Cold Korean Spicy Noodles – Bibim Myeon

Prep time: 5 minuti Cook time: 10 minuti
Total: 15 minuti Yields: 2

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What is Bibim Naengmyeon (Cold Mixed Noodles)?

Bibim Myeon, also known as Bibim Guksu, a beloved Korean classic, is a cold noodle dish that showcases the exciting combination of flavors and textures that Korean cuisine is famous for. This is a recipe that you can pull out in less than 10 minutes and you’ll never get bored of it!

At its heart, it features Somyeon, thin wheat noodles that can be swapped for soba or buckwheat noodles if you prefer. The magic of this dish lies in its sauce—a harmonious blend of Korean chili paste (Gochujang), soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar (or honey), white vinegar (or rice vinegar), sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. The result is a rich, spicy, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce that clings to the noodles, creating an unforgettable taste sensation.

But that’s not all! The colorful fresh vegetables bring a delightful crunch while the boiled egg and crushed sesame seeds complete the dish.

Why you’ll like it

• Spicy & Savory: Bibim Myeon is the embodiment of culinary harmony. Its spicy, savory, and slightly sweet profile is balanced by the cooling freshness of cucumber and cabbage. The inclusion of Kimchi, with its tangy and fermented goodness, adds complexity to each bite.
• Tender vs. Crunchy: This dish is not just about flavors; it’s also about textures. The tender noodles, crunchy vegetables, and the creaminess of the boiled egg create a symphony of sensations in your mouth.
• Versatility: You can choose your favorite toppings, add gochujang for an extra kick of spice, and even serve it with a side of kimchi. It’s perfect for those scorching summer days when you crave something refreshing yet satisfying. It’s also a great choice for a quick and fuss-free weeknight dinner, as it comes together in no time. Plus, you can customize it to suit your spice tolerance, making it suitable for all taste preferences.

Korean Cold Spicy Noodles Recipe (Bibim Myeon)

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare the Bibim Myeon:

• Somyeon – 8 oz Somyeon thin wheat noodles or soba noodles. Korean thin wheat noodles are best to cook in 3-4 minutes but you can also use soba/buckwheat noodles.

• Gochujang – 4 tablespoons Gochujang. This Korean chili paste is prepared by mixing soy sauce, garlic, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and some toasted sesame seeds.
• Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Garlic – 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Sugar – 2 tbsp sugar or honey
• Vinegar – 2 tbsp white vinegar or rice vinegar
• Sesame oil – 2 tbsp sesame oil
• Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp Sesame seeds, toasted
• Noodle Toppings – Kimchi, lettuce, purple cabbage, boiled eggs, and sesame seeds are the most popular toppings but you can add any raw vegetable you like.

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles: Put the noodles in hot water and cook according to instructions. Prepare a bowl of ice-cold water so that you transfer the hot noodles into the cold water giving the noodles a soft, chewy texture.
2. Mix the sauce: Mix together the Gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and some toasted sesame seeds. Add the sauce to the noodles and mix together until they’re evenly coated
3. Prepare the toppings: I recommend preparing some toppings like boiled eggs so that they have time to cool. Otherwise, if you’re in a hurry you can cool them in cold water. Cut the fresh vegetables as you like and optionally leave some for garnish.
4. Serve: Garnish with the toppings and serve cold.

Tips

• Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water to cool them down quickly.
• Adjust the spice level of the sauce by adding more or less Gochujang according to your preference.
• For a vegan version, skip the boiled egg and honey and replace it with a tofu scramble and sugar.
• Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like sliced radishes, bean sprouts, or even some thinly sliced beef for a meaty twist.

Variations

• Try using different types of noodles like udon or rice noodles for a unique texture.
• Customize the sauce by adding a touch of ginger or lime juice for extra complexity.
• If you’re a seafood lover, consider adding some cooked shrimp or crabmeat to the toppings.
• For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup and skip the egg.

How to serve the Korean Cold Spicy Noodles (Naengmyeon)

• Serve Bibim Myeon cold, making it a perfect choice for a refreshing summer meal.
• Garnish with extra sesame seeds and some fresh cilantro for added visual appeal.
• Offer Kimchi on the side for those who want to dial up the heat.
• Don’t forget to prepare some iced tea or a cooling beverage to complement the spicy noodles. Enjoy!

MORE KOREAN RECIPES:

• Crispy Korean Fried Chicken in Bao Buns
• Korean Chicken Gizzards
• Vegetarian Japchae Mandu
• Korean Potato Gamjajeon with Melted Cheese

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