Name: Easy icy Korean cold noodles (Mul-naengmyeon)
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: Naengmyeon noodles — 2 servings (280 g); Ready-to-use chilled naengmyeon broth — 2 packs (600 ml); Cucumbers — ½ piece; Asian pear — ½ piece; Hard-boiled egg — 1 piece; Rice vinegar — 1 level eating spoon (15 ml); Prepared mustard — ½ small teaspoon; Ice cubes — 6 pieces

01 / Before you start

Ingredients

2 servings

Household amounts

For 2 servings. Use a small 180 ml paper cup, a level eating spoon (about 15 ml) and a small teaspoon (about 5 ml).

How to fill the cup and spoons

Use the same cup and spoons throughout. Actual cup and spoon sizes vary. Fill flour loosely and level it without pressing. Vegetable volume is after cutting, loosely filled. Amounts are approximate; the smaller g/ml amounts are the original reference. For a pack portion, use the stated label weight and divide the contents evenly.

King Arthur Baking

Ingredient flexibility

Keep essential ingredients. For a replacement, use its listed amount and cooking changes instead of that ingredient’s original amount. Skip optional ingredients and their preparation if omitted. Photos show the original recipe.

Naengmyeon noodles2 servingsOriginal amount: 280 g
Substitute available
If Naengmyeon noodles is unavailable

Use instead
Soba noodles

Amount of replacement
2 labeled servings

Use the replacement noodle’s own cooking time, not the original noodle’s timing. For cold noodles, rinse very cold and drain well. The texture will change.
Ready-to-use chilled naengmyeon broth2 packsOriginal amount: 600 ml
Substitute available
If Ready-to-use chilled naengmyeon broth is unavailable

Use instead
Mild chilled beef broth, ready to use

Amount of replacement
3 ⅓ paper cupsReference amount: 600 ml

The taste differs from naengmyeon broth. Chill before serving. If using a concentrate, dilute according to its label first, then measure the ready-to-use amount shown.
Cucumbers½ piece
Optional
Can be omitted. It adds a fresh, crisp topping; skip it in the steps and keep the other listed amounts.
Asian pear½ piece
Optional
Can be omitted. It adds fresh fruit flavor; skip it in the steps and keep the other listed amounts.
Hard-boiled egg1 piece
Optional
May be omitted; skip cooking the egg and serve the remaining dish. It loses the egg's richness and protein.
Rice vinegar1 level eating spoonOriginal amount: 15 ml
Optional
Can be omitted. It adds a tangy finish; skip it in the steps and keep the other listed amounts.
Prepared mustard½ small teaspoon
Optional
Can be omitted. It adds a sharp mustard taste; skip it in the steps and keep the other listed amounts.
Ice cubes6 pieces
Optional
Can be omitted. It adds extra coldness; still chill the broth before serving; skip it in the steps and keep the other listed amounts.

Tap each ingredient as you prepare it. Check product labels for egg, soy, sesame, wheat, fish or shellfish where relevant.

02 / You’re ready to cook

Step-by-step cooking

Step 1

Read both noodle and broth labels. This version uses ready-to-eat liquid broth, not an undiluted concentrate. Chill the 2 broth pouches in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 1
Step 2

Wash and thinly slice the cucumber. Peel and core the half pear, then cut it into thin strips. Peel the hard-boiled egg and cut into two halves; the yolk should already be fully set.
Step 2
Step 3

Bring a roomy pot of water to a full boil. Add the 2 portions of naengmyeon noodles, stir to separate and cook for the exact package time, often only 2–3 minutes. These thin noodles overcook quickly.
Step 3
Step 4

Drain into a colander, then rinse thoroughly in very cold water, gently rubbing and loosening the strands. Use a little of the ice if needed. Drain well so rinse water does not dilute the broth.
Step 4
Step 5

Divide the chilled noodles between two bowls and add the cold ready-to-use broth. If your broth is concentrated, first dilute it according to its own label; do not pour concentrate straight onto the noodles.
Step 5
Step 6

Top with cucumber, pear and half an egg per bowl. Add the remaining ice if desired. Offer the 1 spoon vinegar and ½ teaspoon mustard on the side, adding a little at a time. Serve immediately, cold rather than lukewarm.
Step 6