Korean Noodles in Cold Soybean Soup (Kongguksu)

 

 

Discover Kongguksu, a traditional Korean dish - cold soybean soup served with noodles, creating a refreshing harmony of flavors and textures. Popular Korean summer dish, nourishing and cooling for heat relief.

 

 

Ingredients:

 

For the Soybean Broth:

 

• 1 cup of dried soybeans
• 6 cups of water
• 2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

 

For the Noodles and Toppings:

 

• 8 ounces dried somen noodles (or any thin wheat noodles)
• 1 cup of cucumber, julienned
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons of roasted sesame seeds
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

 

 

Instructions:

 

Soaking and Preparing the Soybeans:

 

• Rinse the soybeans in cold water, remove dirt.
• Soak the soybeans overnight in water.
• After soaking, rinse soybeans once more.

 

Blending and Straining the Soybean Broth:

 

• Put the soybeans and 2 cups of water in a blender. Then, mix until it becomes soft and smooth.
• Put a small-holed strainer on top of a big bowl, and pour the mixed liquid into it.
• Press pulp against strainer, extract liquid, discard pulp.

 

Cooking the Soybean Broth:

 

• Pour soybean liquid and 4 cups water into pot.
• Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add garlic and salt, continuing to simmer for 5 more minutes.
• Cool broth to room temperature.

 

Preparing the Noodles and Toppings:

 

• Cook and rinse somen noodles as instructed on package.
• Divide the cooked noodles into bowls.
• Add cucumber, cilantro, eggs, and sesame seeds to noodles.

 

Serving Kongguksu:

 

• Pour cooled soybean broth over the noodle bowls.
• Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds, if desired.
• Serve Kongguksu to mix and enjoy as a refreshing Korean delicacy.

 

 

Tips:

 

• Use soy milk for convenience, but homemade tastes best.
• Add salt to the soybean broth as much as you like.
• For a vegan option, skip eggs and add preferred veggies.

 

 

Great job! You've mastered Kongguksu, a refreshing Korean dish for summer. Its cold soybean broth, chewy noodles, and toppings make a satisfying meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures. Customize the dish to your liking. Impress your loved ones with this yummy Korean recipe!