Refreshing Yeolmu Guksu (Water Kimchi Noodles)
Deliciously Simple and Refreshing Yeolmu Guksu Recipe
Beat the heat with a bowl of icy cold Yeolmu Guksu! This simple yet incredibly flavorful noodle dish, featuring refreshing water kimchi, is perfect for a hot summer day. Enjoy a homemade version that rivals restaurant quality.
Main Ingredients
- 1 bowl of well-fermented Yeolmu Kimchi (about 200g)
- 1/2 cup (100ml) Yeolmu Kimchi brine
- 1 serving of somyeon noodles (about 100g)
- 1 packet of pre-made cold buckwheat noodle soup broth (chilled)
- 1/2 boiled egg (for garnish)
- A little bit of cucumber (for garnish)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (to adjust sweetness)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare one bowl of well-fermented, refreshing Yeolmu Kimchi and half a cup of its brine. If your Yeolmu Kimchi isn’t quite ripe enough, slightly fermenting it further before use will enhance the flavor.
Step 2
Thinly julienne some cucumber for topping. The crisp texture of the cucumber will add another delightful dimension to your Yeolmu Guksu.
Step 3
Cut half a hard-boiled egg into bite-sized pieces to use as a garnish. Make sure the egg is fully cooked.
Step 4
Let’s make the refreshing soup base! Take one packet of store-bought cold buckwheat noodle soup broth and place it in the freezer the night before. When you’re ready to prepare the dish, take it out to let it thaw slightly until it’s slushy. Then, use a mallet or the back of a spoon to break up the ice into smaller pieces. Keep it in the freezer while you prepare the other ingredients to maintain its icy chill.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine half a cup of the reserved Yeolmu Kimchi brine with 1/2 tablespoon of sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. The sugar helps to balance the tanginess of the kimchi brine and adds a touch of sweetness. Taste and adjust the sugar level according to your preference.
Step 6
Once the sugar is dissolved, pour in the slightly thawed buckwheat noodle soup broth. Stir everything together thoroughly to create a well-mixed broth. It’s best to use the broth when it’s just slightly thawed to prevent it from becoming too watery.
Step 7
Now it’s time to cook the noodles. Bring a generous pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the somyeon noodles and stir gently to prevent them from sticking together. Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess starch. Drain them well and place them in a serving bowl. Top generously with the prepared Yeolmu Kimchi.
Step 8
Finally, ladle the icy cold broth over the noodles and kimchi. Garnish with the julienned cucumber, boiled egg, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Your delicious and incredibly refreshing Yeolmu Guksu is ready! Its sweet, sour, and cooling taste is truly exceptional, so be sure to try making it.
