Refreshing Cucumber Naengguk

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Ice cubes, for serving Ice cubes, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 70 kcal / 293 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the vegetable broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, chili pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced cucumbers to the broth mixture and toss gently to coat.
3. 3.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Before serving, add ice cubes to individual serving bowls.
5. 5.
   Ladle the chilled cucumber soup into the bowls and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
6. 6.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of Cucumber Naengguk.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cucumbers — Choose firm and crisp cucumbers for the best texture in the soup.
• Rice vinegar — If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
• Chili pepper flakes — Adjust the amount of chili pepper flakes according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier soup or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
• Sesame oil — Use toasted sesame oil for a more pronounced nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra refreshing twist, add a few slices of fresh lemon or lime to the soup before serving.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar in the broth.
• To make the soup more filling, you can add cooked noodles or rice cakes to the individual serving bowls.
• Experiment with different garnishes such as fresh mint leaves or sliced radishes for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Make sure to serve the soup chilled for the best taste and experience.

Serving advice

Cucumber Naengguk is best served chilled. It can be enjoyed as a light appetizer or a refreshing side dish. Serve it in individual bowls with ice cubes to keep it cool for a longer time.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Cucumber Naengguk, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few slices of green onions. The vibrant green color of the soup will be visually appealing against the white bowl.