Cooking with International Students: Refreshing Korean Summer Delight: Bibim Naengmyeon and Kimbap

With summer in full swing, it’s time to embrace the vibrant flavors and refreshing dishes of Korean cuisine. In this blog post, we’ll explore two classic Korean dishes that are perfect for beating the heat: Bibim Naengmyeon (Spicy Cold Noodles) and Kimbap (Seaweed Rice Rolls). These dishes not only offer a delightful balance of flavors but also provide a cooling effect that is much-needed during hot summer days. So, let’s dive into the world of Korean cuisine and create a memorable summer meal! 

  

Bibim Naengmyeon (Spicy Cold Noodles)

  

Ingredients: 

– 2 bundles of naengmyeon noodles (buckwheat noodles) 

– 2 cups of vegetable broth 

– 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) 

– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce 

– 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar 

– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil 

– 1 tablespoon of sugar 

– 1 cucumber, julienned 

– 1 radish, julienned 

– 2 boiled eggs, halved 

– Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish 

  

Instructions: 

  1. Cook the naengmyeon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse the noodles under cold running water and drain well.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined.
  3. Place the drained noodles in a large serving bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss the noodles gently to ensure they are coated evenly.
  4. Add the julienned cucumber and radish to the bowl and mix well with the noodles and sauce.
  5. Garnish the Bibim Naengmyeon with halved boiled eggs, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing and spicy flavors of this Korean summer delight!

  

Kimbap (Seaweed Rice Rolls)

  

Ingredients: 

– 4 sheets of roasted seaweed (nori) 

– 2 cups of cooked sushi rice 

– 4 thin strips of pickled radish 

– 4 strips of seasoned and pan-fried tofu 

– 4 strips of cooked spinach 

– 4 strips of carrot, blanched and seasoned 

– 4 strips of cucumber 

– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil 

– Soy sauce and wasabi for serving 

  

Instructions: 

  1. Place a sheet of roasted seaweed on a bamboo sushi mat or a clean surface.
  2. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the seaweed, leaving a small border at the top.
  3. Arrange one strip each of pickled radish, tofu, spinach, carrot, and cucumber horizontally on the rice, near the bottom edge.
  4. Roll the bamboo mat over the fillings, applying gentle pressure to create a tight and compact roll.
  5. Remove the roll from the mat and brush the outside with sesame oil for added flavor and to prevent sticking.
  6. Repeat the process to make three more rolls.
  7. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Serve the Kimbap with soy sauce and wasabi for dipping.
  9. Enjoy the colorful and refreshing taste of these delightful seaweed rice rolls!

  

Korean cuisine offers a plethora of delicious dishes, and these two recipes, Bibim Naengmyeon and Kimbap, perfectly capture the essence of a refreshing summer meal. Whether you’re looking for a spicy kick with cold noodles or a light and savory treat with seaweed rice rolls, these Korean classics!

 

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