on May 03, 2024, Updated Jul 16, 2024 Love Korean food? Check out my Soondubu Jjigae (Korean Soft Tofu Stew), Korean Omelette Rolls, and Vegetable Pancakes recipes. It’s super hot this summer – hotter than usual and all I’ve been craving is cold things to eat. These Korean Spicy Cold Noodles (bibim guksu) have been coming in clutch as a refreshing summer lunch that I’ve been making on repeat Bibim Guksu directly translates to mixed noodles (bibim means mixed and guksu means noodles) because we mix everything together in a bowl before digging right in. Top it off with some cucumber thinly sliced lengthwise for a cooling balance to the kick from the sauce!
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Bibim Guksu
For Salad: Soba Noodles – Traditionally, thin wheat noodles known as somyeon are used to make bibim guksu but buckwheat Soba noodles work just as well and I find them more accessible here. You can also use instant noodles or any other thin noodles of your choice. Veggies: Thinly chopped carrots, green cabbage, red cabbage and cucumber for lots of crunch, freshness, and extra nutrition. Kimchi – For that signature sourness that’s common in a lot of Korean dishes. A little goes a long way. I recommend brands such as Bombucha. Sesame Oil – Another classic ingredient across most Korean dishes, this adds a nutty flavour to balance all the zesty flavours. Sesame Seeds – To garnish! For Sauce: Gochujang – A fermented hot pepper paste that gives this dish that beautiful red colour and a pungent heat. I get my gochujang from here. Gochugaru – This is a Korean red chilli powder for a bit of spiciness – you can sub withany red chilli powder you have on hand. Mustard Paste – This is an optional ingredient but I feel it adds depth of flavour with a tartness that works really well in the sauce. Sugar – For a dash of sweetness. You can sub this with honey if you prefer. Rice Vinegar – Adds a lovely tang to the dish. Can be subbed with apple cider vinegar. Light Soy Sauce – For saltiness and umami. I wouldn’t recommend using dark soy sauce here as that will not lend the same flavour. Toasted Sesame Oil – Adds a lovely nuttiness to the whole dish. Make sure to use a toasted oil rather than a cold-pressed oil for the best flavour. Minced Garlic – For that pungent kick! Apple Juice – Adds a fruity sweetness that pairs really well with the spicy and sour flavors of the dish. Some traditional preparations of Bibim guksu are made using a grated apple-onion concentrate, but I find that using just apple juice does the trick of adding that hint of sweetness. It’s my little cheat hack that just works!
Richa’s Top Tricks To Make The Best Bibim Guksu
Once you try bibim guksu, there’s no going back. You’ll be a Korean cold noodles fan! In this crazy heat, this noodle dish is like a refreshing treat perfect for making and sharing. If you make this, do send me your recreations over on my IG!
Watch How To Make Bibim Gupsu
This article was researched and written by Navya Khetarpal Love spicy food? Check out my Top 10 Spicy Food Recipes article for all the spicy food inspiration you need! 🔥
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