Crunchy and Sweet & Sour Kimchi Bibim Guksu
The Ultimate Summer Dish: Refreshing Kimchi Bibim Guksu Recipe
Beat the summer heat with this incredibly refreshing and appetizing Kimchi Bibim Guksu! This dish features chewy somen noodles tossed in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce, topped with a vibrant and crunchy aged kimchi salad. It’s a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that will awaken your taste buds. This recipe is detailed for beginners to easily follow!
Main Ingredients
- Somen noodles, 4 servings (approx. 400g)
- Aged Kimchi (Mu-geunji), 1 whole head (about 1/3 of a kimchi container)
Aged Kimchi Topping Seasoning
- Sugar, 1/2 Tbsp
- Perilla Oil (Deulgireum), 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds, 1 Tbsp
Bibim Guksu Sauce
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 2 Tbsp
- Sugar, 2 Tbsp
- Vinegar, 2 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil, 2 Tbsp
- Sugar, 1/2 Tbsp
- Perilla Oil (Deulgireum), 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds, 1 Tbsp
Bibim Guksu Sauce
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 2 Tbsp
- Sugar, 2 Tbsp
- Vinegar, 2 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil, 2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your aged kimchi. Gently rinse one head of mu-geunji under cold running water to remove any strong odors or excessive sourness. Squeeze out as much water as possible from the rinsed kimchi and tear or chop it into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial for the kimchi to absorb the seasoning well and improve its texture.
Step 2
To the squeezed kimchi, add 1/2 Tbsp of sugar. This will help balance the sourness of the kimchi and enhance its flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar based on the kimchi’s tartness.
Step 3
Next, add 1 Tbsp of perilla oil (deulgireum) for a rich nutty aroma. The distinct flavor of perilla oil pairs wonderfully with aged kimchi.
Step 4
Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to the kimchi mixture. Garlic not only adds a savory depth but also helps to cut through any lingering tanginess.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle in 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch and flavor. For an even more intense nutty taste, you can lightly crush the sesame seeds before adding them.
Step 6
Gently mix all the seasoning ingredients with the prepared kimchi using your hands. Toss the kimchi and seasonings until everything is evenly distributed and the kimchi is nicely coated. Make sure to break up any clumps of kimchi. Your delicious aged kimchi topping is now ready!
Step 7
Now, let’s cook the somen noodles, the heart of bibim guksu. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 4 servings (about 400g) of somen noodles and stir gently with chopsticks to prevent them from sticking. Cook according to package directions, but aim for about 30 seconds to 1 minute less than the recommended time for an ‘al dente’ texture. Immediately drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess starch, which makes them slippery and chewy. Drain them well in a colander. Rinsing in cold water ensures the noodles remain firm and springy.
Step 8
To the well-drained somen noodles, add 2 Tbsp of gochujang (Korean chili paste). This forms the base of our vibrant bibim sauce.
Step 9
Add 2 Tbsp of sugar to the noodles. The sweetness balances the heat from the gochujang and adds a delightful complexity to the sauce.
Step 10
Now, add 2 Tbsp of vinegar for a bright, tangy kick and 2 Tbsp of sesame oil for a rich, nutty finish. This combination creates the perfect sweet, sour, and savory balance.
Step 11
Using chopsticks or your hands, quickly and thoroughly mix the noodles with all the sauce ingredients. Ensure every strand of noodle is evenly coated with the delicious sauce. This thorough mixing is key to achieving the best flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your personal preference if needed.
Step 12
Transfer the well-mixed bibim guksu to a serving bowl. Generously top it with the delicious aged kimchi topping you prepared earlier. Your stunning and flavorful Kimchi Bibim Guksu is now complete!
Step 13
It’s time to enjoy! Take a generous bite with both the noodles and the kimchi topping together. The satisfying crunch of the kimchi combined with the sweet and tangy sauce is incredibly refreshing and perfect for days when you lack appetite. It’s guaranteed to bring your appetite back!
