Light, crisp, and so refreshing—perfect for hot days.
Hey there!
If you’re looking for something light, refreshing, and a little tangy to cool you down on a hot day, Oi-Naengguk (Korean Cold Cucumber Soup) is it.
It’s crunchy, icy, vinegary, and super simple to make.
I first tried this on a scorching summer day in Seoul, and wow—it woke me right up.
It’s great as a side dish or even a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon.
You’re going to love how fast this comes together and how fresh it tastes.
Just a few ingredients, one bowl, and zero stress.
What You’ll Need
- 1 English cucumber, julienned (thin matchsticks)
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- A few ice cubes (optional but refreshing!)
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is one of my go-to summer staples. It comes from Korean home cooking—simple, humble, and full of flavor.
- It’s cooling – great on hot days or after spicy food.
- Quick and easy – done in under 10 minutes.
- No stove, no sweat – you don’t even have to turn on heat.
- Crispy & tangy – cucumbers stay crunchy in a cold vinegar broth.
- Super light – perfect if you’re just not that hungry but still want something tasty.
🍽 Servings + Time
- Serves: 2 people as a side dish
- Total time: 10 minutes
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Salt pulls water out of the cucumbers, which helps them stay crisp and absorb the flavors of the broth.
- The vinegar helps preserve texture and adds that refreshing tang.
- Adding a little sugar and soy sauce balances out the acidity.
- Ice cubes keep the soup icy cold, making everything taste more vibrant.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using thick cucumber slices: Always go thin so the flavor soaks in fast.
- Skipping the ice: The chill really matters here. Room temp soup = meh.
- Over-salting: Remember, cucumbers release water. Start light—you can always add more.
🍽 What to Serve With
- Korean BBQ (like bulgogi or galbi)
- Bibimbap
- Grilled fish
- Cold soba noodles
- Kimchi and rice
❓ FAQ
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes, but peel them and scoop out the seeds. English or Persian cucumbers work best.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Best eaten the day it’s made, but it’ll keep 1–2 days max.
Can I make it spicy?
Totally! Add a few slices of fresh chili or a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Chopsticks or fork (for mixing)
- Small serving bowls
🔁 Substitutions and Variations
- No rice vinegar? Use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Low-sodium soy sauce? Go for it!
- Want it spicy? Add gochugaru or thin chili slices.
- Herb twist? Add a little mint or shiso leaf.
⏱ Make Ahead Tips
- You can julienne the cucumbers and mix the broth 1 day ahead. Store separately and combine just before serving.
- Don’t add ice until you’re ready to eat.
👩🍳 How to Make Korean Cold Cucumber Soup
Step 1: Julienne the cucumber
Cut your cucumber into thin matchstick-sized pieces. Try to keep them even so they soak up the broth nicely.
Step 2: Mix the broth
In a medium bowl, mix the cold water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir until everything dissolves.
Step 3: Add the cucumber and green onion
Add the julienned cucumber and sliced green onion to the broth. Give it a gentle stir so everything’s coated.
Step 4: Sprinkle sesame seeds
Top with toasted sesame seeds. This adds a nutty crunch and a nice aroma.
Step 5: Add ice cubes and serve
Right before serving, toss in a few ice cubes to chill everything down. Serve immediately.
🧊 Leftovers and Storage
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- The cucumbers will soften over time, so it’s best fresh.
- Don’t store with ice cubes—add those just before serving.
🌟 Wrap-Up
This cold cucumber soup is light, zesty, and perfect for beating the heat. It’s quick to whip up and seriously refreshing. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—leave a comment below and let me know if you tried any fun twists!
Stay cool and eat well 💚