Kimchi Bibim-guksu (Spicy Mixed Noodles)

Ingredients

• somyeon — thin wheat noodles110 g
• kimchi — chopped, plus 60 ml of its brine110 g
• gochujang40 g
• sugar — 1 tsp4.3 g
• garlic clove — minced1 ea
• cucumber — cut into matchsticks60 g
• toasted sesame oil15 ml
• toasted sesame seeds — ground9 g
• egg — half-boiled1 ea

Method

1. Combine the kimchi, its brine (or 60 ml cold water), gochujang, sugar (optional), garlic and sesame oil in a large bowl. Mix well with a spoon.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Stir them with a wooden spoon and cover. Cook for about 3 minutes 30 seconds; if it starts boiling over, stir the noodles and crack the lid. Taste a sample: the noodles should be chewy with nothing hard inside.
3. Drain the noodles in a strainer and rinse them in cold running water until they are cold and no longer slippery. Drain well and add to the kimchi mixture.
4. Mix everything well and transfer to a large bowl. Add the cucumber and the egg and sprinkle the sesame seeds over top. Serve right away.