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Gaji naengguk
Chilled aubergine soup
Gaji naengguk (가지냉국): chilled Korean soup of steamed aubergine strips in a garlicky soy-vinegar broth
Gaji naengguk is a midsummer cold soup from Korean home kitchens, made in July and August when aubergines are cheap and nobody wants anything hot. The aubergine is steamed until silky, torn into strips and seasoned with garlic and soy, then dropped into an ice-cold, tangy broth. It tastes clean and refreshing, with a soft, almost slippery texture. Each bowl has only about 2 g of protein, so pair it with tofu or bean dishes. The usual mistake is cutting the aubergine with a knife after steaming: torn strips soak up the seasoning far better. Chef's tip: let the steamed aubergine cool completely before mixing it with the broth, or it warms the soup and loses its bite.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
For the aubergine
- 2 long auberginesabout 300 g, halved crosswise and lengthwise
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlicfinely grated
- 1 spring onionfinely chopped
- ½ tsp Korean chilli flakes
For the broth
- 3 cups cold waterchilled
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp Korean soup soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 handful ice cubes
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Steam 2 long aubergines over boiling water for 6–8 minutes, until the flesh is soft and translucent and a chopstick slides through easily.
8 minStep 2: Spread them on a plate to cool completely. Tear into thin strips with your fingers and gently squeeze out a little of the liquid.
Step 3: Toss the strips with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 cloves garlic, 1 spring onion and ½ tsp Korean chilli flakes.
Step 4: In a bowl, stir 3 cups cold water, 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 ½ tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp Korean soup soy sauce and ½ tsp salt until dissolved. Taste and adjust: it should be bright, tangy and lightly sweet.
Step 5: Add the seasoned aubergine to the broth and chill for 10 minutes. Add 1 handful ice cubes, sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and serve cold.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 50 kcal
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbs
- 10 g
- Fat
- 1 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does gaji naengguk take?
- About 20 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- What can I use instead of soy sauce?
- Tamari, same amount (gluten free).
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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