Korean noodles, or “guksu,” are a staple in Korean cuisine, offering a diverse range of flavors, textures, and ingredients. This article explores a few popular Korean noodle recipes that you can try at home, with tips on preparation and variations to suit your taste.
Cold Buckwheat Noodles (Naengmyeon)
Naengmyeon is a refreshing dish perfect for hot summer days. It features long, thin buckwheat noodles served in a cold broth with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. To make naengmyeon, you’ll need buckwheat noodles, beef broth, and vinegar. The broth is usually flavored with Korean mustard and sugar. Once the broth is chilled, you can add boiled eggs, sliced cucumbers, and pear slices for garnish.
Recipe:
Cook the buckwheat noodles according to package instructions.
Prepare the cold broth by mixing beef broth, vinegar, mustard, and sugar.
Once the noodles are cooked, rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
Serve the noodles in a bowl with the chilled broth, adding sliced cucumbers, pear slices, and a boiled egg for garnish.
Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles (Japchae)
Japchae is a classic Korean noodle dish that combines sweet potato glass noodles with stir-fried vegetables and a sweet-savory sauce. This dish is a favorite at Korean celebrations and gatherings due to its vibrant colors and delicious flavors.
Recipe:
Cook the sweet potato glass noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat sesame oil and stir-fry sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers.
Add the cooked noodles and a sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and garlic.
Toss everything together and add spinach leaves, mushrooms, and sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Serve hot or at room temperature.
Spicy Cold Noodles (Bibim Guksu)
Bibim guksu is a spicy and tangy noodle dish made with thin wheat noodles, often served cold. It’s known for its bright red color and bold flavors, typically using gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) as the primary spice.
Recipe:
Cook the wheat noodles according to package instructions, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a separate bowl, mix gochujang with vinegar, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil to create a spicy sauce.
Toss the cold noodles with the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Garnish with boiled egg slices, cucumber, and sesame seeds.
Korean noodle recipes offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer the refreshing taste of naengmyeon, the savory richness of japchae, or the spicy kick of bibim guksu, there’s a Korean noodle dish to suit every palate. Give these recipes a try and bring a touch of Korean cuisine to your home.
Jajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles)
Jajangmyeon is a popular Korean-Chinese dish consisting of noodles topped with a thick, savory black bean sauce. The sauce is made from fermented black beans, pork, and a variety of vegetables, offering a hearty and satisfying flavor profile. This dish is commonly found in Korean-Chinese restaurants and has a unique umami taste that sets it apart from other Korean noodle dishes.
Recipe:
Cook wheat noodles according to package instructions, then set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, sauté diced pork belly or pork shoulder until browned.
Add diced onions, zucchini, and potatoes, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Mix in a sauce made from chunjang (fermented black bean paste), sugar, and chicken broth.
Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then pour it over the cooked noodles.
Garnish with sliced cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
Kalguksu (Knife-Cut Noodles)
Kalguksu is a comforting noodle soup made with hand-cut wheat noodles, usually served in a flavorful broth. This dish is perfect for chilly days and is known for its rich, savory taste and satisfying texture.
Recipe:
Prepare the broth by simmering chicken, garlic, and onions in water until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken and shred it into small pieces.
Make the noodles from scratch by combining wheat flour, salt, and water to form a dough.
Roll out the dough and cut it into thin strips.
Return the chicken to the broth, along with the knife-cut noodles.
Simmer the soup until the noodles are cooked, then serve hot with sliced green onions and sesame oil for added flavor.
Korean Seafood Noodles (Jjamppong)
Jjamppong is a spicy seafood noodle soup that combines a rich, fiery broth with a variety of seafood and vegetables. It’s a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals and is commonly found in Korean-Chinese restaurants.
Recipe:
In a large pot, heat sesame oil and stir-fry onions, carrots, and bell peppers until tender.
Add minced garlic and gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to create the spicy base.
Pour in chicken or seafood broth and bring it to a boil.
Add seafood such as shrimp, squid, and mussels, along with your choice of noodles (usually wheat-based).
Simmer until the seafood is cooked and the noodles are tender.
Serve hot and garnish with sliced green onions.
Korean noodle dishes are as diverse as they are delicious, offering a range of flavors and textures that appeal to different tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy seafood soup like jjamppong, the comforting broth of kalguksu, or the savory richness of jajangmyeon, there’s a Korean noodle recipe to suit any occasion. Try these recipes at home to explore the wonderful world of Korean cuisine.
