Cuisine : Naengmyeon - how to prepare this Korean noodles

 

Naengmyeon is a popular Korean cold noodle dish, especially enjoyed in the summer. It typically features buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth, garnished with a variety of toppings. There are two main types: Mul Naengmyeon (in broth) and Bibim Naengmyeon (spicy, mixed). Here’s how to prepare Mul Naengmyeon:

 Ingredients:

 Broth:

- 4 cups beef broth (can be made from boiling beef bones or brisket)

- 4 cups dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth (or you can use a mix of water, vinegar, and a bit of sugar if unavailable)

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

- Salt to taste

 Noodles:

- 400g naengmyeon noodles (buckwheat noodles)

 Toppings:

- 1 cucumber, julienned

- 1 Korean pear or apple, julienned

- 1 boiled egg, halved

- Slices of boiled beef brisket (optional)

- Pickled radish (optional)

- Ice cubes (optional, to keep broth extra cold)

- Sesame seeds for garnish

 Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Broth:**

   - Combine the beef broth and dongchimi broth in a large bowl.

   - Add soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste, aiming for a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.

   - Chill the broth in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. For an extra cold broth, you can also partially freeze it to form ice crystals.

2. **Cook the Noodles:**

   - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the naengmyeon noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes. Do not overcook.

   - Drain the noodles and rinse under cold running water until they are completely cool. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, giving the noodles a chewy texture.

   - Drain the noodles well and divide into serving portions.

3. **Prepare the Toppings:**

   - Julienne the cucumber and pear/apple.

   - Boil the eggs, cool, peel, and halve them.

   - Prepare any other desired toppings such as pickled radish or boiled beef slices.

4. **Assemble the Naengmyeon:**

   - In each serving bowl, place a portion of the noodles.

   - Pour the chilled broth over the noodles until they are submerged.

   - Add ice cubes if desired to keep the broth very cold.

   - Arrange the cucumber, pear/apple, boiled egg halves, and any other toppings on top of the noodles.

   - Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.

 Serving:

- Serve immediately while the broth is still very cold.

- Naengmyeon is often accompanied by a side of vinegar and mustard paste (or Korean mustard oil) to adjust the flavor to personal preference.

Enjoy your refreshing and delicious Mul Naengmyeon!