Bibim Guksu (Korean Cold Mixed Noodles)

Instructions

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1. 1 In a large bowl, set up an ice bath by partially filling it with a combination of cold water and ice. Set aside.
2. 2 Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Using a spider or slotted spoon, gently lower eggs into water. Boil eggs for 8 to 10 minutes, then, using a spider or slotted spoon, transfer eggs to ice bath. Let eggs sit in ice bath until cool to the touch, about 2 minutes, before peeling under cool running water. Using a sharp knife, halve eggs; set aside. (Reserve ice bath for noodles.)
3. 3 Bring same saucepan of water to a boil over high heat and add somyeon. Cook according to package directions, using tongs to constantly stir and move noodles around to prevent them from sticking to each other. Using a colander, strain noodles. Immediately transfer noodles to ice bath. Swish noodles around in the ice water to loosen them up a bit, then let noodles sit in ice bath while you prepare the sauce.
4. 4 In a large bowl, combine Asian pear, gochujang, rice vinegar, soy sauce, gochugaru, honey, toasted sesame oil, garlic, and water. Whisk until sauce is smooth. (Sauce should be fairly runny, which helps it to more evenly coat the noodles. You should have about 1 1/2 cups.)
5. 5 Drain noodles into a colander, then run the noodles under cold running water, vigorously agitating and scrubbing them with clean hands (as if you were hand-washing laundry), until they no longer feel sticky, about 30 seconds. Drain noodles well, then transfer to bowl with sauce. Using a clean and/or gloved hand, toss noodles with sauce to evenly coat. Season to taste, adding more vinegar, soy sauce, honey, or sesame oil as needed. (The sauce should taste equal parts spicy, tangy, sweet, and savory, with no one flavor overly dominating.)
6. 6 Divide noodles amongst four shallow bowls. Top each bowl with some cucumber, perilla, and an egg half and drizzle with toasted sesame oil. Sprinkle the crushed toasted sesame seeds on top and serve. Have guests use chopsticks to mix the garnishes and noodles together before eating.