Mokbar's Chilled Soybean Noodles
From Esther Choi: "We serve this at Mokbar in the summer. It's a dish I grew up eating with my grandma, kongguksu. The beauty of it is that it's so simple: just a few ingredients, completely vegan. I use special noodles at the restaurant: They're a mix of wheat and buckwheat, which gives it more of a bite than the traditional white noodles you'd ordinarily find in kongguksu. Then I make a soybean broth from soybeans imported from Korea, blend that together with regular toasted sesame seeds and wild sesame seeds—you know, deul ggae—plus really good water. When you're using so few ingredients, and the broth is so simple (it's literally fresh soy milk), the kind of water you use makes a big difference."
From Esther Choi: "We serve this at Mokbar in the summer. It's a dish I grew up eating with my grandma, kongguksu. The beauty of it is that it's so simple: just a few ingredients, completely vegan. I use special noodles at the restaurant: They're a mix of wheat and buckwheat, which gives it more of a bite than the traditional white noodles you'd ordinarily find in kongguksu. Then I make a soybean broth from soybeans imported from Korea, blend that together with regular toasted sesame seeds and wild sesame seeds—you know, deul ggae—plus really good water. When you're using so few ingredients, and the broth is so simple (it's literally fresh soy milk), the kind of water you use makes a big difference."
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cucumber julienned
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 4 portions noodles such as somen, soba, or fresh straight ramen works really well,
- 1 pint cooked soybeans (about 1 cup soaked and boiled fo
- 1 quart filtered water (better water better broth)
- 2 tablespoons wild sesame seeds (can substitute with black sesam plus more for garnish
- 1 pint grape tomatoes or baby heirloom tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons garlic oil plus more for garnish
- 1 pinch kosher salt plus more to taste
- Carbohydrate 3.41357249845781 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 14.1839999971241 g
- Fiber 1.68975001346632 g
- Protein 2.47703999898386 g
- Saturated Fat 1.97313674959726 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (35g)
- Sodium 5350.39203575645 mg
- Sugar 1.72382248499149 g
- Trans Fat 0.509852999873462 g
- Calories 144 calories
Step-by-step
- Prepare the noodles according to package instructions and set aside to cool, then chill.
- Place all the ingredients for the broth in a blender at full blast until very smooth and broth-like.
- In boiling water, blanch the tomatoes for 30 seconds and place in an ice bath. Peel each tomato and discard their skins. Mix them with the garlic oil and salt, and place evenly on a sheet tray. Roast at 250° F for 1 hour and chill thoroughly.
- To assemble, place the chilled noodles into bowls, add a pint of broth to each portion, and top with the cucumbers, roasted tomatoes (plus some oil), and the wild sesame seeds. Taste and add more salt if you feel it needs it.
Mokbar's Chilled Soybean Noodles: A Summertime Culinary Journey
As a busy professional woman, balancing work, social life, and maintaining a healthy diet can feel like a constant juggling act. Finding quick, nutritious, and flavorful meals is a priority, and this recipe for Mokbar's Chilled Soybean Noodles has become a summer staple in my kitchen. It's a refreshing departure from heavier, warmer dishes, perfectly suited for those long, hot days when even the thought of cooking feels overwhelming.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's a testament to the idea that less is often more. The vibrant flavors are achieved not through an array of complex ingredients, but through the careful selection and preparation of a few key components. The chilled noodles, the smooth, subtly sweet soybean broth, the burst of juicy roasted tomatoes, and the satisfying crunch of sesame seeds – each element plays a vital role in creating a harmonious whole. It's a dish that's as visually appealing as it is delicious, a culinary masterpiece that doesn't require hours of slaving away in the kitchen.
I've always been a fan of Asian cuisine, its delicate balance of flavors and textures always inspiring me. This recipe, with its Korean roots, is a wonderful example of how a seemingly simple dish can be incredibly satisfying and nourishing. The coolness of the noodles offers a comforting respite from the summer heat, while the subtle sweetness of the soybean broth provides a comforting familiarity. The roasted tomatoes add a surprising burst of sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the sesame seeds, creating a wonderful interplay of flavors.
What I particularly appreciate about this dish is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. The type of noodles used – somen, soba, or ramen – can be easily swapped depending on availability and personal preference. Similarly, the vegetables used as toppings can be adjusted to suit your taste. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dollop of sriracha, or a dash of soy sauce can all add unique dimensions to the dish.
This chilled noodle dish is far more than just a summer meal; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The ease of preparation allows me to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal even on the busiest of weekdays. It’s a recipe I've shared with friends and family, always met with rave reviews. The simple elegance and refreshing taste make it a true culinary gem.
More than just a meal, this dish is a mindful experience. The act of carefully preparing each element, from roasting the tomatoes to blending the broth, allows for a moment of calm and focus amidst the chaos of daily life. The beautiful presentation, with its vibrant colors and textures, elevates the dining experience, transforming a simple meal into a moment of self-care and appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
Whether you're a busy professional like myself or simply someone looking for a light and refreshing summer meal, Mokbar's Chilled Soybean Noodles is a recipe that will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen. Its simplicity, versatility, and exquisite taste make it a winner, and I urge you to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
