Escape the summer heat with a refreshing bowl of authentic Korean Naengmyeon, the perfect cold noodle dish! This iconic Korean culinary delight offers a delightful balance of chewy noodles, icy broth, and vibrant toppings. Whether you prefer the savory, beef-based broth of Pyongan-style Naengmyeon or the subtly sweet, jellyfish-enhanced flavor of Hamheung-style, this recipe provides a flexible foundation for your own delicious creation. The satisfying chewiness of the buckwheat noodles paired with the cool, refreshing broth makes this dish an absolute must-try, especially on a scorching day.
This recipe guides you through creating your own delectable bowl of Naengmyeon, from preparing the noodles to crafting the perfectly balanced broth and arranging the colorful accompaniments. Follow along as we unveil the secrets to achieving that authentic Korean taste, leaving you with a dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Korea without ever leaving your kitchen!
Tools Needed
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef Broth
- Boil 100g of beef steak with a small piece of dashi kelp, 1/4 teaspoon of grated garlic, and water.
- Once boiling, skim off any scum.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Remove beef from broth and cool completely in the refrigerator. (Prepare this step in advance, ideally the night before or morning of)
- Strain the beef broth to remove any oil, meat scraps, and scum. Set aside 400ml of the broth.
Step 2. Season and Prepare Toppings
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of apple juice to the reserved broth. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
- Rub thinly sliced cucumbers with salt, let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess water.
- Thinly slice the cooled beef.
Step 3. Assemble the Naengmyeon
- Arrange Inaniwa udon on a plate, top with cucumber, thinly sliced beef, kimchi, and the prepared broth.
Read more: 15-Minute Japanese Curry Udon: Quick, Easy, & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Tips
- Use the beef boiling water for the soup base for extra flavor.
- Adding apple juice adds a fruity sweetness to the soup.
- Prepare the beef broth in advance to save time.
Nutrition
- Calories: Insufficient data to calculate
- Fat: Insufficient data to calculateg
- Carbs: Insufficient data to calculateg
- Protein: Insufficient data to calculateg
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of noodles instead of buckwheat noodles?
While buckwheat noodles are traditional, you can substitute with other thin noodles like soba noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. The texture will be slightly different.
2. Where can I find the ingredients for the broth?
Most Asian grocery stores carry the key ingredients like dongchimi juice, beef broth, and Korean radish. You can also find many online retailers that specialize in Korean ingredients.
3. How far in advance can I prepare the Naengmyeon?
It's best to assemble the dish just before serving to maintain the optimal cold temperature and prevent the noodles from becoming soggy. You can prep the broth and toppings ahead of time though.
Enjoy your homemade bowl of refreshing Naengmyeon! This recipe is a fantastic introduction to the world of Korean cuisine, easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!