Spicy Korean Cold Noodles

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) thin wheat noodles 200g (7 oz) thin wheat noodles
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped 2 green onions, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 6g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the thin wheat noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool them down.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, mix together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic to make the spicy sauce.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled noodles with the spicy sauce. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Add the cucumber, carrot, radishes, and shredded lettuce to the bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the noodles for garnish.
6. 6.
   Serve the Spicy Korean Cold Noodles chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Wheat noodles — Cook the noodles until they are al dente to ensure a chewy texture.
• Gochujang — Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Sesame oil — Use toasted sesame oil for a richer and nuttier flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a refreshing twist, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the sauce.
• Customize the vegetable toppings based on your preference. You can add thinly sliced bell peppers, bean sprouts, or even kimchi.
• To make it heartier, add some protein such as grilled chicken, beef, or tofu.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) on top.
• Make a larger batch of the spicy sauce and store it in the refrigerator for future use.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Korean Cold Noodles in individual bowls or plates. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor. It is best enjoyed chilled, making it a perfect dish for hot summer days or as a refreshing lunch option.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the colorful vegetables on top of the noodles in an appealing pattern. Drizzle a little extra sauce on top for an appetizing look. Serve the dish with chopsticks and a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean dining experience.