Juksun Bibim Guksu || Spicy Mixed Noodles with Bamboo Shoots, 죽순비빔국수 Leave a comment

Juksun Bibim Guksu (죽순비빔국수) is a delightful and refreshing Korean noodle dish that features tender, crisp bamboo shoots (juksun, 죽순) as a key ingredient. “Bibim guksu” (비빔국수) itself translates to “mixed noodles,” indicating that the dish involves mixing the noodles with a spicy and savory sauce along with various vegetables and toppings.

The inclusion of bamboo shoots adds a unique texture – a pleasant crunchiness – and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the spiciness of the sauce and the other fresh ingredients. This dish is particularly enjoyable during the spring and summer months when bamboo shoots are in season and their fresh, light quality is most appreciated.

Key Components of Juksun Bibim Guksu:

• Noodles (Guksu, 국수): Typically, thin wheat flour noodles (somen, 소면) are used for Bibim Guksu due to their light texture that soaks up the sauce well. However, other types of noodles like somyeon (소면) or even thin buckwheat noodles (memil guksu, 메밀국수) could potentially be used depending on regional variations or personal preference.
• Bamboo Shoots (Juksun, 죽순): Fresh or preserved bamboo shoots are thinly sliced or julienned and often lightly blanched or stir-fried before being added to the dish. They provide a wonderful crisp texture and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.
• Spicy Sauce (Bibim Sauce, 비빔 양념): This is the heart of the dish and is typically a vibrant, flavorful, and often quite spicy sauce made from a combination of:
  • Korean chili paste (gochujang, 고추장)
  • Korean chili powder (gochugaru, 고춧가루)
  • Soy sauce (ganjang, 간장)
  • Vinegar (sikcho, 식초) – often rice vinegar
  • Sugar or other sweetener (mulyeot, 물엿 or oligosaccharide, 올리고당)
  • Minced garlic (dajin maneul, 다진 마늘)
  • Minced ginger (dajin saenggang, 다진 생강)
  • Sesame oil (chamgireum, 참기름) for nutty flavor
  • Toasted sesame seeds (tongkkae, 통깨)
  • Sometimes, minced onion or fruit puree (like pear or apple) is added for sweetness and to tenderize.
• Other Vegetables and Toppings: Besides bamboo shoots, other common additions include:
  • Thinly sliced cucumbers (oi, 오이) for freshness and crunch
  • Shredded carrots (danggeun, 당근) for color and texture
  • Spinach (sigeumchi, 시금치) – often blanched and seasoned
  • Shredded lettuce (sangchu, 상추)
  • Sliced hard-boiled egg (gyeran, 계란) for protein and richness
  • Sometimes, thinly sliced kimchi (baechu kimchi, 배추김치) is also added for extra flavor and tang.

How it’s Enjoyed:

Juksun Bibim Guksu is typically served cold or at room temperature. The cooked noodles are drained and then tossed vigorously with the spicy sauce and all the vegetables, including the prepared bamboo shoots. The toppings, like sliced egg and sesame seeds, are usually added at the end. It’s a refreshing, flavorful, and texturally interesting dish that’s perfect for a light meal.

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