Escape the summer heat with a refreshing bowl of Water Bibim Guksu, a vibrant Korean noodle dish that's surprisingly light and flavorful. Unlike its richer cousins, this version skips the gochujang paste for a lighter, brighter taste profile, making it the perfect summer meal. Imagine perfectly cooked, chewy noodles tossed in a cool, subtly spicy sesame-based dressing, brimming with fresh vegetables for a satisfying crunch. The addition of chilled water creates a wonderfully refreshing contrast to the spicy elements, preventing the dish from becoming overwhelmingly heavy.
This simple yet elegant dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Ready to learn how to create this delicious and refreshing summer noodle sensation? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Onion: 70g
- Cucumber: 30g
- Cheongyang pepper: null
- Egg: 1
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Pear juice: 150g
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 1.5 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 1.5 tbsp
- Vinegar: 1.5 tbsp
- Fine red pepper powder: 1.5 tbsp
- Sugar: 1.5 tbsp
- Sesame salt: 1 tbsp
- Noodles: 100g
- Sea salt: 1 tsp
- Sesame oil: 0.5 tbsp
- Water: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Sauce
- Slice half a small onion and cucumber thinly. Prepare Cheongyang pepper and boil one egg, then cut it in half.
- Mince three cloves of garlic.
- Mix pear juice, gochujang, soy sauce, vinegar, red pepper powder, sugar, minced garlic, and water. Dissolve half a spoonful of sesame salt into the sauce. Refrigerate.



Step 2. Cook and Chill the Noodles
- Boil water with a spoonful of sea salt. Add noodles and loosen them to prevent clumping. Boil for one minute.
- Rinse noodles under cold running water or ice water, rubbing them to remove starch.


Step 3. Combine and Season
- Mix noodles with the seasoning sauce and transfer to a bowl. Coat the onions with the remaining sauce.

Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Arrange the onions, Cheongyang pepper, cucumber slices, and boiled egg on top of the noodles. Sprinkle with the remaining sesame salt and sesame oil.
- Mix well and serve.


Read more: Glass Noodle Stir-fry with Shrimp & Veggies: Easy Korean Recipe
Tips
- The recipe is designed for one serving. Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly for more servings.
- For the exact ingredient amounts, please refer to the video’s additional information.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead. Cook the noodles just before serving to maintain their texture.
2. What can I substitute for the sesame oil?
You can try other neutral oils like avocado or grapeseed oil, but sesame oil adds a distinct flavor that's characteristic of the dish. Consider adding toasted sesame seeds for a similar nutty flavor.
This refreshing Water Bibim Guksu recipe is a perfect way to beat the summer heat while enjoying a flavorful and healthy meal. Its customizable nature allows you to experiment with different ingredients and create your own unique version. So go ahead, try this recipe and experience the delightful coolness and satisfying taste of this Korean summer noodle dish!