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Healthy Buckwheat Noodles with Kimchi Sauce

Healthy Buckwheat Noodle Recipe

If you’re a noodle fan, here’s a simple and healthy choice – my easy buckwheat noodles recipe with a tangy kimchi sauce. It’s a straightforward dish that’s perfect for those times when you want something healthy, spicy, and flavorful. It’s one of my go-to recipes in the warm summer months for a refreshing bite. Now, I’ll show you how easy it is to whip up this tasty dish, ideal even for kids who enjoy a bit of spice.

A Simple Korean Cold Noodle Dish

In Korea, this dish is typically called Bibim Guksu, or Korean Cold Noodle Salad. It’s a go-to during warm weather, featuring thin buckwheat noodles coated in a tasty sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The dish is complemented by a variety of fresh, colorful vegetables, adding both texture and nutrition. While not originally including kimchi in the sauce, I started adding it for its rich flavor and health benefits. This twist enhances the dish, making it a popular choice for a refreshing and spicy kick.

"Stuffed Eggs"

Back in the days when my daughters were younger, I introduced them to this dish by topping it with halved hard-boiled eggs. Interestingly, they developed a unique twist – scooping out the yolk, filling the egg with the kimchi sauce, and playfully naming it the “stuffed egg,” reminiscent of deviled eggs.

Surprisingly, while not big fans of the noodles, they found immense joy in stuffing those eggs with the flavorful kimchi sauce. It became a fun routine, with them often devouring 3 or 4 eggs each in a single sitting. Without a doubt, this unconventional take on the dish became one of their all-time favorites.

Healthy Buckwheat Noodles vs. Rice Noodles

Buckwheat noodles offer health benefits over rice noodles. They’re rich in essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and vital vitamins and minerals. This nutrient profile contributes to a well-balanced diet. Notably, buckwheat noodles have fewer calories and a lower glycemic index, making them a practical choice for those mindful of calorie intake and blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, their gluten-free nature caters to individuals with gluten sensitivities. Beyond this, compounds found in buckwheat support heart health, and the dietary fiber it provides aids in digestion. Opting for buckwheat noodles not only boosts nutrition in your meals but also brings simplicity and flavor to your food.

Flexible Vegetable Options

Healthy Buckwheat Noodles

For the vegetable mix, choose what you enjoy; my go-to includes zucchini, onions, carrots, and mushrooms, but broccoli or cauliflower work well too. To cut down on oil, I often stir fry with water or Korean vegetable broth.

If you have picky eaters, you can skip the veggies altogether or opt for fresh shredded ones like romaine lettuce, cucumbers, or mixed greens, as you would in a salad. The options are versatile.

Fresh or Fermented Kimchi for Your Sauce

For the sauce, I like using overly fermented kimchi, but fresh kimchi works too. Using overly fermented kimchi replaces soy sauce and vinegar, eliminating the need for extra sodium while providing a salty and tangy taste. Kimchi also adds more flavor and crunchiness to the dish.

This sauce can also be incorporated into your deviled egg recipe for a Korean twist. I once brought these Korean twist deviled eggs to a potluck, and they were a hit with everyone.

Healthy Buckwheat Noodles with Kimchi Sauce

Healthy Buckwheat noodles

Ingredients

  • 2 bundles or 200g buckwheat noodles
  • 2 tablespoons water or Korean vegetable broth
  • 1 cup thinly sliced zucchini
  • 1/2 cup sliced onions
  • 1/2 cup julienned carrots
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (of your choice)
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved
  • Optional: Fresh shredded vegetables like romaine lettuce or cucumbers for serving

For the sauce

  • 1/2 cup overly fermented kimchi, chopped
  • 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons Korean red pepper paste (gochujang)
  • 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tsp of toasted sesame seed
  • 1 – 1 1/2 tsp of maple syrup or sugar for sweetness

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking the healthy buckwheat noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, carefully drain and rinse the noodles under cold water. This helps halt the cooking process and ensures they stay at the desired texture. Then, set the noodles aside to serve.

2. Make the Spicy Kimchi Sauce

When preparing the sauce, there are two methods you can choose from. First, chop the kimchi finely by hand. After that, add the red pepper paste, sesame oil, and sesame seeds, maple syrup and mix everything thoroughly. This manual method allows for a textured sauce with distinct crunchiness.

Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use a blender. In this case, combine all the sauce ingredients in the blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth and well-integrated sauce. The choice between these two approaches depends on your preference for either a textured or smoother sauce for your dish.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In a large pan or wok, heat water or oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, start by cooking garlic and onion until the onions turn translucent. After that, introduce the sliced zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables until they reach a tender yet slightly crisp texture. Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve

When it comes time to serve, begin by dividing the cooked noodles into two servings, placing them in a large bowl. On top of the noodles, arrange the stir-fried vegetables and the sauce. If using, add the halved hard-boiled eggs for an extra touch of flavor and protein.

If you desire additional freshness and crunch, consider topping the dish with fresh shredded vegetables such as romaine lettuce or cucumbers. Mix the components well to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Adjust the sauce quantity according to your preference, and then, it’s time to enjoy your delicious and healthy buckwheat noodles with kimchi sauce.

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Lydia

Lydia Chu

Lifestyle Blogger

As a Life & Health Organizer and Blogger, I empower individuals to declutter their lives, achieve balance, and prioritize their well-being. Through insightful blog posts, I offer practical tips and guidance on living a healthier, more organized life.

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