Few foods are better on a hot day than chilled, spicy noodles. Their slipperiness have a cooling effect, and of course the spiciness helps bring sweat to your brow to cool you down. This dish is a heart-of-summer masterpiece. The sauce alone should always be in your fridge. It packs huge flavor. This recipe should make enough sauce for you to make this dish twice. The sauce will keep for up to a month in your fridge so you can have an even easier dinner the next time around!
The secret is gochu jang, a Korean fermented chile paste. It's not as hard to get your hands on as you might think; many groceries now carry it. Keep your eyes peeled on your next shopping trip, or be sure to pick up a container whenever you next reach a Korean market. This dish can be served with absolutely any thinly sliced vegetables that call to you.
Active time: 20 minutes | Easy | Makes 3 servings
1 package (12 ounces) Umi Organic ramen noodles
4 tablespoons gochu jang (Korean red chili paste)
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Choose from assorted toppings:
Hard or soft boiled eggs, cut in half
Lettuce, thinly sliced
Radishes, thinly sliced
Cabbage, thinly sliced
Cucumber, julienned
Carrot, julienned
Asian pear, julienned
Green onions, thinly sliced
Cilantro, minced
Shiso leaves, thinly sliced
Kimchi, sliced
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. While the water is heating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine gochu jang, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Stir to combine and set aside. Prep toppings as desired.
2. Once the water is boiling, gently tease apart the noodles. Add noodles to water and boil 2 minutes, stirring often. Drain, rinse under cold water in a strainer with several ice cubes until thoroughly chilled, and then shake out excess water. If you're going to cook the noodles in advance, toss with oil after cooking to prevent sticking until ready to use.
3. To serve, place chilled noodles in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss. Divide between bowls. Garnish with toppings of your choice.
