Introduction

Ganjang bibim guksu sauce (간장비빔국수 양념) is the soy-based seasoning for Korea’s non-spicy mixed noodles. Most people know the red, sweet-and-sour bibim guksu sauce made with gochujang, but the soy version is just as popular at home – especially for kids, or when you want something savory, nutty and quick. It is made in one bowl with soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil and tossed with thin somyeon noodles.

Ganjang Bibim Guksu Sauce at a Glance

What it is

• A sweet-savory soy and sesame oil sauce for cold mixed noodles

Main ingredients

• Soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil (or perilla oil), a little vinegar, garlic, toasted sesame seeds

Taste

• Salty-sweet, nutty and mild, not spicy

Main uses

• Ganjang bibim guksu, perilla oil noodles, soy-dressed buckwheat noodles, quick noodle salads

What is Ganjang Bibim Guksu Sauce Made Of?

The sauce is built on regular soy sauce balanced with sugar or syrup, then enriched with a generous amount of toasted oil. A splash of vinegar brightens it, and sesame seeds add crunch. Popular variations:

• Sesame oil version: the classic, with toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds.
• Perilla oil version (deulgireum makguksu style): uses perilla oil and crushed gim for a deeper, earthy aroma.
• Oyster sauce version: a spoon of oyster sauce for extra umami.
• Kids’ version: no vinegar or garlic, a little more sugar.

What Does Ganjang Bibim Guksu Sauce Taste Like?

Think of a savory-sweet soy glaze with the toasty fragrance of sesame oil. It coats chilled noodles lightly rather than drowning them, so each bite tastes clean and nutty. The touch of vinegar keeps it from feeling heavy, and crisp cucumber and egg toppings add freshness.

Popular Korean Dishes That Use Ganjang Bibim Guksu Sauce

Ganjang Bibim Guksu

Cold somyeon tossed with the sauce and topped with cucumber, egg and gim. Recipe below.

Deulgireum Makguksu

Buckwheat noodles dressed with soy and perilla oil, buried under seaweed flakes.

Ganjang Bibim Dangmyeon

The same sauce on chewy glass noodles with vegetables – like a quick cold japchae.

Easy Ganjang Bibim Guksu Recipe (Serves 2)

Ingredients

• 7 oz (200 g) somyeon (thin wheat noodles)
• 1/2 cucumber, julienned
• 1 hard-boiled egg, halved
• 1 sheet roasted gim, crushed or cut into strips

Ganjang bibim sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tbsp sugar (or 2 tbsp rice syrup)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil (or perilla oil)
• 1 tsp vinegar and 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Mix the sauce ingredients in a large bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the somyeon according to the package (usually 3–4 minutes). When it foams up, add 1/2 cup cold water and let it return to a boil.
3. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold running water, rubbing them with your hands to remove starch, until fully cold. Drain very well.
4. Add the noodles to the sauce bowl and toss thoroughly.
5. Divide into bowls and top with cucumber, egg and gim. Serve right away.

Tip: Shake the rinsed noodles well – leftover water dilutes the sauce. Taste after tossing and add a few drops of soy sauce or a pinch of sugar to adjust.

Where to Buy Ganjang Bibim Guksu Sauce Ingredients

United States

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Amazon
Search Korean somyeon on Amazon
Search Korean soy sauce on Amazon

H-Mart
Search somyeon on H-Mart

Canada

Search Korean somyeon on Amazon.ca

Europe

Search Korean somyeon on Amazon.co.uk

How to Store Ganjang Bibim Guksu Sauce

Mix a double or triple batch and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; shake before using. Dressed noodles don’t store well – they turn soft and clumpy – so toss only what you’ll eat right away.

Ganjang Bibim Guksu FAQ

Is ganjang bibim guksu spicy?

No. It uses soy sauce instead of gochujang. Add a pinch of gochugaru if you’d like a little heat.

What noodles can I use?

Somyeon is classic, but buckwheat noodles, udon or glass noodles all work.

Can I eat it warm?

Yes. Toss hot drained noodles with the sauce for a warm version, similar to sesame soy noodles.

Which soy sauce is best?

Regular brewed soy sauce (jin-ganjang or yangjo-ganjang). Avoid soup soy sauce, which is much saltier.

Conclusion

Ganjang bibim guksu sauce is the easy, non-spicy answer to a hot-day noodle craving: soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil in one bowl, cold noodles, and a few toppings. To learn more about choosing soy sauce, read our ganjang guide.