Refreshing & Sweet Fruit Bibim Guksu
Separate Fruits, Separate Noodles? No! Apricots, Tomatoes, and Korean Melons Unite in This Fruit Bibim Guksu Recipe
Thanks to the gentle rain earlier, the sweltering heat has subsided for a bit. I’ve been sleeping soundly under the covers for a few days. However, the scorching heat is back! To rekindle your appetite on such days, nothing beats a delicious bowl of Bibim Guksu. Today, I’ve prepared a Bibim Guksu that cuts down on carbs and boosts your Vitamin C intake. It’s called Fruit Bibim Guksu, not Fruit Bingsu! Haha, shall we make it?
Main Ingredients- 3 servings of somyeon or jungmyeon noodles
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1 crisp Korean melon (chamoe)
- 3 sweet and tart plums
- 5 perilla leaves (kkaennip)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the special sauce that will define the flavor of our Bibim Guksu! In a bowl, combine 3.5 tablespoons of gochujang, 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar for that delightful tang. Stir everything together until well combined. The key to delicious Bibim Guksu is a great sauce! This mom-approved sauce is versatile for any Bibim Guksu dish.
Step 2
Fill a deep pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling vigorously, it’s time to add the noodles. For 3 servings, we’re using about the size of three 500-won coins (or about 3 servings of noodles). Add the noodles, ensuring they don’t clump together to prevent sticking.
Step 3
The secret to perfectly chewy Bibim Guksu noodles is all in the boiling method! Here’s how to avoid any noodle mishaps: ① Once the water boils, add the noodles and quickly stir to separate them. ② After the water returns to a boil, add a cup of cold water. ③ Repeat this process two more times, for a total of three additions of cold water. This method ensures the noodles become wonderfully chewy. (This is for medium-thick noodles; for thin somyeon, two additions might suffice.) ④ After adding the cold water for the third time and when it starts boiling again, immediately drain the noodles. Rinse them under cold water 2-3 times and drain thoroughly in a colander. This will give you perfectly firm and non-mushy Bibim Guksu noodles.
Step 4
While the noodles are cooking, let’s prepare the fruits that will add a refreshing twist to our Bibim Guksu. First, take 3 tomatoes, remove the stems, and wash them thoroughly. Firm tomatoes work well here, offering a crisp texture similar to cucumbers. Slice the tomatoes in half, scoop out the seeds into a separate bowl, and then julienne the tomato flesh into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5
Next, prepare one Korean melon (chamoe). This melon will add a refreshing crunch, replacing cucumbers. Wash it well before cutting. Just like the tomatoes, carefully remove the seeds and then julienne the melon flesh to match the size of the julienned tomatoes. I’m really looking forward to that satisfying crunch!
Step 6
We’ll also add 3 plums, a quintessential summer fruit, for that sweet and tart flavor. Wash the plums, remove the pits, and julienne them finely, similar to the tomatoes and melon. (It’s amusing how ‘removing the seeds’ can sound like a curse word in Korean! 😊) The juicy, tangy flavor of the plums will blend beautifully with the sauce, creating a rich taste.
Step 7
Now, let’s add 5 perilla leaves (kkaennip) for color and aroma. If you don’t have cucumbers, fragrant perilla leaves are a fantastic substitute that elevates the flavor profile! Wash the perilla leaves, pat them dry, and then finely julienne them. These vibrant green leaves will make our Bibim Guksu look even more appetizing.
Step 8
Alright, all our ingredients are prepped! The noodles are also perfectly cooked and chewy. After rinsing them 2-3 times in cold water and draining thoroughly, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Step 9
Add the prepared fruits (tomatoes, Korean melon, plums, perilla leaves) to the large bowl, followed by the drained noodles. Now it’s time for the sauce! Spoon the prepared gochujang sauce generously over everything. Since we’re using gochujang as the base, we’ll skip the sesame oil and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness and aroma. Doesn’t it look mouthwatering already?
Step 10
If you happen to have a packet of Paldo Bibim Myeon sauce at home, you can open one and mix it in for an extra layer of flavor! (Of course, Mom’s sauce is delicious enough on its own, so it’s not essential.) Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. Your refreshing and sweet Fruit Bibim Guksu is now ready! The combination of chewy noodles, crisp fruits, and the tangy-sweet sauce is sure to stimulate your appetite. Enjoy!
