Refreshing Tomato Bibim Guksu (Spicy Korean Noodles)
Tomato Bibim Guksu: Deliciously Healthy and Flavorful
Tomatoes are at their peak flavor and nutritional value right now! How about trying ‘Tomato Bibim Guksu’ as a refreshing meal to beat the summer heat? You’ll be surprised at how much more delicious it is than you imagined! This dish perfectly combines the bright flavor of tomatoes with a sweet and spicy sauce, making it an ideal choice to awaken your appetite on a hot day. 🍅🍜
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Tomato Juice (pureed)
- 2 cups Prepared Cucumber Salad for Bibim Guksu (homemade or store-bought)
- 200g Somyeon (thin Korean wheat noodles)
- 1/4 Korean Melon (optional, for garnish)
Tomato Bibim Guksu Sauce
- 2-3 Tbsp Drinking Vinegar (or regular vinegar)
- 1-2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Minced Garlic (optional)
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds
- 2-3 Tbsp Drinking Vinegar (or regular vinegar)
- 1-2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Minced Garlic (optional)
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the cucumber salad for the bibim guksu. Thinly slice the cucumber, salt it slightly to draw out moisture, then squeeze out the excess water. Mix with sugar, vinegar, gochugaru, and minced garlic (if using) until well combined. (Tip: Making this ahead and refrigerating will enhance the flavor.)
Step 2
Prepare the tomato base. For maximum tomato nutrients, use freshly blended raw tomatoes. If you prefer a smoother flavor, you can lightly cook and then blend the tomatoes. Combine this tomato juice with the prepared cucumber salad and the ingredients for the bibim guksu sauce, mixing them well.
Step 3
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more vinegar, sugar, or soy sauce to suit your preference. If you have ‘drinking vinegar’ available, it can be used instead of regular vinegar and sugar for a more convenient and refined taste.
Step 4
Boil the somyeon noodles in plenty of water until cooked. Once the noodles are done, drain them in a colander, discard the hot water, and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for ensuring the noodles remain firm and don’t become mushy.
Step 5
Place the drained somyeon noodles in a serving bowl. Generously ladle the prepared tomato sauce over the noodles. Serve it with plenty of sauce, similar to how saucy bibim guksu is enjoyed, for a more appealing presentation and a richer flavor.
Step 6
Finally, add a few ice cubes for an extra refreshing touch. I garnished mine with thinly sliced Korean melon, but any fruit or vegetable you have on hand, such as apple, pear, cucumber, or even young lettuce leaves, can serve as a wonderful topping. Garnish as you like and enjoy your delicious meal!
