Fragrant Deodeok Bibim Guksu with White Kimchi
When You Don’t Know What to Eat: Making Deodeok Bibim Guksu with White Kimchi
Introducing a special dish perfect even in winter: Deodeok Bibim Guksu! The harmony of crisp white kimchi and aromatic deodeok is exquisite. The sauce, made using the white kimchi brine, offers a refreshing, sweet, and spicy flavor. Follow this detailed recipe for an easy and delicious meal.
Sauce Ingredients- 1/4 head White Kimchi (including brine)
- 2 servings Somyeon (thin wheat noodles)
- 100g Deodeok (wild bellflower root)
- 1 handful Chicory
- 1/2 Cucumber
- 3 stalks Green Onions
- Small amount of Chives (optional)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder, fine)
- 0.5 Tbsp Cheongyang Gochugaru (spicy Korean chili powder, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar or Honey
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the sweet and spicy sauce that will define your bibim guksu. Add fine gochugaru and Cheongyang gochugaru to the clean white kimchi brine for a kick of spiciness. Adjust the sourness with sugar or honey for a milder taste. Using fine gochugaru here ensures the sauce blends smoothly, unlike coarser varieties.
Step 2
Add finely chopped white kimchi to the sauce and mix well. The crunchy texture and refreshing taste of the white kimchi will enhance the sauce, making it even richer. This is what makes deodeok bibim guksu so special.
Step 3
Wash and thinly slice the green onions. Add the sliced green onions to the sauce and mix lightly. Covering this sauce with plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer will keep it extra cold and also allow the flavors to meld beautifully as it chills.
Step 4
Prepare the vegetables for garnishing. Wash the cucumber thoroughly, then cut it into thin matchsticks. Cut the chicory into similar lengths. If you have chives, chop them into appropriate sizes as well; they add a lovely fresh element.
Step 5
It’s time to prepare the star of the bibim guksu: the deodeok. After washing off any dirt, peel the deodeok and slice it thinly. Gently pound the sliced deodeok with the back of a knife or a mallet; this will make it much more tender and easier to chew, improving its texture.
Step 6
Now, let’s cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the somyeon. Cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse the noodles under cold water to remove excess starch and drain them well. All the prep work is now complete!
Step 7
Place the cooked somyeon into a serving bowl. Generously ladle the prepared and chilled white kimchi sauce over the noodles. Be sure to add a good amount of the chopped white kimchi too; this will provide a satisfying crunch and refreshing liquid.
Step 8
Arrange the prepared vegetable garnishes attractively on top of the noodles. Layer the chicory, cucumber matchsticks, chives, and the prepared deodeok neatly over the noodles. The vibrant colors will whet your appetite.
Step 9
Finally, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a nutty finish. Your delicious Deodeok Bibim Guksu, a delightful combination of fragrant deodeok and refreshing white kimchi, is now complete. Enjoy your meal!
