Beat the Heat with Korean Summer Ramyeon

July 29, 2024

Time to read 2 min

It’s a scorching summer, and record-breaking temperatures are making it tough to find the energy to cook or even eat. While the U.S. has its share of summer treats like juicy peaches, there's no go-to dish specifically designed to beat the heat. Enter Korean summer ramyeon, a cool and refreshing culinary delight that's perfect for those sweltering days. In Korea, each season brings its own favorite dishes, and summer is all about enjoying cool, flavorful noodles that are both light and nutritious. Let's dive into the world of Korean summer ramyeon, a trend that’s heating up in the U.S. as the temperature rises.

Table of Content

What is Bibimmyeon? Paldo Bibimmyeon: A Classic Favorite Nongshim Nest Cold Noodles: Quick, Cool, and Convenient Baehongdong Jjoljjolmyeon: A New Contender Why Not Give It a Try?

What is Bibimmyeon?

Bibimmyeon, a beloved Korean noodle dish, translates to "mixed noodles." This dish typically features chewy noodles mixed with a spicy and tangy sauce made from ingredients like garlic, red chili peppers, apple juice, and sweet onions. Unlike traditional ramyeon, which is often served hot, bibimmyeon is served cold, making it an ideal meal for hot summer days. The combination of flavors and textures creates a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for beating the heat.

Paldo Bibimmyeon: A Classic Favorite

For over 40 years, Paldo Bibimmyeon has been a staple of Korean summers. This dish features chewy noodles paired with a tangy and spicy bibim sauce made from garlic, red chili peppers, apple juice, and sweet onions. Fun fact: when Paldo Bibimmyeon first hit the market, it was produced by a yogurt company, not a ramen company! Despite the passage of time, its iconic packaging has remained unchanged, a testament to its enduring popularity.

Nongshim Doong Ji Cold Noodles: Quick, Cool, and Convenient

Cold noodles, traditionally made from wheat or buckwheat and served in a chilled broth or with cold seasonings, are a summer favorite in Korea. However, they can be labor-intensive to prepare. Nongshim's Nest Cold Noodles simplify the process without compromising on flavor. These noodles, shaped like a bird’s nest before cooking, come in two varieties: water noodles for those who prefer a mild taste and bibim noodles for spice lovers. To enjoy them at their best, follow the cooking instructions carefully, especially the tip about using at least 800 milliliters of water.

Baehongdong Jjoljjolmyeon: A New Contender

Baehongdong Jjoljjolmyeon is the latest addition to Korea's summer noodle scene, brought to you by the ramen giant Nongshim. This dish takes the concept of bibimmyeon to the next level with jjolmyeon, which are extra chewy noodles made from starch. The sauce, featuring red chili paste, apple juice, pear, red pepper, and dongchimi (a type of radish kimchi), is both spicier and sweeter than that of Paldo Bibimmyeon. Topped with sesame seeds and fried garnishes, it quickly became a hit in Korea, thanks in part to a catchy marketing campaign featuring popular MC Yoo Jae Suk.

Why Not Give It a Try?

Summer is often a time when appetites wane, making it the perfect season to explore new culinary adventures. Celebrate this summer with Korean ramyeon, a delicious way to stay cool and satisfied. These unique noodle dishes offer a refreshing break from the ordinary and are sure to tantalize your taste buds. So why not give Korean summer ramyeon a try and make your hot days a little bit cooler and a lot more exciting?