Spicy and Sweet! Summer Delicacy: Canned Whelk Bibim Guksu Recipe
Perfect for when you have no appetite! Chewy somen noodles with a spicy and sweet sauce, generously mixed with canned whelks for an extra special dish.
When the summer heat hits, there’s one dish that always hits the spot: Bibim Guksu (Spicy Mixed Noodles). Today, we’re elevating this classic summer favorite by adding tender canned whelks, creating a richer and more delicious ‘Whelk Bibim Guksu’. This simple yet special recipe is the perfect way to beat the summer heat!
Main Ingredients
- Somen noodles (medium thickness) for 2 servings (approx. 200g)
- 1 can (130g) canned whelks
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables. Wash the half cucumber, peel it, and then julienne it thinly. It’s best to cut it slightly thicker so that its crispiness remains.
Step 2
Wash the 4 lettuce leaves thoroughly under running water, pat them dry, and then tear or cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to cook the somen noodles. Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil. Add the somen noodles for 2 servings (about 200g). These noodles are a bit thicker than regular somen, so they might take a little longer to cook. Once the water boils again after adding the noodles, add about half a cup of cold water. Repeat this process 2 to 3 times to achieve a chewier texture. After adding the cold water for the third time and bringing it back to a rolling boil, turn off the heat.
Step 4
Drain the cooked somen noodles into a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to wash away excess starch and enhance their chewy texture. Finally, drain them well again to remove all excess water before serving.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the spicy mixing sauce and mix them well. Add 2 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp vinegar, 2 Tbsp water, and 2 Tbsp perilla oil. Stir with a spoon until the sauce is well combined and smooth. Your delicious spicy mixing sauce is now ready.
Step 6
Drain the canned whelks in a colander, discard the liquid, and rinse them lightly under running water to remove any impurities. Be careful not to rinse too vigorously, as it might reduce the whelks’ flavor. A gentle rinse is sufficient.
Step 7
Place the drained somen noodles into a large bowl. Generously spoon the prepared spicy mixing sauce over the noodles. Then, arrange the rinsed whelks attractively on top.
Step 8
Now it’s time to add the pre-cut julienned cucumber and lettuce leaves, and mix everything together by hand. Gently toss and mix the noodles, whelks, and vegetables with your hands to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed. This hands-on mixing is key to a delicious result!
Step 9
Your mouth-watering, spicy and sweet Whelk Bibim Guksu is complete! Enjoy this delightful summer dish, perhaps with a cold beer for an even more perfect experience.
