Authentic Korean Bibim-guksu: Spicy Cold Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of thin wheat flour noodles (somyeon)
  • 1 medium cucumber
  • 1 hard-boiled egg
  • 2 tablespoons of red pepper paste (gochujang)
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 handful of kimchi

Steps and instructions

  1. Boil the wheat flour noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water. Set aside.
  2. Peel the cucumber and cut it into thin slices. Set aside.
  3. Slice the hard-boiled egg in half. Set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the red pepper paste, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, chopped garlic, and half of the toasted sesame seeds. Mix well to create the sauce.
  5. Add the cooked noodles to the sauce, and mix well to ensure all noodles are coated.
  6. Plate the noodles, and top with the sliced cucumber, egg, and a handful of kimchi.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining toasted sesame seeds for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tools for making

  • Pot - For boiling the noodles.
  • Colander - To drain the cooked noodles.
  • Bowl - To mix the sauce and coat the noodles.
  • Knife - To slice the cucumber and hard-boiled egg.
  • Cutting board - To provide a surface for slicing ingredients.
  • Spoon - To mix the sauce and noodles.
  • Tongs - To toss the noodles in the sauce.
  • Serving Plate - To present and serve the Bibim-guksu.

Recipe variations

  • Use soba noodles or udon noodles instead of wheat flour noodles.
  • Add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or radishes for additional crunch and flavor.
  • Include cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp for a protein-rich version.
  • Replace the red pepper paste with a different spicy sauce, such as sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • For a vegan option, omit the egg and kimchi, and add tofu or tempeh for protein.
  • Experiment with different toppings like toasted seaweed flakes, sliced green onions, or pickled vegetables.
  • Add a dollop of creamy sesame dressing or peanut sauce for extra flavor.

Recipe overview

Bibim-guksu is a popular Korean dish known for its spicy and tangy flavors. This recipe uses thin wheat flour noodles combined with a unique mix of ingredients to create a refreshing, cold noodle dish that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The sauce, a blend of red pepper paste, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil, provides a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and spicy. Topped with sliced cucumber, a hard-boiled egg, and a handful of kimchi, this dish is a balance of taste and texture that is sure to delight. Whether you're an expert in Korean cuisine or a first-timer, this easy-to-follow Bibim-guksu recipe is a great choice. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles? Yes, you can use other types of thin noodles like soba or even spaghetti if you don't have somyeon noodles available.
  2. Can I substitute the red pepper paste? If you can't find red pepper paste (gochujang), you can use sriracha or another spicy chili sauce as a substitute.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the hard-boiled egg and use a vegetarian kimchi to make it suitable for vegetarians.
  4. Can I adjust the spiciness level? Yes, you can adjust the amount of red pepper paste (gochujang) according to your spice preferences. Add more or less to suit your taste.
  5. How long does it take to cook the noodles? Cooking time may vary depending on the brand and thickness of the noodles. Follow the package instructions for the most accurate cooking time.
  6. Can I make this dish in advance? It's best to serve bibim-guksu immediately after preparing it. However, you can cook the noodles and prepare the sauce in advance, then assemble and mix everything together just before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Bibim-guksu, meaning "mixed noodles," is a popular summer dish in Korea. It’s believed to date back to the Joseon Dynasty, where it was served in royal court and to the aristocracy as a cool, spicy and refreshing meal to beat the summer heat. Over time, it has become a beloved dish across the country, enjoyed by all. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of Korean cuisine - its vibrance, its balance of flavors, and its adaptability. While there are many variations of Bibim-guksu, each with their own unique combination of ingredients, the heart of the dish always remains the same - the delightfully chewy noodles mixed with a fiery, yet sweet sauce, a testament to the harmonious complexity of Korean food culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.