Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Bibim-myeon (Korean Spicy Noodles)
Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Bibim-myeon (Korean Spicy Noodles)
A Unique Twist on Bibim Guksu: Pineapple Bibim-myeon Recipe
If you often find wheat-based foods difficult to digest, try enjoying them with pineapple! This recipe makes a unique and delicious bibim-myeon (spicy mixed noodles) that’s not only easy on your stomach but also bursting with flavor. Packed with fresh pineapple, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes, enhanced by a refreshing tanginess. Let’s introduce you to this appetite-whetting Pineapple Bibim-myeon! ^^*
Main Ingredients- Somen noodles (for 2 servings, approx. 200g)
- Fresh pineapple, 200g
- 1 hard-boiled or grilled egg
- 1 can of canned whelk (approx. 150g)
- 10 large lettuce leaves
- A small bunch of crown daisy (shungiku)
- A pinch of salt (for boiling noodles and seasoning)
Spicy and Tangy Pineapple Sauce- Pineapple juice, 1/2 cup (approx. 120ml)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 4 Tbsp (adjust for color and spiciness)
- Soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp
- Vinegar, 5 Tbsp
- Brown sugar (or yellow sugar), 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Plum extract (maesilcheong), 2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil, a drizzle
- Sesame seeds, a pinch (optional)
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Pineapple juice, 1/2 cup (approx. 120ml)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 4 Tbsp (adjust for color and spiciness)
- Soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp
- Vinegar, 5 Tbsp
- Brown sugar (or yellow sugar), 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Plum extract (maesilcheong), 2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil, a drizzle
- Sesame seeds, a pinch (optional)
- Black pepper, a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients needed to make a delicious Pineapple Bibim-myeon. Wash vegetables thoroughly and pat them dry. Boil or grill your egg.
Step 2
Peel the fresh pineapple and cut it into bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat and visually appealing. Avoid cutting them too large, as this can hinder the sauce from penetrating evenly.
Step 3
Slice the prepared egg into manageable pieces. Wash the lettuce leaves, pat them dry, and tear or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Trim the tougher stems from the crown daisy, keeping only the tender leaves. Carefully open the canned whelk, drain the liquid (reserve it for the sauce), and cut the whelk pieces into bite-sized portions.
Step 4
First, place 60g of fresh pineapple and 30ml of the reserved whelk liquid into a blender and process until smooth to create pineapple juice. In a bowl, combine this fresh pineapple juice with the gochujang, gochugaru, minced garlic, soy sauce, plum extract, brown sugar, sesame seeds, black pepper, vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until well combined and no lumps remain, creating a smooth and flavorful sauce.
Step 5
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil. Add the somen noodles. As the water comes to a boil again, add about 1 cup of cold water, and repeat this process one more time. This method helps achieve perfectly chewy and firm noodles. Once the noodles float and the water boils again, immediately drain them and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Drain them well so they don’t stick together.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, place the drained somen noodles, the cut pineapple pieces, and the prepared whelk. Combining the main ingredients first ensures even distribution when adding the sauce.
Step 7
Pour about 2/3 of the prepared pineapple bibim sauce over the noodles and other ingredients. It’s best to start with a portion of the sauce and add more to taste, rather than making it too salty initially.
Step 8
Gently toss and mix the noodles, pineapple, and whelk with the sauce. Use your hands to ensure the sauce coats everything evenly without breaking the noodles.
Step 9
Add the lettuce leaves and crown daisy to the bowl. Mix gently to incorporate them without wilting the fresh greens too much, preserving their crisp texture.
Step 10
Add the remaining 1/3 cup of sauce to the bowl. Toss everything lightly again to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the final amount of sauce.
Step 11
Taste the bibim-myeon and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. Your delicious Pineapple Bibim-myeon is now ready! You can sprinkle extra sesame seeds or black pepper if desired.
Step 12
I often experiment with adding fruits to my bibim-myeon, and I’ve found that pineapple pairs exceptionally well, creating a uniquely delightful flavor profile. I hope you enjoy this special noodle dish!
