Bibim Guksu (Korean Cold Noodles with Kimchi)

Bibim guksu (Korean cold noodles) garnished with salad vegetables and egg.

Bibim Guksu (Korean Cold Noodles with Kimchi)

Bibim guksu is a spicy Korean cold noodle dish with gochujang, kimchi, and fresh toppings. Quick, refreshing, and perfect for summer—ready in under 20 minutes!

Course Lunch, Noodles

Cuisine Korean

Diet Halal, Kosher, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword bibim guksu, cold kimchi noodles, easy Korean noodle recipe, gochujang noodle recipe, kimchi noodle bowl, Korean cold noodles, Korean summer noodles, somyeon noodles, spicy Korean noodles

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings people

Calories 582

Author Hyegyoung K. Ford

Ingredients

8 oz thin wheat noodles (somyeon)
1/2 cup chopped kimchi
2 lettuce leaves shredded
1/2 English cucumber sliced into thin strips
2 perilla leaves (kkaennip) sliced, optional
1 hard or soft boiled egg sliced in half (Omit it for vegan diet)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds crushed

Bibim sauce

2 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
1 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp Korean plum extract (maeshil-cheong) optional

Instructions

To make the bibim sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Set aside. Crush the toasted sesame seeds in a mortar until coarsely ground. Set aside.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package directions. To make the noodles chewier, add some cold water when the water comes to a full boil. Repeat this process 2-3 more times whenever the water returns to a boil.
Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse under cold running water while tossing the noodles around. This helps to cool down the noodles and makes them chewier. Drain the noodles thoroughly.
Put the cold noodles in a mixing bowl and add the bibim sauce. Toss the noodles with your hands or kitchen tongs until they are evenly coated.
Divide the noodles into individual serving bowls. Top with your desired toppings, such as chopped kimchi, sliced lettuce, cucumber, shredded cabbage, perilla leaves, and a hard boiled egg. Sprinkle the crushed toasted sesame seeds on top and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

If your kimchi is especially sour, a spoonful of Korean plum extract (maesil-cheong) can balance it out beautifully.
Serving for a crowd? Keep the noodles and toppings separate until ready to eat—this helps preserve texture.
Lightly crush your toasted sesame seeds in a mortar for better aroma and flavor than whole seeds.

Nutrition