At first glance, chueotang might not seem remarkable, especially when made with blended loach.

However, this dish is highly regarded for boosting energy thanks to the fish’s vigorous swimming.

Some people prefer the soup with whole loach for the texture, while others enjoy a smoother version with blended fish. For beginners, it‘s usually a good idea to start with the latter.

The addition of perilla powder creates a thick, nutty base, complemented by the savory depth of soybean paste.

Chopped chives are also often added just before serving for a fresh finish.

If you’re in need of an energy boost, give chueotang a try!

(loach soup, Korean mudfish stew, spicy loach soup, traditional chueotang stew)