Spicy Stir-fried Noodles with Refreshing Bean Sprouts
Enjoying Buldak Bokkeum Myeon: My Secret to Taming the Heat with Bean Sprouts
This is my personal method for making Buldak Bokkeum Myeon more delicious and less spicy. Even for me, a spice enthusiast, the ‘Nuclear’ version of Buldak Bokkeum Myeon was a bit too intense when eaten as is! I accidentally added seasoned bean sprouts and fell completely in love with the combination! This recipe covers everything from making the simple seasoned bean sprouts to the main dish: Nuclear Buldak Bokkeum Myeon with bean sprouts.
Ingredients for Seasoned Bean Sprouts- 1 bag (approx. 300g) bean sprouts
- 1/2 carrot
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the bean sprouts for the seasoned bean sprout side dish. Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under running water. Remove any loose bean husks or damaged sprouts at this stage for a cleaner dish.
Step 2
Place the washed bean sprouts in a pot with a small amount of water (just enough to barely cover them). A tip to avoid the characteristic ‘fishy’ smell of bean sprouts while cooking: keep the lid on while they boil, or leave it completely off. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bean sprouts are tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook, or they will become mushy!
Step 3
Once the bean sprouts are cooked, immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Then, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Excess water can make the seasoning dilute and bland.
Step 4
Transfer the drained bean sprouts to a bowl. Now it’s time for seasoning! Start by adding a moderate amount of salt to taste. It’s best to add more if needed after tasting. Next, add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and 1 tablespoon of fragrant sesame oil. If you like, you can also add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. Gently mix everything together with your hands (or a spoon) until the bean sprouts are well coated. Your delicious seasoned bean sprouts are now ready!
Step 5
Now, let’s bring the Nuclear Buldak Bokkeum Myeon and the seasoned bean sprouts together for a fantastic fusion!
Step 6
Cook the Nuclear Buldak Bokkeum Myeon according to the package instructions. Boil the noodles in water for about 4 minutes and 30 seconds (refer to the product packaging for exact timing). Once the noodles are cooked, drain most of the water, leaving only a small amount (about 7-8 tablespoons) behind. This helps the sauce adhere better and creates a moister dish.
Step 7
Add the prepared seasoned bean sprouts to the pan with the Buldak Bokkeum Myeon noodles. Add the spicy Buldak sauce from the packet and mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the noodles and bean sprouts are well coated. Stir-fry over low heat for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy the incredible combination of the crunchy bean sprouts and the fiery spiciness of the Buldak noodles.
Step 8
This ‘Nuclear Buldak Bokkeum Myeon with Bean Sprouts’ is not only a great option for spice lovers but also for those who find the original Buldak noodles too intense. The addition of seasoned bean sprouts makes it much more approachable and enjoyable. It’s perfect as a comforting meal or a unique culinary experience!
