Spicy and Tangy Bibim Guksu (Korean Mixed Noodles)

Revive Your Appetite with This Flavorful Bibim Guksu Recipe!

Spicy and Tangy Bibim Guksu (Korean Mixed Noodles)

On days when your appetite is low or the weather is hot, this bibim guksu is the perfect refreshing dish. Its delightful sweet and sour flavors will awaken your senses.

Recipe Info

  • Category : Noodles & Dumplings
  • Ingredient Category : Flour / Wheat
  • Occasion : Everyday
  • Cooking : Mixed (Bibim-style)
  • Servings : 2 servings
  • Cooking Time : Within 15 minutes
  • Difficulty : Beginner

Main Ingredients

  • Somen noodles: 1 serving (a generous handful)
  • Romaine lettuce: 10 leaves (or other greens like lettuce, perilla leaves)
  • Onion: 1/4
  • Cherry tomatoes: 4-5

Spicy & Tangy Sauce

  • Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 3 Tbsp
  • Soy sauce (regular): 3 Tbsp
  • Rice wine (Mirin or similar): 2 Tbsp
  • Lemon juice: 3 Tbsp (or 2 Tbsp vinegar if lemon juice is unavailable)
  • Brown sugar: 1 Tbsp
  • Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup): 2 Tbsp (for gloss and sweetness)
  • Plum extract: 3 Tbsp (adds a deep, savory flavor)
  • Sesame seeds: Generous amount (for nutty aroma)
  • Minced garlic: 1/2 Tbsp
  • Black pepper: A pinch (2 quick shakes)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1

To make the bibim guksu truly shine, prepare the sauce in advance and let it rest in the refrigerator to meld the flavors. Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. If you don’t have lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of vinegar will work as a substitute. (Pro-tip: Letting the sauce chill for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to deepen and harmonize, making it significantly tastier!)

Step 1

Step 2

Achieve perfectly chewy noodles! Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the somen noodles and gently stir with chopsticks to prevent them from sticking. Once the noodles start to boil, add half a cup of cold water, stir, and let it boil again. Repeat this process of adding cold water and bringing to a boil 2-3 times. This technique ensures the noodles become delightfully springy and chewy. Immediately after the final boil, drain the noodles in a colander. Rinse them under cold running water while gently rubbing them to remove excess starch, then drain thoroughly to remove all excess water.

Step 2

Step 3

Prepare your fresh vegetables. Wash the romaine lettuce leaves thoroughly, pat them dry, and thinly shred them. (For added crunch, you can substitute with cucumbers or perilla leaves, or use them in combination.) Thinly slice the onion and soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its sharpness; then drain. Cut the cherry tomatoes into 2-3 pieces. (Note: The onion and cherry tomatoes are optional but highly recommended for a burst of freshness and a more satisfying texture.)

Step 3

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, place the drained noodles. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared sauce. Adjust the amount of sauce to your personal preference – use less if you prefer a milder taste, and more if you enjoy a bolder flavor. Gently toss the noodles with the sauce until evenly coated.

Step 4

Step 5

Add the shredded vegetables (romaine lettuce, onion) to the bowl with the noodles. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the noodles and vegetables. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the noodles mushy.

Step 5

Step 6

Transfer the well-mixed bibim guksu to a serving bowl. Artfully arrange the cut cherry tomatoes around the edges. Your delicious and refreshing bibim guksu is now ready to be enjoyed!

Step 6



Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube