In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the gochujang, gochugaru, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Place the sauce in the refrigerator to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
Bibim Naengmyeon (Spicy Cold Noodles)
- Total time - 30 minutes
- Preparation - 15 minutes
- Cooking time - 15 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Country: Korea
Naengmyeon noodles are traditionally cooked very quickly and rinsed immediately with cold water to maintain their springy and chewy texture. The key to this sauce is the balance between spiciness, sweetness, and sourness, so feel free to taste and adjust it to your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Toppings
- 200 g naengmyeon noodles (or soba/sweet potato noodles)
- 1 piece egg, hard-boiled
- 0.5 piece cucumber, sliced into thin strips
- 0.25 piece korean pear (or apple), thinly sliced
- 50 g boiled beef (optional)
For the Spicy Sauce (Bibimjang)
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or corn syrup)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
Step 2: Cook the noodles
Cook the naengmyeon noodles according to the package directions (usually 1-2 minutes). Immediately rinse them under very cold running water, using your hands to separate and cool them. Drain them well and place in a bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the toppings
Slice the hard-boiled egg in half. Slice the cucumber and Korean pear (or apple) into thin strips. If you are using beef, slice it into thin pieces.
Step 4: Combine and serve
Add the prepared sauce to the chilled noodles. Use your hands or tongs to mix thoroughly until all the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Place the noodles in bowls, then top with the sliced cucumber, pear, beef (if using), and a half an egg. Serve immediately, best when cold.