Easy Bibim Guksu (Korean Cold Kimchi Noodles)
Chewy Korean cold noodles tossed with kimchi, fresh vegetables, and a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. This easy bibim guksu comes together in about 20 minutes and makes a refreshing summer lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) thin wheat noodles (somyeon)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) 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 (9 g) toasted sesame seeds crushed
Bibim sauce
- 2 tbsp (34 g) Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- 1 tbsp (7 g) Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 tbsp (7 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tbsp (12 g) sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) 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
Calories: 582kcal | Carbohydrates: 104g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 1402mg | Potassium: 691mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 3231IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 6mg