Silky Tofu & Nut ‘Kongguksu’ (Noodle Soup)
Homemade Summer Delight: Tofu ‘Kongguksu’ Recipe Without the Bean Smell
Beat the summer heat with a refreshing bowl of ‘Kongguksu’! This recipe offers a lighter, yet equally creamy and nutty version using tofu and milk.
Main Ingredients- 1 block (300-400g) Firm Tofu
- 500ml Milk
- A handful of nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.)
- Thin wheat noodles (‘Somyeon’, for 1 serving)
- A few ice cubes (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
While store-bought ‘Kongguksu’ broth is convenient and tasty, you can easily create a delicious version at home with fresh ingredients. This tofu-based recipe is perfect for those who love the nutty flavor of ‘Kongguksu’ but want to avoid any potential bean odor.
Step 2
The secret to this delightful recipe lies in using fresh tofu and milk. Gently blanch the tofu, then blend it with your chosen nuts for added richness and creaminess, along with milk. The result is a lusciously smooth broth, free from any bean scent, perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day.
Step 3
First, prepare the tofu by blanching it in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps to remove any subtle ‘beany’ smell and ensures a wonderfully smooth texture for your broth.
Step 4
Place the blanched tofu and your handful of nuts (like walnuts or almonds) into a blender. Pour in 500ml of cold milk. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. For an extra refreshing chill, add a few ice cubes to the blender and mix them in.
Step 5
While the broth is chilling, cook the ‘somyeon’ noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent them from becoming mushy. Drain them well in a colander.
Step 6
To assemble, place the drained noodles into a serving bowl. Pour the chilled tofu broth generously over the noodles. Gently toss to ensure the noodles are well coated with the flavorful broth.
Step 7
Finally, garnish your ‘Kongguksu’ with thinly sliced cucumber. In this example, I’ve also added some sliced peach, which adds a lovely hint of sweetness and color. Feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits like cherry tomatoes or berries for a unique and vibrant twist!
