Korean Tofu Kimchi Bibim Myeon
Two separately cooked toppings make this bowl of dressed noodles: pan-seared tofu and stir-fried ripe kimchi. Pressing the tofu dry before it meets a hot pan gives it a golden crust and a soft center, a mild counterweight to the gochujang dressing. Brief frying takes the sharp sourness off well-fermented kimchi and pushes its savory side forward. The noodles end up spicy, sweet and tangy without turning harsh.