Naing Kuk

Naing Kuk Recipe - Cucumber Salad with Soy Sauce and Vinegar Dressing

Preparation time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Naing Kuk is a refreshing and flavorful Korean cucumber soup that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This soup is packed with fresh cucumbers, savory chicken stock, and a delicious blend of seasonings that will tantalize your taste buds.

History

Naing Kuk has been a popular dish in Korean cuisine for centuries. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer during the hot summer months when cucumbers are in season. The combination of cool cucumbers and flavorful seasonings makes this soup a favorite among many Korean households.

Ingredients

2 medium cucumbers
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1.5 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp chopped green onions
0.5 tsp granulated sugar
0.5 tsp chili powder
1.5 tsp sesame oil
5 cups chicken stock
2 tsp white sesame seeds

How to prepare

Peel the cucumbers and thinly slice them.
Place the sliced cucumbers in a dish and add soy sauce, vinegar, green onions, sugar, chili powder, and sesame oil.
Let it sit for 1 hour, then add chicken stock.
In a small pan over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until they turn golden and start to pop. Then, finely grind them.
Transfer the soup to a tureen and sprinkle the ground sesame seeds on top.
Serve the soup at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Variations

Add diced tofu or shredded chicken for added protein.
Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thinly slice the cucumbers for the best texture in the soup.

- Allowing the cucumbers to marinate in the seasonings for at least 1 hour will help enhance the flavors.

- Toasting and grinding the sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Naing Kuk can be served as a refreshing appetizer or side dish alongside a main course of grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the cucumbers in the seasonings helps to infuse the flavors into the soup.

- Toasting and grinding the sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

- Tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Naing Kuk can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to stir well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Naing Kuk in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Naing Kuk pairs well with grilled meats, seafood dishes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Naing Kuk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply heat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Naing Kuk contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Naing Kuk contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Naing Kuk contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Naing Kuk contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Naing Kuk is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

Naing Kuk contains soy and sesame seeds, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Naing Kuk is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich soup that is perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Naing Kuk is a delicious and refreshing Korean cucumber soup that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with fresh cucumbers, savory chicken stock, and a blend of seasonings, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Naing Kuk. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through my kitchen window as I sifted through my collection of old cookbooks. I had always been passionate about cooking, and over the years, I had amassed quite the collection of recipes from various places and people.

As I flipped through the pages of a worn and tattered cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, I came across a recipe for Naing Kuk. I had never heard of this dish before, but as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I was intrigued. It was a traditional Burmese dish made with rice noodles, chicken, and an array of aromatic spices.

I had always been drawn to trying new and exotic recipes, so I decided to give Naing Kuk a try. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my kitchen, following the recipe step by step. The aroma of the spices filled my kitchen as the dish cooked, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished product.

When it was finally ready, I sat down at my kitchen table and took my first bite of Naing Kuk. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect balance of savory and spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the coconut milk. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a new favorite in my repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Naing Kuk countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious and unique flavor. It has become a staple in my household, a dish that I turn to whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to a comforting and satisfying meal.

I often think back to that day in my kitchen, when I stumbled upon the recipe for Naing Kuk. It was a moment that changed my culinary journey, introducing me to a new and exciting world of flavors and ingredients. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned this recipe and to have added it to my ever-growing collection of culinary treasures.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the countless meals I have cooked and shared with loved ones over the years, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together. Whether it's a simple weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast, the act of cooking and sharing a meal is a gesture of love and connection that transcends language and culture.

I am grateful for the recipes that I have collected over the years, each one telling a story of where it came from and the people who shared it with me. The recipe for Naing Kuk is just one of many that hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that comes from cooking and sharing delicious food with those we care about.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I will always hold onto the memories of that warm summer day when I discovered the recipe for Naing Kuk. It is a dish that will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the endless possibilities and adventures that await in the world of food and cooking.