Refreshing Melon Bibim Guksu: A Summer Delight
Refreshing Melon Bibim Guksu: A Summer Delight
Perfect for Hot Days! Melon Bibim Guksu with a Sweet and Tangy Melon-Based Sauce
This bibim guksu (spicy mixed noodles) uses ripe summer melons and tangy kimchi to create a vibrant sauce. Even without a cold broth, the refreshing sweetness of the melon juice and flesh makes it perfect for beating the heat. We’ve also included a fun tip for serving it in a hollowed-out melon bowl! Enjoy a unique and delicious summer meal.
Ingredients- 1 Korean Melon (Chamoe)
- 200g thin wheat noodles (Somyeon) (approx. 1-2 servings)
- 1/2 cup ripe, well-fermented kimchi
- 1/4 cucumber
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 4 pinches of salt (or to taste)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- A drizzle of sesame oil (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Preparation: Start by washing all your ingredients, including the fresh melon, kimchi, and cucumber. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Prepare the Melon: Cut the Korean melon in half lengthwise. Then, using a spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds from the center. This helps to reduce any bitterness and improves the texture.
Step 3
Create the Melon Bowl (Optional): Gently scrape the inside of the melon halves further with a spoon to create a hollowed-out ‘bowl’. This is a fun presentation idea and adds a special touch to your dish.
Step 4
Set Aside Melon Flesh and Prep Cucumber: Place the scooped-out melon flesh and juice into a separate bowl. This will be a key component of your flavorful sauce. Thinly slice the cucumber into matchsticks (julienne).
Step 5
Make the Sauce: Finely chop the ripe kimchi. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped kimchi, the reserved melon flesh (seeds removed), and the julienned cucumber. Add the sugar, gochugaru, gochujang, vinegar, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to create a well-balanced spicy and sweet sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 6
Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the somyeon noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes. Stir gently with chopsticks to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 7
Tip for Chewy Noodles: As the water comes to a boil, add a cup of cold water to cool it down slightly. Repeat this process once more when the water boils again. This ‘shocking’ method helps to make the noodles chewier and more resilient. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, rubbing them gently to remove excess starch until the water runs clear. This ensures the noodles are firm and not gummy.
Step 8
Mix Everything Together: Add the well-drained noodles to the bowl with the prepared melon bibim guksu sauce. Gently toss and mix until the noodles are evenly coated with the delicious sauce. The sweetness of the melon and the savory tang of the kimchi will create a wonderful flavor combination.
Step 9
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the bibim guksu. If it’s not salty enough, add a pinch more salt. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more sugar. For a richer color, you can add a touch more gochugaru.
Step 10
Serve: Plate your bibim guksu! You can serve it elegantly in the hollowed-out melon bowls you prepared earlier, or transfer it to a regular serving bowl. Top with the julienned cucumber and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Your refreshing Melon Bibim Guksu is ready to be enjoyed!
