Jennie's Bibim Guksu (비빔국수)
Why this food?
Bibim guksu is Korea's answer to fast food — thin, chewy noodles tossed in a fiery gochujang sauce with fresh vegetables and a runny egg. Jennie's go-to stress-relief meal combines the addictive heat of Korean chili paste with the cool, refreshing crunch of cucumber and sesame. It's the K-pop idol's secret weapon for turning a bad day into something intensely satisfying.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Bibim guksu became a beloved Korean summer dish because the cold noodles provide relief from heat while the spicy gochujang sauce stimulates appetite. The dish dates back to rural Korean farming communities where it was eaten during harvest season. Interestingly, the 'bibim' (비빔) means 'mixed' — the ritual of mixing everything together is considered part of the eating experience, making it both a meal and a stress-relieving activity.
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Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Guksu noodles (Korean thin wheat noodles) 국수 (국수면) | Nasoya Chow Mein Noodles or Ramen Noodles (discard seasoning packet) Nasoya Ramen works in a pinch but guksu is thinner and more delicate. Cook to al dente and chill completely. Shop at Walmart |
Gochujang sauce (Korean red chili paste with seasonings) 고추장 소스 | Lee Kum Kee Chili Garlic Sauce mixed with Heinz Ketchup Lee Kum Kee + Heinz Real gochujang in Walmart's Asian section is best. This blend mimics the sweet-spicy depth. Add sesame oil, garlic, sugar, and rice vinegar as per instructions. Shop at Walmart |
Toppings (cucumber, carrot, egg) 고명 (오이, 당근, 계란) | Fresh cucumber, baby carrots (shredded), large eggs Great Value or store brand Use English cucumbers for less seeds. Shred carrots with a box grater or buy pre-shredded. Raw egg is traditional — use fresh, high-quality eggs only. Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 8 oz (one package) Nasoya Chow Mein Noodles or Ramen Noodles (discard seasoning packet)
- 3 tbsp chili sauce + 1 tbsp ketchup (or substitute 3 tbsp actual gochujang if available) Lee Kum Kee Chili Garlic Sauce mixed with Heinz Ketchup
- 1 cucumber (sliced thin), 2 carrots (shredded), 1 egg (raw yolk) Fresh cucumber, baby carrots (shredded), large eggs
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Boil water in a large pot and cook the guksu noodles according to package directions (usually 3-4 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold running water until completely chilled. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons gochujang paste, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- 3
Step 3: Place chilled noodles in a serving bowl. Top with thin cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and a raw egg yolk in the center. Sprinkle sesame seeds over everything.
- 4
Step 4: Pour the gochujang sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Using chopsticks or a fork, vigorously mix all ingredients together for 30-45 seconds until fully coated and combined.
- 5
Step 5: Taste and adjust spice level by adding more gochujang or cool it down with a splash of cold water. Serve immediately and eat while the noodles are cold and the sauce is still vibrant.
