Bibim Guksu [????]

Bibim Guksu (비빔국수) is a popular Korean cold noodle dish known for its refreshing and spicy flavor profile. It’s a great option for a light, quick meal, especially during warmer months. The name “Bibim Guksu” translates to “mixed noodles” (bibim meaning mixed and guksu meaning noodles), and it often features a tangy and spicy sauce made from gochujang (Korean chili paste), vinegar, and various seasonings.

Key Ingredients

1. Noodles: Thin wheat noodles, like somyeon or somen, are commonly used.
2. Sauce: A mix of gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and sometimes Korean pear or apple for sweetness.
3. Vegetables: Thinly sliced or julienned cucumbers, carrots, and sometimes lettuce or perilla leaves.
4. Protein: Hard-boiled eggs are often used, but you can also add meat or tofu if desired.
5. Garnishes: Sesame seeds, nori (seaweed), and green onions.

How to Make Bibim Guksu

1. Cook the Noodles:

   • Boil the somyeon noodles according to package instructions until they are just cooked.
   • Rinse the noodles under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch, which also keeps them from sticking together.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 minced garlic clove.
   • Adjust the sauce to taste. Add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or gochujang for extra spice.

3. Combine and Serve:

   • Place the noodles in a bowl and add the sauce. Toss them well to ensure an even coating.
   • Add the sliced vegetables on top.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced hard-boiled egg, and nori strips.

4. Optional Protein:

   • Add grilled chicken, beef, or tofu for additional protein.

Tips and Variations

• Customize the Spiciness: Adjust the amount of gochujang to make the dish more or less spicy.
• Add Fruits: Some versions of Bibim Guksu include fruits like apple or pear in the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the eggs or meat, and increase the variety of vegetables.
• Serve Cold: Make sure to rinse the noodles well with cold water and keep them chilled until serving for the best refreshing experience.