International Cuisine > Korean Cuisine > Noodle & Rice Dishes (Korean) > Bibim Guksu (Spicy Cold Noodles) Recipe

Bibim Guksu (Spicy Cold Noodles)

Bibim Guksu, a beloved Korean noodle dish, offers a delightful combination of chewy noodles and a fiery, sweet, and tangy sauce. This recipe guides you through creating this refreshing and flavorful dish at home, perfect for a hot day or any time you crave a burst of Korean flavors. It's surprisingly easy to prepare and customize to your spice preference.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings
2
Ingredients
  • 200 g Thin Wheat Flour Noodles (Somyeon)
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
  • 1 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Powder)
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil
  • 1 tsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
  • 1/2 cup Kimchi, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 Cucumber, julienned
  • 1/4 Carrot, julienned
  • 1 Hard-boiled Egg, halved or sliced
  • 2-3 Optional: Lettuce leaves

Prepare the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the somyeon noodles and cook according to package directions, usually around 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the noodles immediately and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water until they are completely cooled. This step is crucial for preventing the noodles from clumping and for achieving the desired chewy texture.

Make the Spicy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined. Taste and adjust the ingredients to your preference. You can add more gochujang or gochugaru for extra spice, or more sugar or rice vinegar to balance the flavors. Remember that the sauce will become slightly less intense once it's mixed with the noodles and vegetables.

Prepare the Vegetables

Julienne the cucumber and carrot. Thinly slice the kimchi. If using lettuce, wash and pat dry the leaves.

Assemble the Bibim Guksu

Place the drained and cooled noodles in a large bowl. Add the spicy sauce and toss well to coat the noodles evenly. Add the kimchi, cucumber, and carrot. Toss again to combine. If using lettuce, place a leaf or two in the bowl before adding the noodle mixture.

Garnish and Serve

Transfer the bibim guksu to serving bowls. Garnish with the hard-boiled egg (halved or sliced) and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately. Bibim Guksu is best enjoyed cold.

Adjusting the Spice Level

The spice level of this dish can easily be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of gochujang and gochugaru. For a spicier dish, add more of both, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Always taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

Variations

Bibim Guksu is a versatile dish, and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Some popular additions include bean sprouts, spinach, shredded chicken, bulgogi (Korean BBQ beef), or sliced pork belly. You can also add a drizzle of perilla oil for a nutty flavor.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

(approximations and may vary depending on specific ingredients used)
Calories: ~150-200 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~25-35g
Protein: ~5-8g
Fat: ~3-5g
Sodium: ~300-500mg

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

This dish can be high in sodium due to the gochujang and soy sauce. Adjust amounts based on dietary needs. The addition of vegetables increases the fiber content. Choosing whole wheat noodles can further enhance the nutritional value. Be mindful of sugar content and adjust based on preferences and health guidelines.

← Authentic Korean Hotteok Recipe Classic Cabbage Kimchi (Baechu Kimchi) →

FAQ

  • Can I make Bibim Guksu ahead of time?

    It's best to assemble Bibim Guksu right before serving to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy. However, you can prepare the sauce and vegetables in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the noodles just before serving.
  • What if I can't find somyeon noodles?

    If you can't find somyeon noodles, you can substitute with other thin wheat noodles like angel hair pasta or even rice noodles. However, the texture will be slightly different.
  • How do I store leftover Bibim Guksu?

    Leftover Bibim Guksu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the noodles may become a bit softer over time. It's best to add a little extra sesame oil to the noodles before storing to help prevent them from sticking together.
  • Can I use different types of vegetables?

    Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like shredded cabbage, bell peppers, or even seaweed. The possibilities are endless!