Naengmyeon (냉면): A Refreshing and Tangy Korean Cold Noodle Dish

Naengmyeon (냉면) is a refreshing and flavorful Korean cold noodle dish, perfect for beating the summer heat. Made with chewy buckwheat or sweet potato starch noodles served in a chilled, tangy broth, naengmyeon offers a light yet satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Traditionally topped with crisp cucumbers, Korean pear, boiled egg, and slices of cold beef, naengmyeon is loved for its balanced mix of textures and flavors—salty, tangy, and slightly sweet. Whether you’re looking for a cooling dish on a hot day or simply craving something refreshing, naengmyeon is a must-try Korean favorite that’s sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love Naengmyeon

  1. Perfect for Hot Weather: With its ice-cold broth and refreshing toppings, naengmyeon is the ideal dish for staying cool in warm weather while still enjoying a flavorful meal.

  2. Chewy, Delicious Noodles: The unique texture of naengmyeon noodles, made from buckwheat or sweet potato starch, is satisfyingly chewy, adding to the dish’s appeal.

  3. Customizable Toppings: Whether you prefer it with beef, seafood, or vegetarian options, naengmyeon is highly versatile and can be adjusted to suit your tastes.

  4. Light Yet Satisfying: Despite being a cold dish, naengmyeon is surprisingly filling and offers a balanced mix of nutrients from the noodles, vegetables, and protein.

How to Enjoy Naengmyeon

  1. Serve Ice-Cold: The key to naengmyeon’s appeal is serving it ice-cold, with plenty of ice cubes to keep the broth chilled throughout your meal.

  2. Pair with Banchan: Like many Korean dishes, naengmyeon is even better when enjoyed with a variety of side dishes, such as kimchi and pickled vegetables, to add extra flavors to your meal.

 

 

With its light, tangy broth and refreshing ingredients, Naengmyeon is a perfect summer dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or already a fan, this cold noodle dish is a must-try that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. Give it a try today and enjoy the crisp, cool flavors of Korea!

Naengmyeon (냉면)

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

  • 4 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)

  • 1/2 cup dongchimi (Korean radish water kimchi) broth (optional, for added flavor)

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for spice (optional)

For the Noodles:

  • 14 oz (400g) naengmyeon noodles (buckwheat or sweet potato starch noodles)

  • Ice cubes (for chilling the broth and noodles)

For Toppings:

  • 1 small cucumber, julienned

  • 1/2 Korean pear (or Bosc pear), thinly sliced

  • 1 boiled egg, halved

  • 4-6 thin slices of cold beef brisket or boiled pork (optional)

  • 2-3 slices of pickled radish (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

For the Mustard Sauce (Optional):

  • 1 teaspoon Korean mustard (or regular mustard)

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon water

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Broth:

    • In a large bowl or pitcher, combine the beef broth (and dongchimi broth, if using), soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.

    • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You want a balanced mix of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet.

    • Chill the broth in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until very cold. Add ice cubes to keep it cold when serving.

  2. Cook the Noodles:

    • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the naengmyeon noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as naengmyeon noodles should remain firm and chewy.

    • Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water to remove excess starch and cool them down. For extra cold noodles, place them in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes, then drain.

  3. Assemble the Naengmyeon:

    • Divide the cold noodles into individual serving bowls.

    • Pour the chilled broth over the noodles, adding a few ice cubes to keep the broth cold.

    • Top each bowl with cucumber, pear slices, half a boiled egg, beef brisket or pork (if using), and pickled radish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.

  4. Serve with Optional Mustard Sauce:

    • If you like a little kick, mix the mustard sauce ingredients together and serve on the side, or drizzle it over the noodles.

  5. Enjoy:

    • Serve the naengmyeon immediately while the broth and noodles are ice-cold. Stir everything together and enjoy the refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors of this classic Korean dish.

Tips:

  • Broth Options: For a more flavorful broth, you can make your own by simmering beef bones with garlic and onion for several hours. Dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth adds a traditional tangy flavor to the dish.

  • Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and use a vegetable or mushroom broth for a vegetarian version of naengmyeon.

  • Noodle Texture: The key to great naengmyeon is the chewy texture of the noodles, so be sure not to overcook them and rinse them well under cold water.

 

This Naengmyeon recipe offers a light, refreshing, and satisfying meal, perfect for hot summer days. Its cold broth and chewy noodles make it a favorite in Korean cuisine!