Spicy & Sweet Cockle Bibim Soba
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Cockle Bibim Soba Recipe
Beat the heat with this refreshing and appetizing special dish – Cockle Bibim Soba! Plump cockle meat, crisp vegetables, and chewy soba noodles are tossed in a perfectly balanced spicy and sweet sauce for an exquisite flavor experience. This dish is simple yet elegant, making it a perfect meal. Don’t miss out on trying it! ^^*
Main Ingredients- 1 packet Buckwheat Noodles (Soba) (approx. 200g)
- 1 bowl cooked cockle meat (about 20 cockles)
- 1/2 Cucumber
- 1/2 Apple
- 1/2 Bell Pepper (any color)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/4 Cabbage
- 4 Lettuce leaves
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Spicy & Sweet Bibim Sauce- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Maesilcheong (Plum extract)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Maesilcheong (Plum extract)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare to boil the buckwheat noodles. Add 1 packet of buckwheat noodles to generously boiling water and cook according to the package instructions (usually 4-5 minutes) until tender.
Step 2
Once cooked, drain the buckwheat noodles in a colander, rinse them quickly under cold running water to remove excess starch, and drain thoroughly. This step ensures the noodles remain firm and don’t become mushy.
Step 3
Prepare the fresh vegetables. Wash 1/2 cucumber, 1/2 apple, 1/2 bell pepper, and 1/2 onion thoroughly. Then, thinly julienne them.
Step 4
Wash 1/4 cabbage and 4 lettuce leaves, remove excess water, and then thinly julienne them for a nice presentation.
Step 5
Have your cooked cockles ready. Shell the cockles and prepare the meat. (Using pre-cooked shelled cockles from the store will save you time).
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious bibim sauce! In a deep bowl, add 2 tablespoons of gochujang.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru for a pleasant spicy kick.
Step 8
Measure and add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for a savory depth.
Step 9
Add 2 tablespoons of maesilcheong (plum extract) – this is a key ingredient for that sweet and tangy flavor!
Step 10
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to enhance the sweetness. (You can adjust the amount according to your preference).
Step 11
Add 3 tablespoons of vinegar for a refreshing tartness. Since there are many vegetables, using a generous amount of vinegar is recommended.
Step 12
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 13
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for a fragrant touch.
Step 14
Lastly, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Step 15
Mix all the sauce ingredients thoroughly using a spoon or whisk until well combined. Your bibim sauce is now ready!
Step 16
It’s time to assemble everything! Place the drained buckwheat noodles into a large mixing bowl.
Step 17
Arrange the julienned lettuce leaves (4 leaves) attractively over the noodles.
Step 18
Next, add the julienned cabbage (1/4 piece).
Step 19
Add the julienned onion (1/2 piece).
Step 20
Add the colorful julienned bell pepper (1/2 piece).
Step 21
Add the julienned apple (1/2 piece) for a touch of sweetness and crispness.
Step 22
Add the julienned cucumber (1/2 piece) for a refreshing crunch.
Step 23
Finally, evenly distribute the prepared cockle meat (about 20 pieces) over the other ingredients.
Step 24
Now, pour the delicious bibim sauce you made over all the ingredients.
Step 25
Using chopsticks or tongs, gently toss everything together – the noodles, vegetables, cockle meat, and sauce – until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break the noodles.
Step 26
Voila! Your mouth-watering Spicy & Sweet Cockle Bibim Soba is ready to be enjoyed! Bon appétit!
