Naengmyeon is a traditional Korean dish that is especially popular during the hot summer months. It consists of long, thin noodles made from buckwheat or sweet potatoes, served in a cold, tangy broth. The dish is known for its refreshing taste and unique texture, making it a perfect choice for cooling down in the heat. Naengmyeon can be served in two main variations: Mul Naengmyeon (cold noodle soup) and Bibim Naengmyeon (spicy mixed noodles).
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 300g buckwheat noodles or sweet potato starch noodles
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Broth (Mul Naengmyeon):
- 1 liter beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 Asian pear, julienned
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Ice cubes
For the Spicy Sauce (Bibim Naengmyeon):
- 4 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Toppings:
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 Asian pear, julienned
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- Sliced beef or boiled chicken (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Scallions, chopped
Preparation
Noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Drain well.
- In a bowl, mix the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss the noodles in this mixture and set aside.
Mul Naengmyeon Broth:
- In a large bowl, combine the beef or chicken broth with soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add ice cubes to chill the broth thoroughly. Keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Bibim Naengmyeon Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the gochujang, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and soy sauce until well combined. Adjust the taste according to your preference by adding more vinegar or sugar.
Serving Mul Naengmyeon:
- Divide the noodles into serving bowls.
- Pour the cold broth over the noodles.
- Top with julienned cucumber, Asian pear, hard-boiled egg halves, and optional sliced beef or boiled chicken.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Serving Bibim Naengmyeon:
- Divide the noodles into serving bowls.
- Add a generous amount of the spicy sauce to the noodles and mix well.
- Top with julienned cucumber, Asian pear, hard-boiled egg halves, and optional sliced beef or boiled chicken.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Tips
- For extra cold broth, freeze some of the broth in ice cube trays and add these cubes to the broth before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the broth and sauce to suit your taste.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit the meat toppings.
Variations
- Mul Naengmyeon with Kimchi: Add a spoonful of kimchi to the cold broth for an extra kick.
- Bibim Naengmyeon with Fruits: Include different fruits like watermelon or apple for a unique twist.
- Seafood Naengmyeon: Add cooked shrimp or squid as toppings for a seafood version of naengmyeon.
Calorie Information
The calorie content of Naengmyeon can vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes used. On average, a serving of Mul Naengmyeon contains approximately 350-450 calories, while a serving of Bibim Naengmyeon contains around 400-500 calories. The addition of toppings such as meat or extra sauce can increase the calorie count.
Conclusion
Naengmyeon is a delightful and refreshing dish that offers a unique blend of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer the cold, tangy broth of Mul Naengmyeon or the spicy, flavorful mix of Bibim Naengmyeon, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings on a hot summer day. With its versatile toppings and customizable taste, Naengmyeon can be enjoyed in many different ways, making it a favorite among Korean cuisine enthusiasts. Enjoy making and savoring this traditional Korean delicacy!
