Soegogi Muguk (Korean Beef and Radish Soup)
A clear, comforting Korean soup of tender beef and sweet radish seasoned with garlic, sesame and spring onion.
Made with Pho broth and Kimchi. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time1 hr
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £6.44 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Add the beef and radish and fry for 5 minutes, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink.
5 min - 2
Add the garlic and tamari and cook for 1 minute.
- 3
Pour in your ready made pho broth (see the base recipe). Bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 30 to 35 minutes until the radish is soft and see-through.
35 min - 4
Skim off any foam. Taste and add a little tamari if it needs more seasoning.
- 5
Stir in half of the spring onions and the pepper for the last 2 minutes.
- 6
Serve in bowls with rice and a spoonful of your homemade kimchi (see the base recipe) on the side, topped with the rest of the spring onions.
Tips
- Cut the radish thin so it cooks in the time and soaks up the broth.
- Brisket gives the best flavour, but sirloin or flank also works if sliced thin.
- Stir through a spoonful of gochugaru for a spicy version.
- Check your kimchi for fish sauce and shrimp if you cook for someone with a fish or shellfish allergy.
Storing and freezing
Cool and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze without rice for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Is soegogi muguk spicy?
No. It is a mild, clear soup. The heat comes only from the kimchi you serve on the side, so add as much as you like.
Can I use the pho broth for Korean soup?
Yes. Its star anise and cinnamon add a gentle spice, but it works well with the beef and radish. For a more traditional taste, leave out extra fish sauce.
Is it gluten free?
Yes. It uses gluten free tamari, and rice rather than noodles. Check the kimchi label as some brands add wheat flour.
More made with pho broth
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.