Refreshing Cucumber Cold Soup (Oi Naengguk) – Vegan Friendly
First Cold Soup of the Year: Let’s Make it Tastier and Cooler! Perfect for a Vegan Diet.
A refreshing and cooling cucumber cold soup perfect for hot weather.
Ingredients for Cold Soup- 1 fresh cucumber
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for pickling cucumber)
- 1/2 apple
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 300ml cold water
- 50ml apple juice (optional)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 3 Tbsp rice vinegar (or other mild vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp ginger paste or syrup
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2/3 tsp soy sauce seasoned with dashi (tsuyu)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumber thoroughly, trim the ends, and slice it thinly into julienne strips. Thinly slice the onion as well. Place the julienned cucumber and onion in a bowl, add 1/2 Tbsp of salt, and mix well. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, which will make the cucumber and onion extra crisp.
Step 2
Dice the apple (you can leave the skin on if you prefer) and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Lightly rinse the salted cucumber and onion under cold water, then squeeze out any excess moisture. Add the diced apple and tomatoes to the bowl with the cucumber and onion. Stir in 2 Tbsp of plum extract and mix gently.
Step 3
Add 1/2 tsp of ginger paste or syrup for a fragrant aroma and 3 Tbsp of rice vinegar for a pleasant tanginess. Mix everything together until well combined. The vinegar will add a deep, satisfying flavor to the cold soup.
Step 4
Pour in the cold water (300ml) and add ice cubes for extra chill. If using, add the apple juice (50ml) for a subtle sweetness and fruity aroma. Stir everything together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more plum extract, vinegar, or salt to your preference. It’s best to add seasonings gradually and taste as you go.
Step 5
Finally, add 2/3 tsp of tsuyu (or a good quality soy sauce) to enhance the umami and provide a clean finish. Stir well. Ladle the refreshing cold soup into bowls and garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious Oi Naengguk!
