Refreshing and Spicy Yeolmu Guksu (Summer Radish Noodle Soup)
Refreshing and Spicy Yeolmu Guksu (Summer Radish Noodle Soup)
Easy Yeolmu Guksu Recipe Using Store-Bought Naengmyeon Broth for a Chilled, Slushy Experience
Today, I made a refreshingly tangy Yeolmu Guksu (Korean summer radish noodle soup). It’s the perfect dish to beat the heat with its vibrant, cooling flavors.
Main Ingredients- 1 handful of well-fermented Yeolmu Kimchi (summer radish kimchi), generous amount
- 1/4 cucumber
- 1 Korean chili pepper (cheongyang pepper)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1-2 boiled eggs, to taste
- 2 servings of somyeon (thin wheat noodles) or naengmyeon noodles
Chilled Broth- 2 packets of store-bought naengmyeon broth (frozen)
- 100ml of Yeolmu Kimchi brine
- 1 Tbsp to 1.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp to 1.5 Tbsp vinegar (adjust sourness)
- 2 packets of store-bought naengmyeon broth (frozen)
- 100ml of Yeolmu Kimchi brine
- 1 Tbsp to 1.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp to 1.5 Tbsp vinegar (adjust sourness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the toppings for the Yeolmu Guksu. Chop the well-fermented Yeolmu Kimchi into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the cheongyang pepper for a spicy kick and the red chili pepper for color. Deseed the cucumber and cut it into thin julienne strips. Boil the eggs until firm.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the refreshing broth that defines the Yeolmu Guksu. Take two packets of frozen store-bought naengmyeon broth. Add 100ml of the brine from your Yeolmu Kimchi for an extra tangy flavor. Stir in sugar, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more to your preference for sweetness, and vinegar, starting with 1 tablespoon and adjusting for sourness. For reference, I found the perfect balance with 2 naengmyeon broth packets, 100ml kimchi brine, 1.5 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp vinegar. Mix everything well and keep it chilled.
Step 3
Prepare 2 servings of noodles, either somyeon or naengmyeon noodles. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the noodles. Cook for 3-4 minutes. To ensure the noodles are perfectly chewy and don’t stick together, add 2-3 cups of cold water in intervals while boiling. You can also refer to the cooking time on the noodle package, but cooking them slightly less than the package suggests can enhance their chewy texture.
Step 4
Once the noodles are cooked, immediately rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Drain them thoroughly in a colander. This step is crucial for maintaining the noodles’ firm and chewy texture.
Step 5
Carefully arrange the drained noodles in a serving bowl, swirling them to create a neat mound. Gently pour the pre-chilled broth over the noodles, ensuring they are well-covered.
Step 6
Finally, artfully arrange the prepared toppings on top of the noodles to complete your delicious Yeolmu Guksu! Add the julienned cucumber, chopped Yeolmu Kimchi, halved boiled egg, and sliced chili peppers as desired. Serve it ice-cold, perhaps with some crushed ice for an extra frosty experience, and enjoy this ultimate summer delight!
