Spicy and Tangy Gochujang Bibim Guksu (Spicy Mixed Noodles)
Easy and Delicious Gochujang Bibim Guksu Using Store-Bought Gochujang Sauce
When your appetite is low during the hot summer, a bowl of bibim guksu is the perfect solution to awaken your senses! This recipe uses readily available gochujang sauce for a flavorful and satisfying noodle dish. Enjoy a quick and delicious meal.
Main Ingredients
- Somen noodles, 2 servings
- Cucumber, 1/2
- Perilla leaves, 10
- Hard-boiled egg, 1 (optional)
- Tomato, 1 (or 1/2 regular tomato)
Mixing Sauce
- Store-bought gochujang sauce, 4 Tbsp
- Soy sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Plum extract or syrup, 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (or cooking sake), 1 Tbsp
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Fine red chili powder, 1 Tbsp
- Lemon juice, 1 Tbsp (or vinegar)
- Store-bought gochujang sauce, 4 Tbsp
- Soy sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Plum extract or syrup, 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (or cooking sake), 1 Tbsp
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Fine red chili powder, 1 Tbsp
- Lemon juice, 1 Tbsp (or vinegar)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the key component for a delicious bibim guksu: the mixing sauce. In a bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of store-bought gochujang sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of plum extract, 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of fine red chili powder, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Making the sauce in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the noodles cook.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber thoroughly and pat it dry. Then, thinly julienne it. Slicing the cucumber thinly will enhance its texture and ensure it blends well with the sauce.
Step 3
Wash the perilla leaves, pat them dry, then roll them up tightly and thinly slice them. The fragrant aroma of the perilla leaves will add depth to your bibim guksu.
Step 4
Cut the hard-boiled egg in half for a nice presentation. Wash the tomato and cut it into bite-sized pieces. If using a regular tomato, it’s best to remove the seeds before slicing.
Step 5
Now it’s time to cook the somen noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the somen noodles. When the water starts to boil over, add about half a cup of cold water and bring it back to a boil. Repeat this process 2-3 times for perfectly chewy and firm noodles.
Step 6
Drain the cooked noodles in a colander and rinse them quickly under cold running water. While rinsing, gently rub the noodles with your hands. This prevents them from sticking together and washes away excess starch, resulting in a wonderfully springy texture.
Step 7
Assemble your bibim guksu by placing the drained noodles in a serving bowl. Artfully arrange the julienned cucumber, sliced perilla leaves, tomato, and hard-boiled egg on top as toppings. Finally, generously ladle the prepared sauce over everything. Your flavorful gochujang bibim guksu is ready! For an extra touch of richness, drizzle a few drops of sesame oil before serving.
