Super Simple High-Protein Kongguksu (Korean Cold Noodle Soup)
Super Simple High-Protein Kongguksu (Korean Cold Noodle Soup)
No More Boiling Beans! A Protein Powerhouse! An Exceptionally Healthy & Easy Kongguksu Recipe
Craving Kongguksu during the summer? Are you tired of the lengthy process of boiling beans? This recipe offers a remarkably simple way to create a ‘protein bomb’ Kongguksu that’s also easy to digest and uses minimal ingredients. Enjoy this classic summer dish with ultimate ease!
Main Ingredients- 300g Tofu (firm or silken, your preference)
- 150g Somyeon (Korean thin wheat noodles, per serving)
- 250ml Cold Water
Seasoning & Garnish- 2 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- Tomato, Cucumber, Hard-boiled Egg (optional, for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- Tomato, Cucumber, Hard-boiled Egg (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 150g of somyeon noodles. Cut the 300g block of tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 2-3 cm. Having your ingredients prepped like this will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Blanch the cubed tofu in boiling water for about 30 seconds. This step helps to remove any raw tofu smell and results in a softer texture.
Step 3
Now, let’s cook the somyeon noodles. Add the somyeon to a pot of generously boiling water. When the water begins to boil over, add about half a cup of cold water. Repeat this process 2-3 times. This technique ensures the noodles cook evenly without becoming mushy or sticking together. Refer to the noodle package for exact cooking times, but aim for slightly al dente.
Step 4
Once the noodles are cooked, immediately drain them and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. While rinsing, gently rub the noodles with your hands. This step helps to maintain their chewy texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
Step 5
In a blender, combine the blanched tofu, 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 250ml of cold water. Feel free to adjust the salt and sugar levels to your preference.
Step 6
Blend all the ingredients in the blender until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Your Kongguksu soup base is ready! For an extra refreshing experience, chill it in the refrigerator before serving.
Step 7
In a beautiful serving bowl, place the chilled somyeon noodles. Pour the smooth, cold Kongguksu broth generously over the noodles. For an elevated presentation and enhanced flavor, consider adding garnishes such as thinly sliced tomatoes, julienned cucumbers, or a halved hard-boiled egg. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly nutritious and satisfying bowl of Kongguksu!
