When the temperatures rise, Koreans reach for the ultimate refreshment: Mul Naengmyeon, or Korean Cold Noodle Soup. This isn't just a cold meal; it’s an iconic dish featuring long, thin buckwheat noodles swimming in a sparkling, icy, and subtly savory broth. The name itself breaks down to mul (물/water), naeng (냉/cold), and myeon (면/noodles). It is traditionally served in a gleaming metal bowl topped with slices of pickled radish, cucumber, beef, and a halved boiled egg.

Despite its current fame as a summer staple, Naengmyeon actually originated in the chilly northern regions of Korea, particularly Pyongyang and Hamhung, and was traditionally a wintertime delicacy. People during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) would use the abundance of buckwheat harvested in the autumn and the frozen brine of dongchimi (radish water kimchi) to create this dish. After the Korean War, Northern refugees brought the recipes south, where the dish quickly became a year-round, then ultimately, a summertime favorite.

Fun Fact: The long, uncut Naengmyeon noodles traditionally symbolize longevity of life and good health. However, in modern restaurants, you will often be given a pair of scissors to cut the chewy noodles before eating, making the slurping a bit easier. It is common practice to customize the subtle flavor of the broth with a splash of vinegar or spicy mustard oil just before diving in. This unique, invigorating soup is also popularly enjoyed alongside Korean BBQ to cut through the richness of the meat.

Serves

For 2 Persons Preparation Time ca. 10 Minuten

Ingredients

• Cold Noodles 600 grams
• Beef Soup Base (Broth)
• Sliced Cucumber
• Half-boiled Egg
• Sliced Pickled Radish (2-3 pieces)

Instructions

• Place the beef broth in the freezer for about 30 minutes to make it slightly icy before cooking.
• Add the noodles to a pot of boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the noodles.
• Remove the noodles and rinse them 2-3 times in cold water. Drain the noodles and serve them in a large bowl.
• Pour the prepared icy cold beef broth into a bowl with the chilled noodles, mix, and enjoy. For better flavor, add sesame oil, egg, cucumber, and pickled radish as desired.
• Enjoy your Naengmyeon!