea distilled into its purest form, and it is traditionally enjoyed as both a drinking companion and a light meal.
Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Season
Soak 700 g clams in salted water for 30 minutes to purge grit.
Rinse them well, rubbing the shells together under clean water, and pick out any visibly cracked shells before cooking.
- 2Heat
Slice 1 green chili, 1/2 red chili, and 1 green onion into thin rounds before heating the pot.
Keep 1 teaspoon minced garlic measured and ready so the broth does not overcook while you prepare aromatics.
- 3Control
Pour 1200 ml water into a pot and bring it to a strong boil over high heat.
Add the clams and 1 tablespoon cooking rice wine once it bubbles hard, letting the alcohol soften any raw sea aroma.
- 4Heat
When the shells begin to open, lower the heat to medium-high rather than boiling violently.
Skim foam from the surface as it appears, keeping the broth clear and avoiding rough stirring that can cloud it.
- 5Control
Add the minced garlic and simmer for about 3 minutes to season the clam broth.
When most shells are open, add the sliced chilies and green onion, then cook only 2 minutes for a clean aroma.
- 6Finish
Taste the broth before adding salt, because the clams already bring salinity.
Use only as much of the 1/2 teaspoon salt as needed, and serve immediately once the shells are open so the clams stay tender.
After the steps
Pick a recipe that fits this dish.
Continue with shared ingredients, meal pairings, or a similar method.
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