Bibim Naengmyeon (Korean Spicy Cold Noodles)
A refreshing and spicy Korean cold noodle dish made with chewy naengmyeon noodles, a bold gochujang-based sauce, crisp cucumber, and boiled eggs. Perfect for hot days when you want something light but flavorful.
Equipment
- medium pot
- strainer
- mixing bowl
- knife
Ingredients
Noodles & Base
- 120-150 grams dry Korean mul naengmyeon noodles (buckwheat-based cold noodles, such as Choung Soo Mul Naengmyeon)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tbsp gochugaru Korean chili flakes
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1-2 tsp cold water optional, to lighten the sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Toppings
- 1/2 English cucumber julienned lengthwise
- 1 hard boiled egg halved
- extra sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the naengmyeon noodles and cook for a few minutes according to package instructions until chewy but tender.
- Drain the noodles and immediately rinse them under cold water until completely chilled. This step is key for that signature chewy texture.
- While the noodles cook, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, mix together gochujang, gochugaru, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, cold water, and sesame seeds. Stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside.
- Place the chilled noodles in a bowl or plate, neatly arranged.
- Add the sauce on top of the noodles.
- Arrange the julienned cucumber over the sauce and place the boiled egg halves on top or to the side.
- Add a few ice cubes to the bowl to keep everything extra cold.
- Pour a small amount of the cold naengmyeon broth into the bowl, just around the bottom (not too much).
- Finish with an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Mix everything together before eating and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- The colder, the better so don’t skip the ice.
- Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing gochugaru.
- The broth is optional but adds a refreshing balance to the spicy sauce.
- For extra protein, you can add sliced beef or even tofu.