Easy Korean Knife-Cut Noodles (Kalguksu Noodles)

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain flour ((all-purpose flour))
• 1/4 tsp fine salt
• 1/2 tsp cooking oil
• 1/2 cup water (plus 1/2 to 1 1/2 Tbsp more as needed — adjust by feel, depending on humidity and flour brand.)

Steps

1. 1

   Make the Dough. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, salt, cooking oil, and 1/2 cup of water. Mix until the dough begins to come together.If the dough feels too dry, gradually add more water - up to 1½ tablespoons - until it forms a slightly chewy, elastic dough. Dough texture can vary depending on humidity and flour type, so trust the feel: it should be firm but pliable. If it gets too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Mix and knead until the dough is smooth and cohesive.

2. 2

   Rest the Dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour. This resting period helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll and work with.

3. 3

   Divide and Roll. Once rested, knead the dough briefly by hand to bring it together, then divide it into six equal portions. Generously dust a chopping board with plain flour to prevent sticking. Take one portion and place it on the floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it out evenly and thinly. Make sure the dough stays smooth and doesn’t stick to the board - add a bit more flour as needed.

4. 4

   Fold and Slice. Lightly sprinkle flour over the surface of the rolled-out dough to prevent sticking. Starting at one end, gently fold the dough into loose, even layers - not too tight. Leave a little gap between the folds so it’ll be easier to separate the noodles later. Aim for a strip about 5 cm wide (roughly 2 inches). Handle the dough gently to keep its elasticity and avoid tearing. Once folded, dust the top lightly with flour, then use a sharp knife to slice the dough into thin, even strips.

5. 5

   Ready to Use. Once sliced, gently separate the noodles and give them a light dusting of flour to keep them from sticking. They’re now ready to cook or store for later. These fresh, homemade noodles are perfect for dishes like kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup), bibimmyeon (spicy mixed noodles), or jajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles) - a simple way to add a delicious, personal touch to your meal.