Are you familiar with Bibimmen? Have you tried it before? Bibimmen is one of Korea’s most popular instant noodles, which was first introduced in 1984 by Paldo. Since then, various brands have launched their own versions of Bibimmen, making it a favorite among Koreans.
It is now widely available in the United States. Today, I’ll introduce you to the original Paldo Bibimmen and the newly launched Paldo Bibimmen II, which came out in August 2024.
Table of Contents
1. What is Bibimmen?
The Original Paldo Bibimmen
The original Paldo Bibimmen was released in 1984, and since then, many brands have come out with their own versions of bibim noodles. Bibimmen is known for its noodles, which are boiled, rinsed in cold water, and then mixed with a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce. The original Paldo Bibimmen features a unique combination of a sweet and tangy sauce with thin, chewy noodles. Other popular bibim noodles include Samyang Yeolmu Bibimmen, Nongshim Chal Bibimmen, and Ottogi Jin Bibimmen.
For the launch of Bibimmen II, Paldo selected actor Byun Woo-seok as their brand model, which boosted brand recognition and sales. In fact, the product sold over 1 million units within just 5 days of its release.
2. Unique Features of Bibimmen
A Different Flavor and Preparation Style
The original Paldo Bibimmen is known for its thin, chewy noodles and sweet-and-tangy gochujang-based sauce, which makes it particularly popular in summer since it’s served cold. The new Bibimmen II, however, offers a different experience—it uses soy sauce, salt, and pepper to create a deeper umami flavor. It also features thicker noodles for an enhanced texture.
Another difference is that Bibimmen II can be enjoyed either hot or cold. While the original Bibimmen was traditionally eaten cold, the new version caters to various preferences, allowing consumers to enjoy it any way they like.
Original Paldo Bibimmen
• Thin, chewy noodles with a unique texture
• Sweet and tangy gochujang-based sauce
• A classic cold noodle dish, perfect for summer
• Easy to prepare and widely accessible
Paldo Bibimmen II (New)
• Enhanced umami flavor with soy sauce, salt, and pepper base
• Thicker noodles for a heartier texture
• Can be prepared hot or cold, offering versatility for all seasons
3. How to Prepare Bibimmen
Simple and Easy Preparation
One of the biggest advantages of Bibimmen is how easy it is to prepare.
Original Bibimmen
- Cook the noodles: Boil the noodles in at least 600ml of water for 3 minutes.
- Rinse the noodles: Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to cool them down, then drain completely.
- Mix with sauce: Add the included sauce packet and mix well.
- Optional toppings: Enhance the flavor by adding cucumber, cabbage, or a boiled egg.
Bibimmen II
Hot Preparation
- Cook the noodles: Boil the noodles and vegetable packet in at least 700ml of water for 4 minutes.
- Drain the water: After cooking, leave about 20ml (about 4 tablespoons) of water, and discard the rest.
- Mix with sauce: Add the sauce packet and mix well with the noodles.
Cold Preparation
- Cook the noodles: Boil the noodles and vegetable packet in 700ml of water for 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Rinse the noodles: Rinse the noodles under cold water to cool, then drain completely.
- Mix with sauce: Add the sauce packet and mix well with the noodles.
4. Where to Buy Bibimmen
Korean ramen, including Bibimmen, is readily available at local Korean grocery stores throughout the United States. It’s also available online on sites like Amazon, Walmart, and Weee. Bibimmen makes a convenient and tasty meal for lunch, a snack, or even on camping trips.
The original Paldo Bibimmen and the newly released Bibimmen II each offer a unique taste and texture—whether you want a refreshing cold noodle dish or a comforting warm meal. Try both and see which one becomes your favorite!
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