If youโre in the mood for something light yet satisfying, comforting but refreshingly different, Ganjang Guksu (๊ฐ์ฅ๊ตญ์) is the perfect quick meal. Translating to soy sauce noodles, this humble Korean dish is a pantry-friendly go-to for busy days or lazy evenings when you want something delicious in under 15 minutes. Itโs savory, slightly sweet, and full of textures from crisp lettuce to silky noodlesโall tied together with the earthy aroma of perilla oil.
๐ฐ๐ท What Is Ganjang Guksu?
Ganjang Guksu is a Korean noodle dish centered around a simple soy sauce-based dressing. While itโs not as internationally famous as bibimbap or japchae, this dish is a quiet staple in many Korean householdsโespecially in the summer. Itโs often served cold or room temperature, and itโs incredibly flexible: you can dress it up with seasonal vegetables, protein, or just enjoy it as-is.
The version Iโm sharing today features a comforting mix of sautรฉed zucchini, fresh lettuce, crispy seaweed flakes, and a fried eggโmaking it a complete one-bowl meal. But the real star here? The perilla oil, which gives the dish a uniquely nutty, herbal depth that sets it apart from other soy-based noodles.
โจ Ingredient Highlight: Perilla Oil
The secret ingredient in this dish is perilla oilโand itโs not just another cooking oil. Made from roasted perilla seeds (a relative of the mint family), it has a nutty, slightly grassy flavor thatโs incredibly aromatic and uniquely Korean. Unlike sesame oil, which is deeper and toastier, perilla oil feels lighter and earthier.
Canโt find perilla oil? No problem. While the taste wonโt be quite the same, a good-quality sesame oil can still deliver a rich, nutty flavor that complements the soy-based sauce beautifully.
๐ก Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: Feel free to add grilled meat or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Make It Spicy: Add a few dashes of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the sauce for heat.
- Vegetable Swaps: Try julienned carrots or cucumbers if you donโt have zucchini or lettuce on hand.
๐ฅข Final Thoughts
Ganjang Guksu is the kind of meal thatโs as comforting as it is customizable. Whether youโre in a rush, cleaning out your fridge, or just craving a light and umami-rich dish, this Korean soy sauce noodle bowl is always a good idea. Itโs fast, fresh, and incredibly satisfyingโproof that simple ingredients can still pack a flavorful punch.
Ganjang Guksu (Korean Soy Sauce Noodles)
Ingredients
For the sauce
Instructions
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Prep the Veggies
Slice the zucchini into thick matchsticks. In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp perilla oil and sautรฉ the zucchini with minced garlic for 2โ3 minutes until just tender. Remove and set aside. This adds a gentle sweetness and umami base to your bowl.
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Fry the Egg
Using the remaining oil in the pan, fry an egg to your liking. A runny yolk adds an extra layer of richness when mixed into the noodles, but any style will work.
I fried the egg to save time, but boiled egg is a great option too.
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Cook the Noodles
Boil the somyeon noodles according to the package instructions (usually just 3โ4 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and keep the noodles bouncy.
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Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, perilla oil, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Perilla oil can be substituted with sesame oil.
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Assemble Your Bowl
Place the noodles in a bowl. Top with the sautรฉed zucchini, fried egg, chopped lettuce, crushed seaweed, and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds.
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Finish and Mix
Drizzle the sauce over everything, mix thoroughly, and enjoy immediately!
