Yeolmu Kimchi Bibim Guksu: A Spicy and Refreshing Noodle Dish to Beat the Heat
Feeling the summer heat? Banish the swelter with a bowl of spicy and invigorating Yeolmu Kimchi Bibim Guksu!
Do you have some well-fermented Yeolmu Kimchi (young radish kimchi) or Napa cabbage kimchi at home? Let’s make a delicious Bibim Guksu with it together! On hot summer days, a bowl of spicy noodles can chase away the heat and invigorate your appetite. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a refreshing meal.
Ingredients- 1 serving of Somen noodles (approx. 100g)
- A generous portion of well-fermented Yeolmu Kimchi (including some kimchi brine)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 2 tsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 Perilla leaves (optional, adds a fragrant aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the ingredients that will flavor your Bibim Guksu. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of well-fermented Yeolmu Kimchi (or crunchy Napa cabbage kimchi if you don’t have Yeolmu). Including some of the kimchi brine will add a richer depth of flavor. If you have perilla leaves, prepare about 3 leaves for an added fragrant touch.
Step 2
Wash the perilla leaves, pat them dry, and then thinly julienne them. The aromatic scent of perilla leaves will significantly enhance the overall flavor profile of your Bibim Guksu.
Step 3
Now, let’s get the water boiling for the noodles. Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
Step 4
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add 1 serving (about 100g) of somen noodles. Use chopsticks to gently stir and separate the noodles, preventing them from sticking together.
Step 5
As the noodles start to boil and rise to the surface, add about half a cup of cold water. This step helps to lower the water temperature, which in turn results in chewier, more resilient noodles.
Step 6
Repeat the process of adding cold water (about half a cup) and stirring each time the water comes to a boil. Doing this about three times will yield perfectly chewy and springy somen noodles, ideal for Bibim Guksu.
Step 7
As soon as the noodles are cooked, drain them immediately in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. While rinsing, vigorously rub the noodles with your hands, much like you would when washing laundry. This action effectively removes excess starch, making the noodles more resilient and helping them absorb the sauce better. Don’t worry, they won’t break easily from this vigorous rubbing.
Step 8
After rinsing, drain the noodles well in the colander and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Step 9
Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the noodles in the bowl. Coating the noodles with sesame oil beforehand acts as a barrier, helping to prevent them from becoming soggy too quickly when mixed with the sauce and maintaining their pleasant chewiness.
Step 10
Gently toss the noodles with the sesame oil to ensure they are evenly coated. This prevents sticking and prepares the noodles to readily accept the flavorful sauce.
Step 11
Now, add a generous amount of your well-fermented Yeolmu Kimchi (or Napa cabbage kimchi) to the bowl. The crisp texture and the sweet and sour tang of the kimchi will be the star of your Bibim Guksu.
Step 12
Add 1 teaspoon of gochugaru for a spicy kick. If you prefer a bolder, spicier flavor, feel free to increase the amount of gochugaru or add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper. Adjust according to your taste!
Step 13
Finally, top with the julienned perilla leaves and mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Good Bibim Guksu truly benefits from a personal touch, so mix with care and enjoy the process!
Step 14
Your delicious Yeolmu Kimchi Bibim Guksu is ready! Noodles tend to soften over time, so it’s best to mix and serve immediately after preparing all your ingredients for the chewiest possible texture. Enjoy it at its peak!
Step 15
Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds over the top for a final flourish. This spicy and invigorating Yeolmu Bibim Guksu is the perfect antidote to a hot day, offering a satisfying meal that banishes fatigue. Enjoy your meal!
