Everything depends on cold, so the broth goes into the freezer until it is slushy and half-frozen before serving, and the cooked noodles get scrubbed under cold running water to strip the surface starch, which is what makes them tight and chewy instead of soft. Serve it lukewarm and the whole dish falls flat.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep30 min
Cook10 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineKorean
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains eggs · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for2servings
Buckwheat noodles
Naengmyeon noodles are chewy and thin; rinse them ice-cold after boiling. The chew is the point.
Can you make Naengmyeon in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Naengmyeon? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Naengmyeon ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Naengmyeon gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Naengmyeon vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
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