Refreshing Chilled Cucumber Soup (Oi Naengguk)
The Most Popular Summer Soup: Refreshing Chilled Cucumber Soup
End your search for the perfect Oi Naengguk recipe right here.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cucumber (choose a fresh, crisp one)
- 1/4 onion (thinly sliced; removing its pungent flavor enhances the taste)
Chilled Broth
- 400ml water (using cold, filtered water is recommended)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to your preference)
- 0.5 Tbsp salt (season to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (add more if you enjoy a stronger garlic flavor)
- 0.5 Tbsp coarse gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color; optional)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar (for that essential tanginess; apple cider or brown rice vinegar also work well)
- 2 Tbsp tuna extract (a secret ingredient for umami! Can be substituted with soy sauce if unavailable)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 400ml water (using cold, filtered water is recommended)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to your preference)
- 0.5 Tbsp salt (season to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (add more if you enjoy a stronger garlic flavor)
- 0.5 Tbsp coarse gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color; optional)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar (for that essential tanginess; apple cider or brown rice vinegar also work well)
- 2 Tbsp tuna extract (a secret ingredient for umami! Can be substituted with soy sauce if unavailable)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumber thoroughly, trim the ends, and thinly slice it into matchsticks. Slicing them not too thinly will help preserve a satisfying crunch.
Step 2
Peel the onion and slice it thinly into matchsticks. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the sliced onions in cold water for about 5 minutes, then drain. This removes some of the sharpness, making them softer.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine 400ml of cold water with 1 Tbsp sugar, 0.5 Tbsp salt, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp coarse gochugaru, 3 Tbsp vinegar, 2 Tbsp tuna extract, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Stir well until the seasonings are dissolved to create a refreshing chilled broth. Taste and adjust the sourness, sweetness, or saltiness according to your preference.
Step 4
Fill a wide serving bowl generously with ice cubes. The ice will keep the soup refreshingly cold.
Step 5
Arrange the prepared sliced onions and cucumbers attractively over the ice. For added color, consider garnishing with thinly sliced red chili peppers or perilla leaves.
Step 6
Finally, gently pour the chilled broth over the cucumbers and onions. You can enjoy it immediately, or chill it further in the refrigerator for an even colder, more refreshing experience.
