Doganitang: Why I Love Korean Ox Knee Soup

The first time I had doganitang (도가니탕), or Korean ox knee soup, I had just finished an English lesson and my 70 year old student invited me to lunch. He was the kind of older Korean guy there was no declining so I went along and was quite taken aback when the soup he’d ordered us was filled with some sort of gelatinous meat.

I wasn’t completely sold at first, but my old friend had good taste so I knew to trust him and eat what was in front of us. Over the years, doganitang has become one of my favorite Korean soups and it might just become one of yours as well.

Ox knee soup (도가니탕), Korean soup, doganitang

On a scale of basic to adventurous Korean foods, I would say doganitang leans more toward the adventurous end due to texture for most. It should most definitely be tried at some point though.

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What is doganitang?

Doganitang, or ox knee soup, is a traditional Korean soup that draws its deep, savory flavor from slow-cooked beef knee joints. The soup is somewhat reminiscent of seolleongtang but has a richer taste, thanks to the beef gelatin in the broth.

This gelatin, released during the long simmering of ox knee, tendon, beef brisket, and shank, gives the soup a comforting and invigorating taste. Suffice to say I love it.

How To Eat It

When first served, try the deep broth and see how you like it. You can add salt or spicy red pepper to taste. You’ll notice there is an extra bowl provided as well. This smaller bowl is so that you can take out the pieces of meat and let them cool.

When you’re ready, you can dip the meat into a provided sauce dish which is often a spicy mustardy sauce or a soy sauce based sauce. The chewy texture of the knee cartilage area and the rich, flavorful broth make it a delightful dish for those who appreciate the complexities of meat-based soups. Definitely a must-try!

The Health Benefits of Doganitang

This soup is packed with essential minerals and proteins and because of that, it is often given to young children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

The health benefits to know about:

Rich in Calcium: The soup is loaded with calcium, crucial for bone health. It’s particularly beneficial for children, aiding in their growth and development, and for the elderly, helping to prevent osteoporosis.
High in Protein: The inclusion of beef brisket and shank ensures that the soup is rich in protein, necessary for muscle repair and overall bodily functions.
Boosts Joint Health: The gelatin from the beef knee joints is rich in collagen, which is excellent for maintaining healthy joints and skin. This makes doganitang a popular choice for those looking to improve their joint health.
Energy-Boosting: The combination of nutrient-rich ingredients makes this soup an excellent energy booster. It’s often consumed to recharge and rejuvenate, especially during colder months.
Supports Digestion: Ingredients like green onions, garlic, and black pepper not only add flavor but also support digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties.

I enjyo doganitang most often as the main meal, however, I have seen it grace the table of a pub on a night out and then it’s more of a hearty side dish to be shared.

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