Ryoo Soo-young’s ‘Seol-ma Gochujang Noodles’: A Refreshing Summer Bibim Guksu
Chef Ryoo Soo-young’s Bibim Guksu Recipe: How to Make ‘Seol-ma Gochujang Noodles’ to Beat the Summer Heat
A refreshing summer noodle dish that’s perfect when you’re craving something cool and flavorful! Even I, who usually doesn’t care much for noodles, found this Bibim Guksu recipe incredibly delicious. If you’re looking for a delightful noodle dish to beat the summer heat, be sure to try making ‘Seol-ma Gochujang Noodles’!
Basic Ingredients- Somen noodles, 2 servings (approx. 200g)
- Canned tuna, 100g (drained)
Cucumber and Onion Pickle- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 onion
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 4 pinches salt (approx. 1/4 tsp)
Spicy and Sweet Bibim Sauce- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 1 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 4 Tbsp sugar
- 4 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
- 10 twists black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 onion
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 4 pinches salt (approx. 1/4 tsp)
Spicy and Sweet Bibim Sauce- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 1 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 4 Tbsp sugar
- 4 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
- 10 twists black pepper (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will add a crisp texture to your Bibim Guksu. You’ll need 1 medium cucumber and 1/2 medium onion.
Step 2
Thinly slice the onion into fine strips. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds, about 0.5cm thick. Slicing the cucumber thinly is key to achieving that delightful crunchy texture later.
Step 3
Place the sliced cucumber and onion in a bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 4 pinches of salt. Gently mix them together with your hands. Let them pickle in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture and enhances their crispness.
Step 4
After 20 minutes, gently squeeze out the excess liquid from the pickled cucumber and onion. This step is crucial to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy in the dressing.
Step 5
Don’t discard the liquid squeezed from the vegetables! This flavorful juice will be used to enrich the Bibim sauce, so set it aside in a small bowl.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the spicy and sweet Bibim sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 6 tablespoons of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of vinegar, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds, and about 10 twists of black pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until thoroughly combined.
Step 7
Add the 4 tablespoons of reserved vegetable pickling liquid to the prepared sauce. Stir everything together again. This addition will add a deeper, more complex flavor profile to your sauce.
Step 8
Next, cook the somen noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 servings of somen noodles (about 200g) and cook for approximately 4 minutes. Be sure to time this accurately to avoid overcooking the noodles.
Step 9
Once cooked, rinse the somen noodles thoroughly under cold running water. Rub the noodles gently between your hands while rinsing to remove excess starch. This step ensures the noodles are firm and have a pleasant chewy texture.
Step 10
Drain the noodles well and arrange them neatly in a serving bowl. Twirling them into a mound makes for a visually appealing presentation.
Step 11
Now for the toppings! Generously pile the crisp pickled cucumber and onion over the noodles. Then, place the drained canned tuna (100g) in the center. (While Chef Ryoo Soo-young’s recipe uses chicken breast, canned tuna works wonderfully and is a convenient alternative!).
Step 12
Finally, drizzle your desired amount of the delicious Bibim sauce over the toppings. Adjust the sauce quantity to your preference. For an extra refreshing experience, add a few ice cubes to the bowl before serving. Your delicious Bibim Guksu is ready to be enjoyed!
