Crisp and Refreshing Cucumber Cold Soup (Nokak Naengguk)
Nokak Naengguk: Deliciously Chilled Soup Made with Mature Cucumbers
A perfect summer dish when your appetite is low! Introducing the recipe for Nokak Naengguk, a sweet and sour, refreshing cold soup made by thinly slicing mature cucumbers and marinating them in a flavorful sauce, then serving it in a chilled broth. Enjoy a cool summer with this Nokak Naengguk, which boasts an exceptional crisp texture and refreshing taste.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 mature cucumber (approx. 3.5 handfuls)
- 500ml cold water
- Ice cubes, as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the mature cucumber thoroughly under running water. Use a peeler to thinly peel the skin. Since it’s a mature cucumber, the skin might be thick, so peel it cleanly.
Step 2
Cut the peeled cucumber in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to scoop out and remove the seeds from the center. This step helps prevent the cucumber from becoming mushy and maintains its crisp texture.
Step 3
Thinly slice the cucumber half (from which seeds have been removed) as thinly as possible. Thin slices absorb the seasoning well and provide a better texture. Using a mandoline slicer can make this process easier and more uniform.
Step 4
Let’s estimate the amount of thinly sliced cucumber. When held with one hand full, it amounts to about 3.5 handfuls. Think of this as a guideline for the quantity.
Step 5
Place the thinly sliced cucumber in a large bowl and add the seasoning ingredients directly. First, add 2 tablespoons of anchovy sauce and 1 tablespoon of tuna sauce for umami flavor.
Step 6
Next, add 3 tablespoons of vinegar for a sour taste and 3 tablespoons of plum extract for sweetness. Also, add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for a pungent aroma, and if you like a bit of spice, finely chop 2 Cheongyang peppers and add them. Mix all the seasoning ingredients with the cucumber gently by hand. Cover the seasoned cucumber with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7
Just before serving, take the seasoned cucumber out of the refrigerator. Now it’s time to make the refreshing broth. Pour 500ml of cold water over the cucumber so that it is just covered.
Step 8
After pouring the water, stir gently once more to ensure the seasoning and cucumber are well combined. Serve in a bowl and add plenty of ice cubes according to your preference. As the ice melts, it will further enhance the refreshing coolness of the soup.
Step 9
Your crisp and refreshing Nokak Naengguk is now ready! Enjoy this delightful summer dish to stimulate your appetite.
