Sim Yeong-soon’s Watermelon Noodles: A Refreshing Summer Delight
Sim Yeong-soon’s Watermelon Noodles: A Refreshing Summer Delight
Master Sim Yeong-soon’s Watermelon Noodles from ‘Happy Together’
Discover the refreshing Watermelon Noodles recipe by Master Sim Yeong-soon, featured on the TV show ‘Happy Together.’ This dish is perfect for beating the summer heat with its vibrant red broth, delightful sweetness, and tangy notes. Enjoy a unique and delicious summer noodle experience at home that both children and adults will love!
Ingredients- 1/4 medium ripe watermelon
- 2 ladles kimchi brine (spicy fermented cabbage juice)
- 4-5 ladles water kimchi brine (dongchimi broth)
- A small amount of napa cabbage kimchi
- 1/4 cucumber
- 1/2 Korean melon (chamoe)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt (to season)
- A drizzle of sesame oil (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the watermelon in half and carefully remove the seeds using a spoon. Separate the flesh and blend it until smooth in a blender. Pour the blended watermelon into an airtight container and freeze until solid. This will be used as part of your broth. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for easier portioning.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the broth base. In a large bowl, combine 2 ladles of chilled kimchi brine and 4-5 ladles of water kimchi brine (dongchimi broth). Add 1/2 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup for a savory depth, 1 Tbsp of vinegar for a refreshing tanginess, and a pinch of salt to adjust the overall seasoning. Whisk everything together thoroughly. Pour this broth mixture back into a container and freeze it along with the blended watermelon. We’ll combine them later.
Step 3
Prepare the noodles. Bring a generous pot of water to a boil and add somen noodles. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Once the noodles are cooked to your desired tenderness, immediately rinse them under cold running water. This step is crucial to wash away excess starch, ensuring the noodles remain firm and chewy. Drain them thoroughly in a colander.
Step 4
Time to prepare the toppings. Wash the cucumber and slice it thinly into julienne strips. Julienne the Korean melon similarly. For the napa cabbage kimchi, rinse it lightly under water to reduce its spiciness, then julienne it for a pleasant texture. To assemble, place the cooked somen noodles into serving bowls. Arrange the julienned cucumber, Korean melon, and kimchi neatly on top of the noodles. Finally, retrieve the frozen watermelon and gently scrape it, or pour the frozen broth mixture over the noodles. Finish with a few drops of sesame oil for a fragrant aroma.
Step 5
This Watermelon Noodles dish boasts a striking deep red broth, but rest assured, it’s not spicy at all! Instead, the natural sweetness of the watermelon beautifully harmonizes with the tangy kimchi and water kimchi brines, creating a wonderfully complex and refreshing taste. If you’re looking for a unique alternative to everyday noodle dishes, this is a fantastic choice for a delightful summer meal. It’s a flavor combination that will surely win over both kids and adults!
Step 6
On a hot summer day, a bowl of cool and delicious Watermelon Noodles is the perfect way to beat the heat. It’s a wonderful recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish. You’ll forget all about the summer swelter with this refreshing treat! Give this recipe a try for a truly satisfying experience. ^^
