Spicy and Sweet Chewy Noodle Salad Recipe
Chewy Noodles Salad (Jjolmyeon Muchim) – A Refreshing and Flavorful Dish
The perfect dish when you have a loss of appetite! We’re sharing a recipe for chewy jjolmyeon salad made with crisp cucumbers and fresh lettuce. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Main Ingredients- 500g Jjolmyeon (chewy noodles)
- 1 cucumber
- 5 lettuce leaves
Garnish & Finishing- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Seasoning Sauce- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp Maesilcheong (plum extract)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Seasoning Sauce- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp Maesilcheong (plum extract)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the essential spicy seasoning sauce for the jjolmyeon salad. In a bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, maesilcheong, vinegar, gochugaru, and minced garlic. Mix them well until thoroughly combined. This recipe makes a generous amount of sauce, so it’s best not to add it all at once. You can adjust the seasoning later to your preference.
Step 2
Jjolmyeon noodles can sometimes stick together. Gently separate them under running water to loosen them into individual strands. Wash the cucumber thoroughly and then julienne it into thin strips. This step ensures that the cucumber maintains its refreshing crunch.
Step 3
Wash the lettuce leaves, shake off excess water, and tear them into bite-sized pieces. Fresh lettuce will add another layer of flavor and texture to your jjolmyeon.
Step 4
In a pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the jjolmyeon noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 2-3 minutes. Immediately after cooking, rinse the noodles thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and make them delightfully chewy. Drain them completely in a colander; this is crucial to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Step 5
In a large bowl, combine the drained jjolmyeon and the julienned cucumber. Add about two-thirds of the prepared seasoning sauce, along with the sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the noodles mushy. It’s best to add the sauce incrementally, tasting as you go, and adding more if needed. The key is to achieve a balanced sweet, sour, and spicy flavor.
Step 6
To serve, spread the torn lettuce leaves on the bottom of your serving dish. Arrange the sauced jjolmyeon noodles attractively on top of the lettuce. Finally, artfully place the crisp cucumber matchsticks over the noodles and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful finishing touch. This delicious jjolmyeon salad is now ready! For an extra treat, you can serve it with a hard-boiled egg or some kimchi.
