Chilly fall weather calls for a variety of things: pumpkin spice lattes, fuzzy sweaters and a warm dish of Kal-guksu.

By Sunny Kim

If you’ve never heard of Kal-guksu, it’s a Korean noodle dish which literally translates into “knife-cut” noodles. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cold, rainy day. Follow these steps to learn how to make Kal-guksu and your friends will be amazed by the taste and quality of your dish.

PREP

Step 1: Visit a nearby Korean market

You can make your noodles by hand to create the Kal-guksu dish, but this will take extra time and effort. As college students, time is money! Instead of making your own noodles, go to a nearby Korean market to buy all of your ingredients to make this fabulous dish.

If you’re a University of Texas at Austin student or live in the city, there is a Korean market on North Lamar Boulevard called Han Yang Market. It’s open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. If you don’t have a car, ride the 801 Cap Metro bus and get off at Crestview station. It’s only a two minute walk from the station to the market, and you’ll be on your way to buy everything you need to make Kal-guksu.

Step 2: Buy pre-packaged Kal-guksu

When you go to the Kimchi aisle at the back of the store, you’ll see there are several pre-packaged Kal-guksu items you can purchase. Select your choice and buy any of the prepackaged noodles. A personal recommendation is Sempio Mama’s. It will have the essential ingredients you need to make your Kal-guksu.

Step 3: Buy additional ingredients

Although the prepackaged Kal-guksu has all of the basic ingredients, you can buy these additional ingredients at any local grocery store such as H.E.B. or Trader Joe’s to ensure a more satisfying taste.

• 1 or 2 white/gold potatoes
• 1 gray zucchini or gray squash
• 1 or 2 jalapeno peppers (if you like the spice)
• 1 green onion/scallions
• 2-3 brown mushrooms

COOK

Step 1: Peel and slice your potatoes and gray zucchini

• Make sure to peel your potatoes and slice them into thin, long rectangular shapes. This will make it easier for the potatoes to cook in hot water without wasting time.
• It is not necessary to peel your gray zucchini, but slice it into thin and long shapes just like you cut your potatoes.

Step 2: Cut your jalapeño peppers, mushrooms and green onions

• Cut your jalapeno peppers into three to four slices, depending on how much you want to spice up your kalguksu noodle dish.
• Chop up your green onions. This will be added to the Kal-guksu dish toward the end.

Step 3: Boil water in pot

• Follow the directions on your prepackaged Kal-guksu. Pour the water as directed by the package into the pot and boil it. When the bubbles rise to the top and you see steam coming off of your pot, put in the noodles and soup that are included in the prepackaged Kal-guksu.
• Cook noodles for two to three minutes until they are slightly softer, then put your sliced potatoes, gray zucchini and mushrooms into the pot.

Step 4: Add green onions and jalapeno peppers

• When you feel like your noodles are about to be done, insert the chopped up green onions and slices of jalapeno peppers. It will enhance the flavor even more.
• Cook noodles for one to two minutes and then serve!

With the right ingredients and a little time and effort, Kal-gusku can cure your cravings for a homecooked meal. Try this recipe as a tasty dish to serve your friends and family members.