Cold Noodles in Radish Water (Dongchimi guksu)
My mother-in-law taught me how to make Korean Radish Water Kimchi (Dongchimi) earlier this year and I finally had a chance to try a variation of it on my own (Spoiler alert: it takes days). It's a really refreshing side dish, but in this case, I'm using it to make a cold noodle soup.
The only restaurant I know that makes this is called "The Corner Place" in Koreatown, Los Angeles. There used to be another location in Cerritos, Ca where I attended high school, which was where I had the first of many bowls. Of course, my recipe is completely influenced by their take. There was a rumor that a bit of 7-up was added to create an effervescent effect, so I used some as well.
Cooking Method
Fermentation & Stovetop
Time
🕒🕒🕒
Recipe
Ingredients
—Radish Water
3 LARGE KOREAN RADISH
1 KOREAN PEAR, PEELED AND CORED
1/2 WHITE ONION, PEELED AND HALVED
1 THUMB SIZED PIECE OF GINGER, PEELED
6 GARLIC CLOVES
1 CUP COOKED WHITE RICE
2-3 TBSP FISH SAUCE
5 GREEN ONIONS
FILTERED WATER
SUGAR*
SALT
—Noodles
SOMEN NOODLES
CUCUMBERS, CUT IN MATCHSTICKS
KOREAN PEAR, THINLY SLICED
TOMATO, THINLY SLICED IN HALF MOONS
GREEN ONION, CHOPPED
JALAPENO, THINLY SLICED
7-UP (optional)
*My MIL says Equal or Sweet and Low works best. I don't ask questions.
Instructions
—Day 1
Peel and cut the radish in quarters. Add to an 8L airtight kimchi container. Liberally sprinkle salt all over and rub into radish. Close lid and leave on the counter for a day.
—Day 2
Place onion, ginger, garlic, rice and pear in a blender and mix until smooth. Add to container with radish along with fish sauce. Fill water 2 inches from the top. Mix well and taste. Add desired amount of sugar and additional salt to taste. Close lid and leave on the counter for a day.
Note: the thing about Korean cooking is that ingredients are dependable on taste. Add more or less of something as you go along to accomplish the flavor you’re trying to get to.
—Day 3
Clean green onions and cut off ends. Cut in half and add to container with radish. Close lid and leave on the counter for a day.
—Day 4
Move to the refrigerator.
—Noodles
Cook noodles according to package. Ladle in cold radish water from container. Add ice cubes if desired. Top with cucumbers, tomato, pear, green onion and jalapeño. Drizzle desired amount of 7-Up.
The radish water can also be eaten on the side along with other dishes.