Discover the perfect summer dish with our Naengmyeon recipe! Naengmyeon, a Korean favorite, features cold buckwheat noodles served either in a refreshing chilled broth or mixed with a tangy, spicy sauce. Ideal for hot days, this dish combines cool, flavorful noodles with crisp vegetables and a touch of spice. Follow our step-by-step guide to make this traditional Korean dish at home.

Ingredients:

- 200g buckwheat noodles

- 4 cups beef or chicken broth (chilled)

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 2 tbsp sugar

- 2 tbsp rice vinegar

- 1 tbsp sesame oil

- 1 cucumber, julienned

- 1 radish, thinly sliced

- 1 boiled egg, halved

- 2 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang) or Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)

- 1 tbsp sesame seeds

- 1 green onion, chopped

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the buckwheat noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually for about 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until the noodles are completely chilled.

Prepare the Broth: In a bowl, mix the chilled beef or chicken broth with soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.

Prepare the Sauce (optional): If you prefer the spicy version, combine gochujang or gochugaru with a bit of sesame oil in a small bowl.

Assemble the Dish:

  - For the chilled broth version, divide the cold noodles between serving bowls and pour the chilled broth over them.

  - For the spicy version, mix the cooked noodles with the prepared spicy sauce until well coated.

Garnish: Top each bowl with julienned cucumber, sliced radish, and a halved boiled egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onion.

Serve: Enjoy immediately, either as a refreshing chilled soup or a spicy noodle dish.

Notes: Naengmyeon can be customized with additional toppings such as sliced beef, kimchi, or pickled vegetables according to your preference. Adjust the level of spice and sweetness to suit your taste.

Nutritional values

For the Main Ingredients:

Buckwheat Noodles (200g)

  - Per 100g: Approximately

   - 343 calories

   - 13g protein

   - 72g carbohydrates

   - 2g fat

Benefits:

   - High in protein and fiber: Supports digestive health and provides sustained energy.

Beef or Chicken Broth (4 cups)

  - Per 1 cup (240ml): Approximately

   - 30 calories

   - 5g protein

   - 2g carbohydrates

   - 1g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides essential nutrients and adds flavor to the dish.

Soy Sauce (1/4 cup)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 10 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds umami flavor and enhances the taste.

Sugar (2 tablespoons)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 49 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 13g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds sweetness and balances flavors.

Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 14 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds acidity and brightness to the dish.

Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 120 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 14g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds nutty flavor and provides healthy fats.

Cucumber (1, julienned)

  - Per medium cucumber: Approximately

   - 16 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 4g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Hydrating and low in calories: Adds crunch and freshness.

Radish (1, thinly sliced)

  - Per radish: Approximately

   - 16 calories

   - 0.5g protein

   - 4g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds crunch and mild spiciness: Contains antioxidants and supports digestion.

Boiled Egg (1, halved)

  - Per egg: Approximately

   - 72 calories

   - 6g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 5g fat

Benefits:

   - High in protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Korean Chili Paste (Gochujang) or Korean Chili Flakes (Gochugaru) (2 tablespoons)

Gochujang:

   - Per tablespoon: Approximately

    - 30 calories

    - 1g protein

    - 6g carbohydrates

    - 0g fat

Benefits:

    - Adds spicy flavor and contains probiotics: May aid digestion.

Gochugaru:

   - Per tablespoon: Approximately

    - 10 calories

    - 0.4g protein

    - 2g carbohydrates

    - 0g fat

Benefits:

    - Adds heat and flavor: Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism.

Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 52 calories

   - 1.6g protein

   - 2g carbohydrates

   - 4.5g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides healthy fats and adds crunch and flavor.

12. **Green Onion (1, chopped)**

  - Per 1/4 cup chopped: Approximately

   - 10 calories

   - 0.5g protein

   - 2g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and vitamins: Adds flavor and supports health.

Salt (to taste)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 0 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Enhances flavor, but should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.