Cold Soy Milk Noodle Soup (콩국수) with Butter Grilled Mentaiko (명란)

Kongguksu(콩국수), or Cold Soy Milk Noodle Soup, is a beloved Korean dish especially enjoyed during the hot summer months. This authentic Korean recipe features a creamy soy milk broth and chilled noodles, offering a refreshing and nutritious meal. High in protein and nutrients, Kongguksu is a healthy choice for a quick meal. The subtle flavors of the soy milk are perfectly complemented by the buttery, grilled mentaiko (salted pollock roe, 명란), adding a delightful twist to this traditional dish.

Recipe for 2 People

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soybeans
• 6 cups water
• 200g somyeon noodles
• Thinly sliced tomatoes for garnish
• Fresh arugula leaves for garnish
• Salt
• Sugar
• 1 pack mentaiko (pollock roe)
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare Soy Milk Broth:
• Soak 1 cup of soybeans overnight.
• Peel off the skins of the soybeans; they should come off easily when fully soaked.
• Cook beans in boiling water until al dente.
• Blend the cooked beans with 200ml water and 3 teaspoons of salt.
• Chill the soy milk in the refrigerator.
2. Making your own soy milk is rewarding but time-consuming. If you're busy, you can achieve a similar flavor by blending store-bought soy milk with pine nuts or other nuts.
3. Cook the Noodles:
• Cook 200g of somyeon noodles according to package instructions.
• Rinse the noodles under cold water to cool them down and remove excess starch.
• Drain well and set aside.
  
4. Grill the Mentaiko:
• Preheat a grill pan over low heat.
• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan.
• Grill the mentaiko, flipping occasionally, for about 5 minutes until lightly charred.
• Slice the grilled mentaiko into small pieces.
5. Assemble the Dish:
• In serving bowls, place the cold noodles.
• Pour the chilled soy milk broth over the noodles.
• Season with a pinch of salt and a touch of sugar to taste.
• Top with thinly sliced tomatoes, fresh arugula leaves, and the butter-grilled mentaiko pieces.
6. Serve:
• Enjoy your refreshing Korean cold noodle soup with a delightful twist of buttery, grilled salted pollock roe!

This dish combines the creamy, nutty flavor of the cold soy milk broth with the rich, savory taste of grilled mentaiko, creating a unique and refreshing summer meal. Find more authentic Korean recipes and ingredients at your favorite Korean online grocery, and explore the best of Korean food online.