Bibim Guksu – Spicy Korean Noodle Salad

I was first introduced to Korean food in high school, thanks to a few Korean friends who always knew the best spots to eat. We’d go out and share as many dishes as we could—hot pots, sizzling plates, and endless little bowls of banchan (Korean side dishes). That’s when I discovered bibim guksu, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. It’s usually enjoyed cold, and it’s one of my go-to dishes during hot summer months: fresh and fiery, with chewy noodles, crunchy veggies, and a bright, tangy chile paste sauce. It also features kimchi—my all-time favorite Korean ingredient. I’ve more than once finished a small jar on its own with just chopsticks. For this recipe, I recommend using somyeon or sōmen noodles, which can be found at most Asian grocery stores, though any thin wheat noodles should do.