Three golden ratio sauces that will transform any bowl of Korean noodles. Each ratio is dead simple to remember and endlessly adaptable. Content credit to @mattvillena.
Number 1, Soysauce Noodles
- 2 parts soy sauce (salty, savoury base)
- 1 part sesame oil (nutty depth)
- 1 part sugar or honey (balances saltiness)
- 1 part vinegar (light tang, optional for brightness)
Garnish with seaweed and sesame seeds.
Number 2, Bibim Noodles
- 2 parts gochujang (spicy base)
- 1 part soy sauce (umami and saltiness)
- 1 part sugar or honey (sweetness)
- 1 part vinegar (tangy freshness)
- 1 part sesame oil (nutty aroma)
Add 1 part minced garlic for a stronger flavour. Garnish with sliced cucumber, sesame seeds, or a boiled egg.
Number 3, Perilla Oil Noodles (들기름 막국수)
- 2 parts perilla oil (the nutty, earthy base)
- 2 parts soy sauce (savoury depth)
- 1 part sugar or honey (balance and slight sweetness)
- 1 part vinegar (light tang to cut oiliness)
Sprinkle with seaweed, spring onions, and sesame seeds for a super silky noodle.
Singapore Swap
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples. Soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and vinegar are available at any supermarket. Gochujang is stocked at FairPrice, Don Don Donki, and Korean grocery stores across Singapore. Perilla oil can be found at Korean grocery stores or on Shopee. For noodles, use any Korean somyeon, fresh udon, or instant ramyeon noodles.
Tips
- Adding a pinch of MSG to any of these sauces will enhance the flavour significantly.
- These ratios scale easily, use a teaspoon, tablespoon, or cup as your measure depending on how many servings you need.
- Check out PT. 2 for Korean BBQ sauce ratios.”
