KIMCHI BIBIM GUKSU

Kimchi Bibim Guksu image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 15m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup packed chopped ripe kimchi plus 1/4 cup kimchi juice/brine (see Cook's Note)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon gochujang
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon gochugaru or more if desired, optional
7 ounces somyeon (thin Korean wheat flour noodles) or somen noodles
1/4 English cucumber, cut into julienne strips
2 snack-size sheets roasted seaweed (gim), chopped
1 hard-boiled egg, halved
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Toasted sesame oil, for serving

Steps:

For the kimchi bibim sauce: Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Mix the kimchi, kimchi juice or brine, sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and gochugaru, if using, in a large bowl until combined. Set aside.
Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse in a running bath of cold water, rubbing the noodles between your fingers and gently massaging them in the water. Drain and then rinse again, repeating 2 more times to remove excess starch. Drain completely.
For the garnish: Add the noodles to the bowl with the sauce and toss until well coated. Divide the noodles between 2 large soup bowls and top them with the kimchi from the sauce. Divide and layer the cucumber, roasted seaweed, egg and sesame seeds on top of the kimchi. Drizzle with sesame oil.