Yachae Kalguksu (Korean Knife Noodles with Vegetables)

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 25 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4 Servings

Trying to reproduce a beloved relative’s signature dish is often futile, especially when recipes are unrecorded and our dear ones are no longer with us. In this case, I was inspired by my father-in-law’s kalguksu, or Korean “knife noodles,” despite the fact that I sadly never got to meet him nor taste the noodles that my partner remembers so fondly. While my version could never match the original, I think I can safely say these noodles are a fabulous comfort food.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup cold water
2 quarts vegetable stock (can substitute chicken stock)
1/2 onion, sliced
2 scallions
6 cloves garlic, peeled
1 (2-inch) knob of ginger, peeled and thickly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 medium potato, peeled and cut into half-circles
1 medium Korean zucchini (hobak) or 1 regular zucchini, cut into half-circles
1 to 2 scallions, green part only, sliced
1 teaspoon roasted sesame seeds, coarsely ground
1/4 teaspoon gochugaru
About 2 tablespoons yangnyeomjang - Korean seasoning sauce (optional)

Instructions

Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the oil and work it in with your fingers. Make a well in the center, add the water, and stir to form a soft dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and firm. Cover the ball of dough with the bowl or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring the vegetable stock to a boil. Add the onion, scallions, garlic, ginger, salt, and potato. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot.
On a well-floured surface, roll the dough to about 2mm thick. Rub both sides with flour and fold it 4-5 times to make it easier to cut. Using a knife, cut it into strips about 1/4 inch wide. Gently toss the noodles with flour to separate the strands and prevent them from sticking together.
Taste the soup and season with additional salt, if necessary. Add the zucchini to the pot and simmer until tender. Then add the noodles and simmer a couple minutes until tender.
Serve garnished with scallions, sesame seeds, and gochugaru. If serving with yangnyeomjang, place it on the side so diners can add to taste.