Name: Quick and Delicious Bibimmyeon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 200g somyeon (thin Korean wheat noodles); 2 tablespoons gochujang; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 small cucumber, julienned; 1 green onion, thinly sliced; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons kimchi (optional)

Craving a bold, refreshing Korean dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes? Bibimmyeon is your answer! This delightful creation features spicy cold noodles tossed in a mouthwatering gochujang sauce, topped with fresh, crunchy veggies, and finished with a luscious soft-boiled egg. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or satisfying snack. Whether you’re an experienced enthusiast of Korean cuisine or just venturing into the world of flavors from the East, Bibimmyeon is guaranteed to please your palate.

This dish goes beyond being just an easy meal; it is a vibrant ensemble of tastes that offers a burst of flavor in each bite. With a beautiful balance of spice, tanginess, and sweetness from the gochujang sauce, it transforms plain noodles into an exciting dish that is quick and easy to prepare. Not only does Bibimmyeon make for a delightful meal, but it’s also a satisfying option for breakfast or an after-school snack, providing a hearty dose of nutrition and taste. Prepare your taste buds for adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Bibimmyeon

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich in Flavor: The combination of gochujang, sesame oil, and fresh vegetables makes for an irresistible sauce.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to your liking.
Nutritious: Packed with fresh veggies and a protein boost from the egg, making it a balanced meal.
Vegetarian-Friendly: A delicious option for anyone seeking a plant-based dish.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Preparing your kitchen for making Bibimmyeon is simple and requires just a few tools to ensure success. Start by gathering your ingredients: somyeon noodles, gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, cucumber, green onion, egg, sesame seeds, and optional kimchi. You’ll need a medium-sized pot for boiling the noodles, a mixing bowl for the sauce, and a cutting board with a knife for preparing the veggies. A slotted spoon or sieve will come in handy for draining the noodles.

Before you begin, make sure to have a bowl of ice-water ready to plunge the noodles into after boiling. This step is crucial to halt the cooking process and keep the noodles from becoming mushy. Having everything prepped will ensure an efficient cooking experience, allowing you to enjoy your delicious Bibimmyeon without any stress!

Ingredients

200g somyeon (thin Korean wheat noodles)
2 tablespoons gochujang
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small cucumber, julienned
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 egg
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons kimchi (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once the water is bubbling, add your somyeon noodles and cook them for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are tender yet still have a slight bite. This cooking time can vary slightly based on the brand of noodles you use, so it’s always a good idea to check the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and immediately rinse them under ice-cold water. This not only stops the cooking process but also helps to cool them down quickly and prevent sticky noodles.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While the noodles are cooling, prepare the tantalizing sauce that makes this dish truly special. In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and well-blended sauce, with the vibrant flavor of the gochujang taking center stage. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if desired – you might prefer a little more sweetness or spice based on your preferences.

Step 3: Assemble the Noodles

Once your noodles have cooled down and your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together! In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled somyeon noodles and pour the prepared sauce over them. Using tongs or chopsticks, gently toss the noodles in the sauce, ensuring that every strand is evenly coated with that delightful spicy goodness. The key here is to mix carefully so that the noodles don’t break apart.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

While the noodles soak up the flavors of the sauce, it’s time to prepare your toppings. Begin by soft-boiling the egg: Bring a small pot of water to a boil and gently lower in the egg. Boil it for about 6 to 7 minutes, then promptly plunge it into an ice bath to halt cooking. Once cool, peel the egg and cut it in half. Next, julienne the cucumber, slice the green onion thinly, and, if you choose, toast your sesame seeds for an enhanced flavor.

Step 5: Serve It Up

To plate your Bibimmyeon, place the sauced noodles in individual bowls. Top them off with the prepared cucumber, green onion, and the halved egg for a stunning presentation. If you’re using optional kimchi, add a few pieces on the side. Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top. Bibimmyeon is best served cold, so pop it in the fridge for a few minutes if desired.

Variations

Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a delicious protein boost.
Vegetables: Customize with additional toppings such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or bean sprouts.
Spices: Adjust the spice levels by adding more gochujang or including sliced chili peppers for an extra kick.

Cooking Notes

Ensure that the noodles are rinsed thoroughly under cold water to prevent stickiness.
The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
If you prefer a vegan version, you can omit the egg or substitute it with an avocado.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a side of pickled vegetables for a delicious contrast of flavors.
Serve alongside a light Korean salad for a complete meal experience.

Tips

Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles if somyeon isn’t available, but cooking times may vary based on the type.
Make extra sauce to use as a dressing for salads or dipping sauce for veggies.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 360 calories
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 580mg

FAQs

What is Bibimmyeon?

Bibimmyeon is a popular Korean dish made with cold wheat noodles mixed in a spicy, tangy sauce, often served with vegetables and a soft-boiled egg.

Is Bibimmyeon spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on the amount of gochujang used in the sauce. For those who prefer less spice, it can be toned down by reducing the gochujang.

Can I make Bibimmyeon in advance?

Yes! The noodles can be prepared in advance and mixed with the sauce shortly before serving to maintain the desired texture.

What can I substitute for somyeon noodles?

If somyeon is unavailable, you can use other thin noodles such as udon or even spaghetti, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bibimmyeon offers a wonderful blend of flavors that perfectly showcase the essence of Korean cuisine. This quick meal is not only delicious but also customizable, allowing everyone to create their unique version. It’s an ideal dish for warm days or anytime you want a meal that satisfies without taking hours to prepare. I encourage you to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below. Don’t hesitate to try Bibimmyeon today; your taste buds will thank you for it!