Easy Bibim Guksu – Spicy Korean Cold Noodles
A Refreshing, Tangy, and Fiery Summer Favorite!
There’s something magical about cold noodles on a hot day. I remember the first time I tasted Bibim Guksu on a summer trip to Seoul.
It was vibrant, fiery, and chilled to perfection. The boldness of the gochujang sauce paired with the cool, chewy noodles left a lasting impression.
Now, every time the heat cranks up, I make this spicy Korean cold noodle dish – and my family loves it!
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish that wakes up your palate, Bibim Guksu is it. Best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes!
Tools Table
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Saucepan | For boiling eggs and noodles | Local kitchenware store / Amazon |
| Mixing Bowl | For preparing the spicy sauce | Supermarket / Amazon |
| Julienne Peeler | To shred cucumbers into fine strips | Kitchen supply stores / Online |
🕒 Prep Time
Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2
🧂 Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 180g fresh or dried noodles (somyeon, wheat, or Chinese-style noodles)
- 1 tsp salt
- Water (enough for boiling)
For the Egg & Garnish:
- 1 egg (hard-boiled for 7 minutes over medium heat)
- Cold water (for cooling)
- ½ cucumber, julienned
- ½ tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 40g gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp Korean chili powder
- 20g sugar
- 5g minced garlic (approx. 1 clove)
- 5ml apple cider vinegar
- 12ml soy sauce
- 50g kimchi, chopped
- 10g sesame oil
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Egg
- Place the egg in a saucepan, add water and 1 tsp salt, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Let it cook for 7 minutes for a slightly jammy center.
- Remove and place it in cold water to cool, then peel and cut in half.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- In a separate pot, boil enough water with 1 tsp salt.
- Add the 180g noodles and cook over medium heat for 4 minutes (or follow your noodle package instructions).
- Once cooked, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, chili powder, sugar, garlic, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, kimchi, and sesame oil.
- Mix until the sauce is well-blended and smooth.
Step 4: Toss and Assemble
- Add the drained noodles to the sauce bowl and gently toss until every strand is coated.
- Plate the noodles in a shallow bowl. Top with julienned cucumber, halved boiled egg, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
🧊 Food Storage
Bibim Guksu is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Avoid storing after garnishing – add the cucumber and egg fresh when serving again.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Spice Level Control: Reduce chili powder or gochujang slightly if you prefer a milder dish.
- Add Protein: Top with shredded chicken, tofu, or extra boiled eggs for a more filling meal.
- Extra Crunch: Add pickled radish or thinly sliced carrots for more texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soba or rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Chill It: Want it extra refreshing? Chill the noodles in ice water before tossing them with the sauce!
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use soba or ramen noodles instead?
Yes! Soba (buckwheat) noodles or thin ramen noodles work wonderfully, especially if you want a slightly different texture.
2. What is the difference between Bibim Guksu and Bibimbap?
Bibim Guksu is a cold noodle dish with a spicy-tangy sauce, while Bibimbap is a warm rice bowl with assorted toppings. Both are mixed before eating, hence “bibim,” which means “mixed.”
3. Is Bibim Guksu vegan?
It can be! Skip the egg and ensure your kimchi doesn’t contain fish sauce. Use plant-based noodles and you’ve got a spicy vegan delight.
4. Can I make it ahead for meal prep?
You can prep the sauce and boiled egg in advance, but it’s best to toss the noodles just before serving for the freshest texture.
5. How spicy is Bibim Guksu?
It’s medium-spicy. The gochujang brings a deep, flavorful heat, but it’s balanced by sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. You can always adjust the chili to suit your heat tolerance.
💬 Final Thoughts
Bibim Guksu is one of those magical recipes – simple, bold, and absolutely addictive.
Every bite bursts with flavor, from the sweetness of sugar to the fiery warmth of gochujang and the tang of vinegar.
It’s comfort food with a Korean twist and just the right amount of zing to keep things exciting.
So the next time summer rolls in, skip the takeout and whip up a bowl of these spicy Korean cold noodles. You’ll be surprised how easy and satisfying it is.
Happy cooking – and don’t forget to slurp!
