Description
Bibim Guksu is a refreshing Korean spicy cold noodle dish perfect for quick lunches or dinners. Featuring thin wheat noodles tossed in a vibrant gochujang-based sauce with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang, this dish is garnished with crunchy cucumber slices, a soft-boiled egg, kimchi, and toasted sesame seeds for a delightful textural contrast.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz somyeon noodles (thin wheat noodles)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 teaspoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, crushed
Garnish
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 soft-boiled egg
- Toasted sesame seeds, for sprinkling
- Kimchi, for serving
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, honey, and crushed toasted sesame seeds. Stir thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the somyeon noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes, until just tender. Drain and immediately rinse the noodles under ice-cold water to stop the cooking process and chill them. Drain well again to remove excess water.
- Combine: Transfer the chilled noodles to the bowl with the prepared sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand is evenly coated with the spicy, tangy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the noodles and garnish with thinly sliced cucumber, a soft-boiled egg halved or whole, kimchi on the side, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra protein, add shredded cooked chicken or tofu alongside the noodles.
- Adjust the honey and vinegar amounts to your preferred balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Make sure to rinse the noodles in ice water to achieve the signature chewy and cold texture.
- This dish is best served immediately after mixing to prevent the noodles from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy.
- Garnishes can be varied with other fresh vegetables like julienned carrots or radishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
