Craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that's both refreshing and spicy? Look no further than Bibim Naengmyeon, a beloved Korean cold noodle dish bursting with flavor. This isn't your average noodle salad; Bibim Naengmyeon is a complex dance of sweet, spicy, sour, and savory notes, all perfectly balanced to create an unforgettable culinary experience. The chewy buckwheat noodles, tossed in a rich, fiery sauce, are complemented by a variety of toppings like a perfectly cooked egg, juicy pear slices, and vibrant vegetables. It's a dish that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you wanting more.
This recipe delivers authentic Bibim Naengmyeon flavor in just 15 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. From preparing the perfectly balanced sauce to assembling the colorful toppings, we’ll guide you through each step of the process, ensuring a delicious and authentic result every time. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Blender
- Mixing bowls
- Pot
- Colander
Ingredients
- Cucumber: 1/2
- Korean radish
- Korean pear: 1/4
- Onion
- Green onion
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Thinly sliced beef: 10 pieces
- Naengmyeon noodles
- White vinegar: 1 cup
- Sugar: 4 tbsp + 1 tsp + 3 tbsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Yellow hot mustard: 1 tsp (optional)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 3 tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili pepper powder): 3 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 4 tbsp + 1 tsp
- Vinegar: 3 tbsp
- Dasida (Korean beef stock powder): 1 tbsp + 1/2 tbsp
- Toasted sesame oil: 3 tbsp
- Water: 4 cups + 2 tbsp
- Hard-boiled egg
- Toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Thinly slice cucumber and Korean radish. Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and optional mustard. Pour over vegetables and refrigerate for at least 50 minutes.
- Boil water, add beef slices, cook for 1 minute, then cool.
- Blend pear, yellow onion, green onion, garlic, and water until smooth. Mix with gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, gochugaru, vinegar, beef stock powder, and sesame oil. Refrigerate for 2 days for best flavor (optional).
Step 2. Cook Noodles and Broth (Optional)
- Simmer beef stock powder, sugar, and soy sauce in water for 3 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.
- Boil noodles according to package instructions, rinse with cold water, and add ice for extra coldness.
Step 3. Make the Spicy Sauce (Optional)
- Blend pear, yellow onion, green onion, garlic, and water until smooth. Mix with gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, gochugaru, vinegar, beef stock powder, and sesame oil. Refrigerate for 2 days for best flavor (optional).
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Add broth, noodles, spicy sauce, beef, pear, radish, cucumber, egg, and sesame seeds to a bowl.
Read more: Glass Noodle Stir-fry with Shrimp & Veggies: Easy Korean Recipe
Tips
- If you don't have Korean radish, pickled cucumber works well.
- If making the recipe in under 10 minutes, julienne the cucumber and add it directly to the noodles.
- For a quicker beef topping, use pre-sliced beef or pan-fried brisket.
- Store-bought naengmyeon broth can be used as a shortcut.
- Adding a little broth to the sauce helps adjust its thickness and enhances flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different noodles for Bibim Naengmyeon?
While buckwheat noodles are traditional, you can substitute with other types of noodles like thin wheat noodles or even spaghetti. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
2. What if I don't have all the toppings listed?
Don't worry! Bibim Naengmyeon is adaptable. Feel free to omit or substitute toppings based on what you have available. Cucumber, carrots, and sesame seeds are all great additions.
3. How can I adjust the spiciness level?
Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of gochujang (Korean chili paste) you add to the sauce. Start with less and add more to taste, until you reach your desired heat level.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing bowl of 15-Minute Spicy Korean Cold Noodles! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a hot day or any time you crave a flavorful and satisfying meal. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound Bibim Naengmyeon skills!