Description
Naengmyeon is a refreshing Korean cold noodle dish perfect for hot summer days. Made with chewy buckwheat or sweet potato starch noodles served in an icy cold, tangy beef or dongchimi broth, it’s topped with crisp Korean pear, cucumber, boiled egg, and optional beef brisket. For a spicy twist, the noodles can be tossed in a gochujang-based sauce. This simple yet flavorful dish balances sweet, sour, and savory notes for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces naengmyeon noodles (buckwheat or sweet potato starch-based)
- 4 cups cold beef broth or dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 Korean pear (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cucumber (julienned)
- 1 boiled egg (halved)
- 1/2 cup pickled radish (optional)
- 2 slices cold boiled beef brisket (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Ice cubes for serving
Optional Spicy Sauce (for bibim naengmyeon style)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the naengmyeon noodles according to package instructions, typically 3 to 4 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles thoroughly under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the noodles are completely cool and no longer sticky. Set aside.
- Prepare Broth: In a large bowl or measuring cup, combine the cold beef broth or dongchimi broth with rice vinegar and sugar. Mix until the sugar dissolves completely. Chill the broth further in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to achieve an icy cold temperature, or add ice cubes just before serving to keep it cold.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide the chilled noodles evenly into serving bowls. Pour the icy cold broth over the noodles, ensuring the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Add Toppings: Garnish each bowl with thin slices of Korean pear, julienned cucumber, half a boiled egg, pickled radish if using, and cold boiled beef brisket slices if desired. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
- Optional Spicy Bibim Naengmyeon: For a spicy variation, prepare the spicy sauce by mixing gochujang, sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth. Toss the cooked and cooled noodles with this sauce instead of broth, then garnish with the same toppings as above.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra vinegar and mustard on the side to allow guests to customize the flavor to their preference.
Notes
- Naengmyeon broth is often sold frozen at Korean grocery stores for authentic flavor, making it convenient to prepare this dish.
- Korean pear adds a unique sweet crunch; if unavailable, apple slices make a good substitute or omit entirely.
- Extra vinegar and mustard are traditionally served at the table allowing each person to adjust seasoning to taste.
- The spicy bibim naengmyeon can be made ahead by preparing the sauce; toss noodles just before serving to maintain their texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Korean
