Chilled Korean Cucumber Soup (Nokak Naengguk)
A Refreshing Delicacy, Nokak Naengguk, Rivaling Mulhoe
Enjoy a cool and refreshing Nokak Naengguk! This delightful cucumber soup is a special treat that rivals Mulhoe (Korean raw fish soup), boasting a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfyingly crisp texture. It’s an ideal dish to beat the summer heat.
Main Ingredients- 1 large Korean cucumber (Nokak)
- 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for salting the cucumber)
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 6 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (ground)
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 tsp salt (to adjust seasoning)
- Ice cubes (as needed for chilling)
- 3 Tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 6 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (ground)
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 tsp salt (to adjust seasoning)
- Ice cubes (as needed for chilling)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing a fresh, firm Korean cucumber (Nokak). Wash it thoroughly and then cut it lengthwise in half to begin the preparation process.
Step 2
Using a peeler, carefully remove the skin from the cucumber halves. Peel thinly to ensure a smooth texture.
Step 3
Employ a spoon to scrape out the seedy core of the cucumber. Removing the seeds thoroughly will prevent any bitterness and ensure a clean-tasting soup.
Step 4
After removing the seeds, slice the cucumber lengthwise into very thin strips. Thin slices absorb flavors better and provide a superior texture. Place the sliced cucumber in a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt, and gently massage it with your hands (like kneading dough). Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes to salt. This process draws out excess moisture, making the cucumber delightfully crisp and chewy.
Step 5
Rinse the salted cucumber thoroughly under cold running water about three times. It’s crucial to rinse away most of the salt so the dish isn’t too salty. After rinsing, drain the cucumber well in a colander, allowing excess water to escape naturally.
Step 6
To the drained cucumber, add all the prepared seasoning ingredients: chili powder, sugar, plum extract, vinegar, minced garlic, ground sesame seeds, chopped green onion, and salt. Put on disposable gloves and gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cucumber.
Step 7
The amount of vinegar used will naturally create a delicious, flavorful broth for the seasoned cucumber. The sweet and tangy taste is incredibly appealing! You can enjoy half of this mixture as a delicious seasoned cucumber salad on its own. For the other half, add plenty of ice cubes to transform it into a refreshing Nokak Naengguk. This chilled soup offers a delightful experience akin to Mulhoe, perfect for a hot summer day. Feel free to add a little more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
