Refreshing Summer Noodles: Yeolmu Bibim Guksu & Mul Guksu
Perfect Summer Dish! Homemade Yeolmu Bibim Guksu and Chilled Yeolmu Mul Guksu Recipes
What comes to mind when you think of summer? It’s undoubtedly refreshing Yeolmu Guksu! This recipe offers two delightful ways to enjoy it: a vibrant, spicy-sweet Bibim Guksu (mixed noodles) and a cool, soothing Mul Guksu (noodle soup). Beat the heat with these delicious and easy-to-make summer noodle bowls!
Common Ingredients (Per Serving)- 1 handful of fresh Yeolmu Kimchi (young radish kimchi)
- Somyeon noodles (about the size of a 500-won coin)
- 1 hard-boiled egg
Chilled Yeolmu Mul Guksu Broth- 1 pack of store-bought Naengmyeon (cold noodle) broth
- 1 ladleful of Yeolmu Kimchi brine
- 1/2 cup (100ml) cold water
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Spicy & Sweet Yeolmu Bibim Guksu Sauce- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (green plum syrup)
- 1 Tbsp oligo-dang (oligosaccharide syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp Yeolmu Kimchi brine
- 1 pack of store-bought Naengmyeon (cold noodle) broth
- 1 ladleful of Yeolmu Kimchi brine
- 1/2 cup (100ml) cold water
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Spicy & Sweet Yeolmu Bibim Guksu Sauce- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (green plum syrup)
- 1 Tbsp oligo-dang (oligosaccharide syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp Yeolmu Kimchi brine
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing perfectly hard-boiled eggs. Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of coarse salt and a splash of vinegar. Gently place the eggs in the water and boil for about 15 minutes. This will yield a perfectly cooked, firm hard-boiled egg. Preparing them in advance saves valuable time.
Step 2
Next, we’ll cook the somyeon noodles. For one serving, use noodles roughly the size of a 500-won coin. Bring a generous pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and stir gently. Once the water comes to a boil again, add half a cup of cold water. When it boils up a second time, add another half cup of cold water. After it boils up a third time, quickly drain the noodles and plunge them into a bowl of cold water. Rinse them vigorously under cold running water to remove excess starch and achieve a chewy texture.
Step 3
While the eggs are boiling, let’s make the delicious sauce for the Yeolmu Bibim Guksu. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp gochujang, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1.5 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp maesilcheong, 1 Tbsp oligo-dang, 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds, and 2 Tbsp Yeolmu Kimchi brine. Whisk everything together thoroughly until well combined. Your flavourful sauce is now ready!
*Pro Tip: This sauce recipe yields a generous amount. When mixing with the noodles, start by adding only a portion of the sauce and gradually add more to your taste, rather than adding it all at once.
Step 4
Prepare the Yeolmu Kimchi by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. About a handful per serving is usually good, but since this is Yeolmu Guksu, don’t be shy with the radish kimchi – more is definitely better for maximum flavor! Adjust the amount to your preference, but we recommend being generous.
Step 5
Now, let’s create the refreshing broth for the Yeolmu Mul Guksu. It’s best to make this right before serving to ensure maximum coolness. Using a store-bought Naengmyeon broth makes this step incredibly easy. Combine 1 pack of Naengmyeon broth with 1 ladleful of Yeolmu Kimchi brine and 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir well to combine. You can chill this broth in the refrigerator or make it just before you’re ready to eat. For an extra icy treat, pop it in the freezer for a bit – the slight slushy texture is divine!
Step 6
For the Mul Guksu, we’ll lightly season the prepared Yeolmu Kimchi. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped Yeolmu Kimchi with 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of sesame seeds. Gently mix it through. This light seasoning enhances the natural flavor and aroma of the Yeolmu.
Step 7
All our components are ready! Let’s assemble the Yeolmu Bibim Guksu. Place the cooked somyeon noodles in a serving bowl. Gradually add the prepared Bibim sauce, mixing gently with your hands (wearing disposable gloves makes this easy and ensures even coating). Mix until the noodles are well coated with the sauce to your desired level of spiciness and flavor. Transfer the seasoned noodles to a serving bowl and top with the prepared Yeolmu Kimchi and a sliced hard-boiled egg. Voila! Delicious Bibim Guksu is served!
*Remember, as mentioned before, add the sauce little by little to achieve your perfect taste!
Step 8
Finally, let’s put together the simple Yeolmu Mul Guksu. Place the cooked somyeon noodles in a bowl. Pour the chilled broth over the noodles generously. Top with the lightly seasoned Yeolmu Kimchi and the hard-boiled egg. Enjoy this wonderfully cool and refreshing bowl of Yeolmu Mul Guksu. It’s the ultimate summer comfort food!
