Spicy and Sweet Bibim Guksu (Mixed Noodles)
The Perfect Dish After Heavy Holiday Feasts: Spicy and Sweet Bibim Guksu
Feeling a bit heavy after all those rich holiday meals? This spicy and sweet Bibim Guksu is the perfect palate cleanser! This recipe was inspired by a daughter’s late-night craving for noodles after a festive meal. Her devoted father, hearing her wish, went to the kitchen and quickly whipped up this delicious bowl of Bibim Guksu.
Main Ingredients- Noodles (Somyeon or similar) for 1 serving
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 Cucumber
- A bit of aged kimchi (Mukimchi)
Spicy & Sweet Sauce- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Plum extract) or corn syrup
- 2 Tbsp Gam Sikcho (Persimmon vinegar) or rice vinegar
- A pinch of minced garlic
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- A bit of seaweed flakes (Gimgaru, for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Plum extract) or corn syrup
- 2 Tbsp Gam Sikcho (Persimmon vinegar) or rice vinegar
- A pinch of minced garlic
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- A bit of seaweed flakes (Gimgaru, for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, boil the noodles (somyeon) in plenty of water. Gently stir with chopsticks as they cook to prevent sticking. Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and drain them completely. This step ensures the noodles are chewy and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Step 2
Thinly slice the aged kimchi (mukimchi) into bite-sized strips. Place the sliced kimchi in a bowl, add a pinch of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil. Gently mix and ‘massage’ the kimchi with your hands until well combined. This will add a wonderful tangy flavor to your noodles.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce! In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 2 tablespoons of maesil cheong (or corn syrup), and 2 tablespoons of gam sikcho (or rice vinegar). Add a pinch of minced garlic and a pinch of sesame seeds. Finish with a teaspoon of sesame oil and mix everything well until the sauce is smooth and fragrant. This is your perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy!
Step 4
Transfer the drained noodles to a larger bowl. Pour all of the prepared sauce over the noodles. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring each strand of noodle is coated with the flavorful sauce. Once evenly mixed, place the seasoned noodles into a serving bowl.
Step 5
For the toppings: Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin in a ‘peeling’ motion, then julienne it finely. Boil the egg until hard-cooked, then slice it in half. Arrange these toppings attractively on top of the noodles.
Step 6
Finally, garnish your Bibim Guksu with the julienned cucumber, the halved boiled egg, and a sprinkle of seaweed flakes. This visually appealing dish is not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious, promising to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy your homemade Bibim Guksu!
