A refreshing and vinegary, cold cucumber soup! It’s a classic summer side dish in Korean cuisine featuring crispy cucumber in a chilled, tangy broth.
what is Oi-Naengguk?
In Korean, “oi” means cucumber, and “naengguk” means cold or chilled soup. It’s a simple yet refreshing dish perfect for those hot summer days.
Oi-naengguk (오이냉국) is made with crispy sliced cucumber in a seasoned tangy broth. The broth of this dish is similar to Naengmyeon, which is a chilled noodle dish you might’ve seen eaten with Korean BBQ. This is a nostalgic dish for me that reminds me of summer break. My grandma would make it often on hot summer days to enjoy as a side or with noodles, it’s so delicious!
what you’ll need:
- cucumbers: I prefer Persian cucumbers, their crispy texture is the best!
- salt: for seasoning
- vinegar: to elevate the refreshing tangy flavor
- maesil extract (Korean plum extract): you can substitute with agave or honey.
- sugar: for a bit of sweetness but you can use sweetener of choice
- toasted sesame seeds
- ice: to make the soup extra cold
- Korean cold noodle soup base: you can find these individually packed in the refrigerator aisle at most Korean grocery stores.
all the details
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, chilled soup base, salt, vinegar, maesil extract, sugar, toasted sesame seeds, and ice. Stir to mix well.
This tastes the best when served extra chilled as a side! Hope you enjoy!
more recipes you may like:
- Dongchimi Guksu (Cold Noodle Soup with Radish Kimchi Broth)
- Kongguksu (Cold Soy Milk Noodle Soup)
- Korean Soybean Sprout Soup (Kongnamul Guk)
- Creamy Miso Hotpot
- Bulgogi Sesame Soba Noodles
Ingredients
- 6 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maesil (Korean plum extract), or agave
- 1 tablespoon sugar, or sweetener of choice
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 cup of ice
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, chilled soup base, salt, vinegar, maesil extract, sugar, toasted sesame seeds, and ice. Stir to mix well.
- This tastes the best when served extra chilled as a side! Hope you enjoy!
