Savory and Refreshing Perilla Oil Lettuce Bibim Guksu
5-Minute Instant Recipe! Super Easy Perilla Oil Lettuce Bibim Guksu (Spicy Mixed Noodles)
This Lettuce Bibim Guksu is perfect for those days when you have no appetite or simply crave a quick yet delicious meal. The special sauce, made with fragrant perilla oil and nutty perilla powder, harmonizes with the fresh lettuce to create a refreshingly sweet, tangy, and savory flavor. The chewy noodles and crisp lettuce offer a delightful contrast in textures. It’s a super-speedy recipe that anyone can easily follow.
Main Ingredients- 100g fresh lettuce
- 300g somyeon noodles (thin wheat noodles)
- 1 ripe tomato
Perilla Oil Dressing- 2 Tbsp Korean soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 3 Tbsp Tsuyu (noodle soup base)
- 3 Tbsp plum extract syrup (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp perilla oil
- 2 Tbsp ground perilla seeds
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Korean soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 3 Tbsp Tsuyu (noodle soup base)
- 3 Tbsp plum extract syrup (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp perilla oil
- 2 Tbsp ground perilla seeds
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh lettuce. Wash it thoroughly under running water, then rinse it twice more in water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar added. This helps to remove any residual impurities and makes the lettuce extra crisp. After washing, place the lettuce in a colander and let it drain completely. This is important to prevent the sauce from becoming watery and to ensure a delicious mix.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the special perilla oil sauce that will tantalize your taste buds! In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of Tsuyu, 3 tablespoons of plum extract syrup, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix them well. Then, add 3 tablespoons of perilla oil, which is key to its nutty flavor, 2 tablespoons of ground perilla seeds for enhanced aroma, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar for a touch of tanginess. Stir until all ingredients are uniformly combined. Using Tsuyu adds a deep umami flavor without needing extra seasonings, making it very convenient.
Step 3
Add the drained lettuce to the prepared perilla oil sauce and toss gently. Be careful not to mash the lettuce; coat it evenly with the sauce while handling it delicately. Letting the lettuce marinate briefly in the sauce will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4
Next, it’s time to cook the noodles. In a pot of generously boiling water, add 300g of somyeon noodles and cook for exactly 3 minutes. It’s crucial to adhere to the cooking time, as overcooked somyeon can become mushy and lose its delightful chewiness. Cooking for about 3 minutes will result in perfectly al dente noodles.
Step 5
After cooking, rinse the somyeon noodles under cold running water multiple times. Rubbing them with your hands while rinsing helps to remove excess starch, resulting in firmer and chewier noodles.
Step 6
Drain the rinsed noodles thoroughly in a colander. Ensure no excess water remains, as this could dilute the sauce and make the bibim guksu less flavorful. Draining well is key to achieving the right consistency.
Step 7
Finally, it’s time to bring all the ingredients together for a delicious mix! Add the drained somyeon noodles to the bowl with the dressed lettuce and the prepared sauce. Use chopsticks or tongs to toss everything together gently. Your savory and refreshing Lettuce Bibim Guksu is now complete! For an extra treat, consider serving it with kimchi or a hard-boiled egg.
