Refreshing Korean Cold Noodle Salad

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) somyeon (thin wheat noodles) 200g (7 oz) somyeon (thin wheat noodles)
• 1 cucumber, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 small radish, thinly sliced 1 small radish, thinly sliced
• 4 leaves of lettuce, shredded 4 leaves of lettuce, shredded
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• Kimchi, for serving Kimchi, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the somyeon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool them down.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber, carrot, radish, and lettuce.
3. 3.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey/sugar until well combined.
4. 4.
   Add the cooked noodles to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
6. 6.
   Serve the Cold Noodle Salad with a side of kimchi for an extra burst of flavor.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Somyeon noodles — Be careful not to overcook the noodles as they should be slightly chewy. Rinse them with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool them down quickly.

Tips & Tricks

• For added protein, you can top the Cold Noodle Salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences and seasonal availability.
• Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey/sugar according to your taste.
• To make it spicier, add a few drops of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the dressing.
• Make sure to serve the dish chilled for maximum refreshment.

Serving advice

Serve the Cold Noodle Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter, allowing everyone to help themselves. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful vegetables and noodles in an appealing pattern on the plate. Drizzle the dressing over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an eye-catching finish. Serve with a side of kimchi to add a pop of vibrant color to the presentation.