Crisp and Refreshing Super Simple Cucumber Cold Soup
Making a Sweet and Sour Cucumber Cold Soup to Revive Your Summer Appetite
On hot summer days, when your appetite wanes, this super simple cucumber cold soup is the perfect remedy! Its refreshingly cool and tangy flavor is perfect for a summer meal. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s easy to prepare even on busy days, and the crisp cucumbers with the sweet and sour broth will make you forget the heat.
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber (medium-sized)
- 1/2 onion (small-sized)
- 1 chili pepper (optional, for spicy flavor)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp soy sauce or salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (can substitute with sugar if unavailable)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce or salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (can substitute with sugar if unavailable)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the main ingredient for the cucumber cold soup: the cucumber. Gently rub the cucumber with coarse sea salt (cheonilyeom) to clean it without damaging its skin. Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove any salt residue. This step helps ensure a clean, crisp texture.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to slice the cleaned cucumber. Slice the cucumber diagonally into pieces about 0.3 to 0.5 cm thick. This diagonal cut increases the surface area, allowing the seasonings to penetrate better and improving the overall texture.
Step 3
Once diagonally sliced, further cut the cucumber into thin julienne strips. If the strips are too thick, they might take longer to cook and won’t be as pleasant to chew. Aim for uniform, thin strips to maintain the refreshing crispness of the fresh cucumber.
Step 4
Transfer all the julienned cucumber to a large bowl. Now, add the seasoning ingredients to marinate it. Mix in 1 Tbsp soy sauce (or salt), 1 Tbsp vinegar, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp plum extract. You can adjust the sourness and sweetness according to your preference.
Step 5
Gently toss the cucumber with the seasonings. Instead of immediately adding broth, let the cucumber sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This process helps to draw out some moisture from the cucumber and deepens its taste.
Step 6
While the cucumber is marinating, prepare the other ingredients. Thinly julienne the onion. If using, remove the seeds from the chili pepper (or bell pepper) and julienne it as well. The slight pungency of the onion and the mild heat from the chili will add depth and flavor to the cold soup.
Step 7
To the cucumber that has slightly softened from the marinade, add 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic and toss again. This will help distribute the garlic aroma evenly. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, feel free to reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
Step 8
Now, add the julienned onion and chili pepper (or bell pepper) to the bowl with the marinated cucumber and mix well. The addition of colorful vegetables not only makes the dish visually appealing but also enhances the complexity of textures and flavors.
Step 9
Finally, pour in about 2-3 cups of cold water. Adjust the amount of water based on the quantity of cucumber and your desired broth consistency. Stir everything together thoroughly. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more vinegar, sugar, or salt as needed to achieve your perfect sweet and sour balance. Getting the seasoning just right is key!
Step 10
Sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds over the finished cucumber cold soup for a nutty aroma and flavor to complete the dish. For an even more intense nutty taste, lightly crush the sesame seeds between your palms before sprinkling.
Step 11
And there you have it – a crisp, cool, and refreshing cucumber cold soup! The harmony between the tangy broth and the fresh cucumber is truly delightful.
Step 12
You can enjoy your cucumber cold soup in two ways, depending on your preference. First, add plenty of ice cubes just before serving for an extra icy, slushy texture. Second, chill it thoroughly in the refrigerator before serving for a cool and refreshing experience. This cucumber cold soup is a perfect summer delight – enjoy!
