2024. 8. 26. 08:20ㆍ카테고리 없음
Oi Naengguk, or Korean Cold Cucumber Soup, is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for hot summer days. This simple soup combines crisp cucumber slices with a tangy, slightly sweet broth that’s flavored with soy sauce and vinegar. Oi Naengguk is known for its cooling properties and is often enjoyed as a side dish or a refreshing appetizer. Its light, crisp taste makes it a favorite during Korea’s warm and humid months.
Introduction to Oi Naengguk
Oi Naengguk is a traditional Korean cold soup that highlights the natural flavor of cucumbers. The dish is incredibly simple to prepare, yet it offers a satisfying and cooling experience that is perfect for hot weather. The broth is made with basic ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, creating a balance of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. This soup is not only refreshing but also hydrating, making it an ideal accompaniment to heavier dishes or as a palate cleanser between meals.
Ingredients for Oi Naengguk (2 Servings)
To prepare Oi Naengguk for two people, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Cucumber: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Green onion: 1 stalk, finely chopped
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Water: 2 cups, chilled
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Rice vinegar: 1-2 tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1/2 tsp (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Sesame seeds: 1 tsp
- Ice cubes: A few (optional, for extra coldness)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber
Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly. Thinly slice the cucumber into rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. You can peel the cucumber if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and color to the soup.
Step 2: Season the Cucumber
Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss the cucumbers to coat them evenly with the salt, then let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture and intensify the cucumber’s flavor. After 10 minutes, gently squeeze out any excess liquid and drain the cucumbers.
Step 3: Prepare the Broth
In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled water with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well mixed. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more vinegar, soy sauce, or sugar as needed. The broth should have a nice balance of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
Step 4: Add the Cucumber to the Broth
Add the seasoned cucumber slices to the prepared broth. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the cucumbers are fully submerged in the liquid. The cucumbers will soak up some of the broth’s flavors, enhancing their taste.
Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients
If you like a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of gochugaru to the soup and stir to distribute it evenly. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added flavor and a bit of crunch.
Step 6: Chill the Soup
For the best flavor, let the soup chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to become extra refreshing. If you’re short on time, you can add a few ice cubes directly to the soup to cool it down quickly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Oi Naengguk cold, either as a side dish or a light appetizer. This soup pairs well with grilled meats, spicy dishes, or as a palate cleanser between heavier courses. The light, crisp taste of the cucumber and the tangy broth make this dish a perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
Tips for Perfect Oi Naengguk
- Use Fresh Cucumbers: The freshness of the cucumbers is key to the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, crisp cucumbers for this dish.
- Adjust the Sweetness and Acidity: The balance between the vinegar and sugar is important in Oi Naengguk. Adjust these ingredients to suit your personal taste, adding more vinegar for tanginess or more sugar for sweetness.
- Serve Extra Cold: For the most refreshing experience, make sure the soup is well chilled before serving. Ice cubes can be added if needed to keep the soup cold.
Conclusion
Oi Naengguk is a wonderfully refreshing and simple Korean dish that is perfect for beating the heat. With its crisp cucumber slices and tangy broth, it offers a light and hydrating option that complements a wide variety of meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a cooling side dish, Oi Naengguk is an excellent choice that’s easy to prepare and delightful to eat.