Umami GuruRecipes

Kongguksu (콩국수)

Korea

By · Published · Updated

Kongguksu illustration in Studio Ghibli style, Korean cold noodle soup, anime-inspired food

A cold Korean noodle soup based on soy milk, flavored with nuts and sesame. Light, nutritious, and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Korean Kongguksu cooking illustration in anime style

    Soak the dry soybeans in water for 5–6 hours.

  2. Studio Ghibli‑style illustration of Korean kongguksu beans preparation

    Drain the water, rinse the beans, and boil them in fresh water for 3–4 minutes, then discard the broth.

  3. Korean cuisine, Kongguksu, beans, anime-style illustration of a cooking step

    Rinse the beans with cold water to cool them and remove the skin.

  4. Illustration of making Korean kongguksu, anime-inspired Studio Ghibli style

    In a blender, puree half of the cooked beans with 2 tbsp roasted nuts and 1 tsp roasted sesame seeds, adding about 2 cups of cold water.

  5. Korean cuisine, kongguksu, beans, cooking process, anime illustration

    Repeat the process with the second half of the beans.

  6. Korean cuisine, kongguksu, soy milk, cooking step, Ghibli-style illustration

    If desired, pass the resulting mixture through a fine sieve for a smoother texture.

  7. Kongguksu Korean noodles, mixing ingredients, Studio Ghibli‑style illustration

    Add salt to taste, mix thoroughly, and chill the mixture in the refrigerator.

  8. Korean guksoo noodles cooking, anime illustration in Ghibli style

    Five minutes before serving, bring ½ L of water to a boil, cook the noodles for about 3 minutes, then drain and cool them with cold water.

  9. Kongguksu anime illustration, cold soy‑milk noodle preparation

    In a bowl, combine the chilled soy mixture with the drained noodles and mix thoroughly.

  10. Korean kongguksu preparation step, anime illustration in Studio Ghibli style

    Garnish the dish with cucumber strips, tomato pieces, and the remaining roasted sesame seeds.

  11. Kongguksoo Korean soup serving, anime‑style illustration

    Serve the soup immediately, after chilling it in the refrigerator.

FAQ

What is Kongguksu (콩국수)?

Kongguksu is a traditional Korean cold noodle soup made with a creamy, savory broth from ground soybeans, often garnished with cucumber and tomato. It's a popular dish, especially in summer.

How do you pronounce 콩국수 (Kongguksu)?

The pronunciation is roughly 'Kohng-gook-soo'. The 'g' is soft, and the 'oo' sounds like in 'moon'.

Can I make Kongguksu vegan?

Yes, Kongguksu is naturally vegan! Its main ingredients are soybeans, noodles, nuts, and vegetables, making it a perfect plant-based meal.

What can I substitute for nuts in Kongguksu?

If you have a nut allergy, you can omit them or use sunflower seeds for a similar texture and richness. Our app can suggest other ingredient swaps too!

How long does it take to make Kongguksu?

This recipe takes approximately 43 minutes to prepare, including soaking time for the soybeans.