When the Camellia Blooms Yukgaejang (육개장)
Why this food?
Yukgaejang is Korea's most beloved comfort soup — a spicy, aromatic broth loaded with shredded beef, vegetables, and sesame that's perfect for cold nights. In When the Camellia Blooms, Dong-baek's yukgaejang represents more than just food; it's her way of healing hearts at her pojangmacha tent. Learn to make this warming K-drama staple with simple Walmart substitutes.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Yukgaejang dates back to Korea's Joseon Dynasty and was traditionally made as a way to use tougher cuts of beef by slow-cooking and shredding them. The soup gained massive popularity post-Korean War as affordable comfort food. Today it's considered one of Korea's 'soul soups' — families have generational recipes passed down like treasure, and restaurants stake their reputation on their version.
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Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) 고추가루 | Great Value Korean Style Gochugaru Great Value If unavailable, use cayenne pepper mixed with paprika (1:1 ratio) but reduce quantity to 2 tablespoons as it's spicier Shop at Walmart |
Beef 쇠고기 | Great Value Ground Beef (80/20) Great Value 80/20 blend gives best flavor and richness. For traditional texture, ask butcher to shred beef brisket instead Shop at Walmart |
Beef broth 소고기 국물 | Swanson Beef Broth (Low Sodium) Swanson Low sodium allows you to control saltiness better. For deeper flavor, use 4 cups broth + 2 cups water with 2 tbsp soy sauce Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 3-4 tablespoons Great Value Korean Style Gochugaru
- 1 lb Great Value Ground Beef (80/20)
- 6 cups (four 14.5 oz cans) Swanson Beef Broth (Low Sodium)
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- 2
Step 2: Add minced garlic, gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), and sesame oil to the beef. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the chili flakes are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- 3
Step 3: Pour in 6 cups beef broth and bring to a boil. Add soy sauce, salt, and sugar to taste. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
- 4
Step 4: Add shredded vegetables (carrots, zucchini, and green onions) and continue simmering for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Taste and adjust seasoning — it should be noticeably spicy and deeply savory.
- 5
Step 5: Ladle into bowls and top each serving with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve immediately with steamed rice and kimchi on the side, just like at Dong-baek's pojangmacha.
