kimchi bibim guksu (kimchi somen noodles)
Hi guys!
This is a simple kimchi noodle recipe that I enjoy making when the weather is too hot and I don’t have that much ingredients at home. Using just kimchi, special gochujang sauce (recipe below), and a splash of sesame oil, this is a recipe that doesn’t require any complicated preparation or cooking.
I used to make this for my mom when she came back from her graveyard shift at the hospital because she loves somen wheat noodles, it rejuvenates your lost appetite, and it’s a perfect meal when it’s dry and hot outside. If you want to make something that’s easy, filling, delicious, and refreshing, keep reading!
Ingredients:
Serving 4
Somen wheat noodles (guksu) - 360g or 12oz (1 serving= about 90g. Can substitute with angel hair pasta.
Kimchi - 2 cups, chopped
Lettuce - 2 cups, chopped
Persian cucumber - 2, julienned/ thinly sliced
Medium boiled eggs - 2, cut in half
Sesame seed - 2 tbsp
Sauce:
Gochujang - 2 tbsp
Soy sauce - 2 tbsp
Korean chili pepper flakes
Sesame oil - 2 tbsp
Sugar - 1 tbsp
Honey - optional, ½ tbsp
Let’s get started!
1. Make the sauce and prepare kimchi and veggies: In a small bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, chili pepper flakes, sesame oil, and sugar. If you have honey, add in to make it sweeter. Prep kimchi and veggies according to the ingredients section.
2. Make boiled eggs and cook the noodles: In a medium sized pot, pour water and put eggs in to make boiled eggs. Bring the water to a boil for the noodles.
Add the noodles to the pot of boiling water. Cook the noodles according to the package instruction (mine was 3min). Add 1/4 cup of cold water when it’s boiling hard. Repeat 3 times for chewier noodles!
3. Drain and rinse the noodles: This is very important! Drain quickly (take out the eggs then) and wash the noodles in ice cold water. Drain and rinse in cold water with rubbing action (like the photo) repeatedly until noodles become cold (wash about 3 times). Drain well.
4. Seasoning the noodles: In a medium sized bowl, combine the noodles with 2 tbsp of kimchi and 2 tbsp of sauce. Mix well until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
5. Combine everything: Divide noodles among individual serving bowls and top with lettuce, cucumber, half hard boiled eggs, and sesame seeds. Drizzle sesame oil for more flavor.
Enjoy!