Spicy and Tangy Kimchi Bibim Guksu (Spicy Mixed Noodles)
Easy Kimchi Bibim Guksu Recipe Inspired by Baek Jong-won
Feeling a bit heavy after indulging in rich foods? This spicy and tangy Kimchi Bibim Guksu is the perfect refreshing dish to awaken your appetite! It’s not too spicy, making it a hit with kids aged elementary school and up. A delicious and simple recipe for everyone to enjoy.
Main Ingredients- 2 servings of somyeon noodles
- 1 handful of ripe kimchi (about 1 cup)
- 1 tsp sugar (for mixing with kimchi)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cucumber
Bibim Guksu Sauce (Baek Jong-won Style)- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1/3 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1/3 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the essential sauce for delicious bibim guksu! In a bowl, combine 1.5 Tbsp gochujang, 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp of tangy vinegar, 1/3 Tbsp of savory soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp of sweet sugar, 1/3 Tbsp of fragrant minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of nutty sesame oil, and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Making the sauce in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2
Prepare the toppings. Finely julienne 1/2 cucumber after washing it thoroughly. Chop the ripe kimchi into bite-sized pieces (like scissors cutting) and place it in a separate bowl. Add 1 tsp of sugar and gently mix it with the kimchi. This step softens the kimchi’s tanginess and enhances its flavor.
Step 3
We’ll be boiling an egg for a topping. Place the egg and water in a pot. Once the water starts boiling, gently stir the egg in one direction and boil for about 7-8 minutes. This technique helps create a perfectly centered, soft-boiled yolk. Once cooked, immediately transfer the egg to cold water to cool before peeling.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to cook the somyeon noodles. Bring a generous amount of water to a rolling boil and add 2 servings (about 200g) of somyeon noodles. The cooking time can vary depending on the noodle thickness, water quantity, and heat intensity. Typically, after adding the noodles to boiling water, cook for approximately 3.5 to 4.5 minutes for perfectly al dente noodles. Stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 5
Once the somyeon noodles are cooked, drain them using a colander. Quickly rinse them under cold running water. This step makes the noodles delightfully chewy and helps achieve the refreshing coolness of bibim guksu. Ensure you drain them well after rinsing.
Step 6
Place the drained noodles into your serving bowl. Add the prepared sauce and the chopped kimchi. (Pro tip: If you plan to use some of the kimchi as a garnish as well, reserve about 1 Tbsp of kimchi from the amount you’re adding to the noodles!)
Step 7
This is the crucial step! Using chopsticks or tongs, thoroughly mix the noodles, sauce, and kimchi together. Ensure the sauce coats every strand of noodle evenly for the most flavorful bibim guksu.
Step 8
Arrange the well-mixed noodles attractively in a serving bowl. Top with the julienned cucumber, the soft-boiled egg, and the chopped kimchi. Your delicious Kimchi Bibim Guksu is now complete! Feel free to add more kimchi or cucumber according to your preference.
