Refreshing Summer Delight: Easy Agar-Agar Cold Soup (Umugagari Naengguk)
Umugagari Naengguk Recipe: A Chilled, Zesty Soup to Beat the Summer Heat
Feeling the heat and losing your appetite? This Agar-Agar Cold Soup (Umugagari Naengguk) is your perfect summer companion! With a single spoonful, you’ll feel instantly refreshed and revitalized. It’s incredibly light, making it a fantastic summer soup that you can even enjoy instead of rice. Let’s whip up this tangy and delicious soup that’s guaranteed to bring back your appetite!
Main Ingredients- 1 pack Agar-Agar (Umugagari, approx. 200-250g)
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/3 carrot
- 1/4 medium onion
- 1-2 Korean green chilies (adjust to taste)
Broth Seasoning- 700ml cold water
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 700ml cold water
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare one pack of agar-agar (Umugagari) that you’ve purchased. This is typically around 200-250g.
Step 2
Gently rinse the agar-agar under cold running water. Be careful not to squeeze it too hard, as it can easily break apart. Once rinsed, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them into 3-4 cm lengths makes them easy to eat with the soup.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables. Halve the cucumber, remove the seeds, and thinly slice it into matchsticks. Slice the carrot similarly into thin matchsticks. Finely slice the onion. If you prefer a spicier kick, finely mince or slice 1-2 Korean green chilies.
Step 4
It’s time to make the refreshing soup broth. In a large bowl, pour in 700ml of clean, cold water. Add 5 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Step 5
Next, add 4 tablespoons of vinegar for that delightful tangy flavor. You can adjust the amount of vinegar to your preference.
Step 6
Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic to enhance the savory aroma and taste. If you’re not a fan of strong garlic flavor, feel free to reduce the amount.
Step 7
Finally, add 3 tablespoons of sugar for a touch of sweetness. Stir everything together until the sugar and other seasonings are completely dissolved. You can substitute sugar with corn syrup if you prefer. Ensure all seasonings are well blended.
Step 8
Combine the prepared agar-agar, sliced vegetables, and the seasoned broth in the bowl. Finish by sprinkling a generous pinch of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Your delicious and visually appealing Agar-Agar Cold Soup is now ready!
Step 9
While it’s tasty right away, for an even more refreshing experience, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Adding a few ice cubes just before eating will make it the ultimate summer cooler!
