Spicy and Tangy Bibim Guksu (Korean Mixed Noodles)
Delicious Bibim Guksu Recipe with Fresh Kimchi
Bibim Guksu is always a delight to eat, especially when made with crunchy cabbage kimchi! This dish is perfect for a leisurely Sunday afternoon. Its refreshing spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors make it an irresistible meal.
Main Ingredients- 4 servings of Somyeon noodles (about 400g)
- A generous amount of well-fermented cabbage kimchi, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the kimchi. Choose well-fermented cabbage kimchi that isn’t too spicy for the best flavor harmony with the sauce. Slice the kimchi thinly, about 1cm thick, into easy-to-eat pieces.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to cook the somyeon noodles. In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water; this helps make the noodles chewier and seasons them slightly. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the somyeon noodles, separating them gently with chopsticks to prevent sticking. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until al dente, but always check the package instructions for precise cooking times as they can vary by brand.
Step 3
After cooking, rinse the noodles thoroughly under cold running water. This step is crucial for achieving a chewy texture. Gently rub the noodles while rinsing to remove excess starch. Repeat this rinsing process 2-3 times. For an extra firm and chewy noodle, you can give them a final rinse in ice-cold water for a minute or two. Drain the noodles very well in a colander; excess water can dilute the sauce and make the dish bland.
Step 4
The key to a delicious bibim guksu is the sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: 3 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp maesilcheong, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. You can adjust the amount of sugar or gochujang based on the kimchi’s saltiness and your preference. Adding a little kimchi juice can enhance the umami and moisture.
Step 5
Add the well-drained somyeon noodles to the bowl with the prepared sauce. Also, add the sliced cabbage kimchi. Now, mix everything together thoroughly using your hands or tongs, ensuring the noodles and kimchi are evenly coated with the delicious sauce. Mix gently to avoid mashing the kimchi, allowing the sauce to seep into every strand of noodle.
Step 6
Transfer the well-mixed bibim guksu to a serving bowl, arranging it attractively. For an even more delightful meal, consider adding toppings like thinly sliced cucumber, a halved hard-boiled egg, or fresh lettuce leaves.
Step 7
Your flavorful bibim guksu, with its perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet notes, is now ready to be enjoyed! The chewy noodles paired with the crunchy kimchi create a truly satisfying and refreshing dish. Enjoy!
