Clam Kalguksu (Korean Knife-Cut Noodle Soup)

Clam Kalguksu (바지락칼국수) is a comforting Korean noodle soup made with fresh clams, handmade-style noodles, and a light yet flavorful broth. It’s a popular dish, especially enjoyed during colder seasons, as it's warm, nourishing, and packed with umami-rich seafood flavors.

Now, let’s dive into how you can make this delicious bowl of Clam Kalguksu at home!

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2) 

For the Broth:

• 2 cups (500ml) water
• 2 cups (500ml) anchovy or seafood stock (or chicken broth as an alternative)
• 10 fresh clams (such as littleneck or Manila clams)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 small zucchini, julienned
• 1/2 carrot, julienned (optional)
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)

For the Noodles:

• 200g (7oz) fresh kalguksu-style noodles (or substitute with fresh fettuccine)
• 1/2 tbsp cooking oil (for boiling noodles separately, optional)

For Garnish:

• Red chili slices (optional, for spice)
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Seaweed flakes (gim, optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Clams

1. Rinse the clams thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.
2. Soak them in salted water (about 1 tbsp salt per 2 cups of water) for 30 minutes to let them release any sand.
3. After soaking, rinse them again under running water.

Step 2: Make the Broth

1. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of anchovy or seafood stock to a boil.
2. Add the garlic, onion, and clams to the boiling broth. Let it cook until the clams open (about 5 minutes). Remove any clams that do not open.
3. Add soy sauce, salt, fish sauce, and black pepper for seasoning.
4. Add the julienned zucchini, carrot, and green onion. Let it simmer for another 3 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add the fresh noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 4–5 minutes).
3. Drain and rinse the noodles briefly under cold water to remove excess starch.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Add the cooked noodles into the broth and let them simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Ladle the noodles and broth into serving bowls.
2. Garnish with red chili slices, toasted sesame seeds, and seaweed flakes if desired.
3. Enjoy your homemade Clam Kalguksu while it’s hot! 🍜

🍜 Tips for the Best Clam Kalguksu

- Use Fresh Clams – The fresher the clams, the better the flavor of the broth!
- Homemade Broth – Traditional kalguksu broth is made with dried anchovies and kelp for an authentic taste.
-  Make it Spicy – Add a spoonful of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a spicy kick!