Spicy Squid Bibim Guksu
Deliciously Tangy and Sweet Bibim Guksu with Plenty of Squid (or Todarodes)
A perfect harmony of spicy, tangy, and sweet! This bibim guksu is elevated with generous amounts of chewy squid (or todarodes), adding a rich texture and deep flavor. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that whets your appetite. Let’s make it right away!
Main Ingredients- 2 servings of somen or medium noodles
- 500g frozen todarodes strips (or 2 fresh squids)
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/8 head of cabbage
- 1/4 onion
- A small piece of carrot
- 10 fresh perilla leaves
Spicy and Sweet Bibim Sauce- 8 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for umami)
- 4 Tbsp Vinegar (adjust for tanginess)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- 8 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for umami)
- 4 Tbsp Vinegar (adjust for tanginess)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will add a refreshing crunch to your bibim guksu. Thinly julienne the cucumber, cabbage, onion, and carrot. For the perilla leaves, roll them up tightly and then slice them thinly for an even better texture.
Step 2
If using frozen todarodes strips, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to thaw and clean. If you’re using fresh squid, clean it well, boil it in simmering water for 1-2 minutes, let it cool slightly, and then slice it thinly.
Step 3
Prepare 2 servings of somen or medium noodles. Boil them in plenty of water until al dente. Once cooked, rinse them under cold running water, rubbing gently to remove excess starch, and drain completely. This step ensures the noodles remain firm and chewy.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared todarodes (or squid) and all the julienned vegetables. Add the bibim sauce ingredients: gochujang, vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and soy sauce (optional). Mix everything well, ensuring the vegetables and squid are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5
Add the drained noodles to the bowl with the sauced ingredients. Drizzle in the sesame oil. Gently toss everything together to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed among the noodles. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the noodles to clump.
Step 6
Transfer the finished bibim guksu to a serving bowl, arranging it attractively. Sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds on top for an extra burst of nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Step 7
Tip: I personally found that serving this bibim guksu with pan-fried flat dumplings was incredibly delicious! The savory crispiness of the dumplings complemented the sweet and tangy flavors of the noodles beautifully. Try this special combination for a unique culinary experience!
