Korean Noodle Dishes
A spicy, seasoning-infused aroma awakens the appetite. Noodles come in all kinds of varieties. Besides the traditional homemade or buckwheat noodles, there are also semi-translucent, pumpkin, and even glass noodles. Noodles are made from various types of flour, including rare ones. In Korea, dishes made from them are considered almost national. The names are unfamiliar to the ear of a Russian person. For example, it would be difficult to quickly pronounce words like kalguksu or jajangmyeon. And yet, many recipes for traditional Korean noodle dishes have their roots in ancient times.
In this Asian country, noodles are not just a traditional daily food. For example, they serve as a symbol for holidays. If a person has a birthday, the noodles must be long. This length is associated with longevity. The same goes for a wedding. Long noodles are a symbol of a strong and lasting union.
More About Korean Noodles
Dishes made from them were first prepared as far back as the sixth century BCE. Noodles and delicacies made from them are called "kuksu," a word unusual for the Russian ear. There is a specific Chinese synonym. Noodles and dishes made from them are called "myeon."
Noodles can be used as a side dish or a standalone meal. Koreans traditionally prepare aromatic soups, hot appetizers, and other delicacies from them. Various components are used as toppings: from the signature pickled kimchi to more traditional ingredients (nuts, mushrooms, or vegetables). The famous instant noodles are very popular with Koreans. They are called "Ramyun," and you can try them in specialized catering establishments in Russia.
The preparation of each dish can be compared to a ritual. After all, one must not only correctly choose the type of noodles but also the seasonings to go with them. The right spice gives the dish its unforgettable aroma and taste. Take naengmyeon, for example. Koreans always add sesame oil or mustard to these cold noodles.
Homemade noodles are those prepared by hand. Korean residents even have a special type for banquets. The dish is called Janchi-guksu. Its preparation has subtleties (it must be made with fish broth). The dish is ceremoniously served at wedding celebrations.
And there's also Dangmyeon. This is a starchy noodle made from sweet potato. It has several special features. For example, a chewy texture that is highly valued by gourmets. At the same time, the noodles have a neutral taste, without any special "notes."
You have probably heard of a dish called Funchoza. This is a traditional glass noodle. It has several preparation options. Chefs usually use cassava, sweet potato, or chickpeas. However, there are also budget solutions. If you want to save money, the noodles can be made from potato or corn starch. Features: neutral taste and a translucent texture, which is why the noodles are called "glass" noodles.
Once upon a time, wheat noodles were not in demand in the Asian country due to their high cost. But in the middle of the 20th century, the situation changed. Due to their simple preparation, heartiness, and the possibility of seasoning them with various spices, the dish became a staple in the diet of Korean residents.
Popular Korean Noodle Dishes
It's difficult to list all the dishes, and what's the point of the reader "breaking" their tongue trying to identify every letter in the word? We will list three truly trendy dishes:
- Japchae (another name - Japche). The base is starchy noodles, which are supplemented with vegetables, seafood, meat, and mushrooms. All additional components are fried in sesame oil to enhance the taste. The dish Japchae became widespread as early as the 7th century AD.
- Kong-guksu. The dish is a cold soup. The preparation is original: the beans are first soaked, then boiled, and mashed until a uniform mixture is obtained. The soybean milk noodles are supplemented with tomato slices and cucumbers as toppings.
- Jajangmyeon. In this dish, black sauce is combined with a paste of caramel and roasted beans. Jajangmyeon is always served with an appetizer of onions and the signature ingredient daikon. By the way, the dish has a black color, which served as a reason to prepare it for an unusual day. Koreans celebrate the so-called "Black Day." On this original holiday, single people are sad that they don't have a significant other. But on this day, they can cheer themselves up by eating the delicious dish Jajangmyeon.