Crisp Bean Sprout Cold Soup (Kongnamul Naengguk)
Super Easy Bean Sprout Cold Soup Recipe: Refreshing and Clean Flavor!
On hot days when your appetite wanes, instead of a hot soup, try this super simple bean sprout cold soup (Kongnamul Naengguk) that will refresh your palate with its cool and clean taste. It’s a perfect recipe to awaken your appetite.
Ingredients- 100g bean sprouts
- 2 sheets dried kelp (5cm x 5cm)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup or salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 stalk green onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 red chili pepper (seeds removed, thinly sliced)
- 1 green chili pepper (seeds removed, thinly sliced)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (lightly crushed for extra aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under running water to remove any debris. Shorter bean sprouts tend to provide a crisper texture for cold soup.
Step 2
In 500cc of water, add the 2 sheets of dried kelp and let it steep for about 30 minutes to create a kelp broth. Remove the kelp and set the broth aside.
Step 3
Pour the prepared kelp broth into a pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed bean sprouts and cook for just a short while (one boil). Overcooking the bean sprouts will make them lose their crispness.
Step 4
Once the bean sprouts are slightly cooked, remove them from the broth and quickly rinse them under cold water. This step enhances the crisp texture of the bean sprouts, making the cold soup more enjoyable.
Step 5
Prepare the garnishes: thinly slice the green onion and thinly julienne the red and green chili peppers after removing their seeds. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can leave the seeds in.
Step 6
It’s crucial to chill the kelp broth thoroughly. Place it in the refrigerator or freezer to cool quickly. If you’re short on time, let it cool slightly at room temperature and then add ice. In a large bowl, add ice, place the blanched bean sprouts on top, and pour in the chilled kelp broth. Finally, add the sliced green onion.
Step 7
Garnish with the julienned red and green chili peppers for a visually appealing touch that enhances the dish’s appeal.
Step 8
For a richer, more aromatic flavor, lightly crush about one-third of the sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon before sprinkling them over the soup. This releases their fragrance and stimulates the appetite.
Step 9
Your refreshing and clean-tasting bean sprout cold soup, made with kelp broth, is now ready! You can season it with salt or a touch of soup soy sauce according to your preference. Feel free to add a little more vinegar or sugar for a sweet and sour profile. While delicious on its own, this cold soup is also excellent served over cold noodles or soba noodles for a satisfying meal.
