Lim Seong‑geun’s Perilla‑Oil Cucumber Ramen Goes Viral After Netflix Spotlight

Ramen Sensation Reignites Online Buzz After Netflix Spotlight

In Seoul, online communities are reviving interest in Lim Seong-geun’s signature dish as his Perilla Oil Cucumber Ramen resurfaces amid renewed attention from the Netflix game‑style entertainment show, Black and White Chef.

The recipe, first shared on his YouTube channel roughly two years ago, has gained momentum again as viewers and social networks rediscover the dish amid broader chatter about Lim’s cooking on the program.

The preparation remains wonderfully simple. Boil the ramen until it’s almost done, drizzle in a measured amount of perilla oil, then turn off the heat and fold in thin cucumber slices. The result pairs the aromatic perfume of perilla oil with the crisp, refreshing bite of cucumber.

Fans who follow Lim’s recipes are weighing in online, praising the dish as unexpectedly flavorful and noting that the flavor pairing exceeds expectations.The renewed interest highlights how quickly simple, well‑documented recipes can rebound when they gain broader exposure on popular media.

Key Details	Notes
origin	Lim Seong-geun’s YouTube post (about two years ago); later featured on a Netflix show
Dish	Perilla Oil Cucumber Ramen
Core steps	Cook ramen, add perilla oil, off heat, add cucumber slices
Public reaction	positive online reception; renewed interest in the recipe
Notable impact	Showcase on a streaming program amplified interest in past content

Evergreen insights

Simple, pantry‑friendly recipes frequently enough enjoy staying power when they combine a familiar staple with a fresh twist. Streaming platforms can dramatically amplify such ideas, turning a two‑year‑old YouTube post into a renewed talking point across communities. In a culture of fast recipe ideas, authenticity and clarity in execution matter just as much as novelty.

As home cooks explore new techniques, they tend to migrate toward steps that are easy to replicate, require few ingredients, and offer a clear aroma or texture payoff. This is a classic recipe‑as‑story example: a modest dish becomes memorable when paired with personality, media visibility, and a straightforward method.

Two questions for readers

Would you try Lim Seong-geun’s Perilla Oil Cucumber Ramen at home? If yes, what twists would you add to make it your own?

What other quick, affordable recipes have you discovered through streaming shows or online communities that surprised you with their flavor?

Disclaimer: This article summarizes publicly shared culinary content. Ingredients should be used with care according to personal dietary needs.

Share your thoughts below and tell us how this recipe fits into your weeknight cooking routine.

Lim Seong‑geun’s Perilla‑Oil cucumber Ramen: from Netflix Spotlight to Global Viral Phenomenon

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Why Netflix’s Food Series Ignited a Ramen wave

• Prime‑time placement – The dish debuted in episode 4 of “Taste of Korea” (Netflix, 2025), a series that reaches over 150 million households worldwide.
• Visual storytelling – The slow‑motion drizzle of toasted perilla oil and the crisp snap of cucumber slices were captured in 4K, sparking thousands of screenshot shares on Instagram and TikTok.
• Cultural curiosity – Viewers searching “Korean cold ramen” or “Netflix ramen recipes” instantly encountered Lim Seong‑geun’s name, creating a surge in organic traffic to his restaurant’s site within 48 hours.

The Dish in Detail: Flavor Profile & Core Ingredients

Component	Role in the dish	Typical quantity (per serving)
perilla oil	Nutty, aromatic finish that amplifies umami	1 – 1.5 tbsp
Cucumber	Fresh crunch, balances the oil’s richness	½ medium cucumber, julienned
Noodles	Thin wheat ramen or soba for a light bite	120 g dry weight
Soy‑based broth	Light, slightly salty base (often a chilled kelp‑dashi)	250 ml
Garnishes	Toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, chili flakes	To taste

– Taste balance: The dish is a harmony of cool, crunchy, nutty, and umami—a profile that resonates with both traditional ramen fans and health‑conscious diners.

• Seasonality: Cucumber’s peak season (June – September) aligns with the Netflix release, reinforcing the perception of a “fresh‑off‑the‑garden” experience.

Health Benefits Backed by Nutrition Science

1. Perilla oil – Rich in omega‑3 α‑linolenic acid (≈ 45 % of total fat) and antioxidants, it supports cardiovascular health and reduces inflammation.
2. Cucumber – over 95 % water, low‑calorie, provides electrolytes (potassium, magnesium) for hydration.
3. Whole‑grain noodles (if chosen) – Offer fiber and B‑vitamins, improving digestive health and sustained energy release.

Study note: A 2024 meta‑analysis in Nutrition Reviews links regular perilla‑oil consumption to a 12 % reduction in LDL‑cholesterol levels (lee et al., 2024).

Step‑by‑step: Recreate Lim Seong‑geun’s Recipe at Home

1. Prepare the broth

• Soak 10 g kombu in 300 ml cold water for 30 min.
• Heat gently; remove kombu before the water reaches a boil.
• Add 2 tsp light soy sauce,½ tsp mirin,and a pinch of sea salt. Chill for 15 min.

2. Cook the noodles

• Boil water, add noodles, cook 2 min (or until al dente).
• Rinse immediately under icy water; drain well.

3. Assemble the salad base

• Toss julienned cucumber with ½ tsp rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar.
• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

4. Finish with perilla oil

• Drizzle 1 tbsp toasted perilla oil over the noodles.
• Add a speedy swirl with chopsticks to coat evenly.

5. Plate and garnish

• layer noodles, cucumber salad, and garnish with scallions and optional chili flakes.
• Serve chilled, with a side of kimchi or pickled radish for contrast.

Real‑World Impact: Numbers That Speak

• Social media surge – Within one week of the Netflix episode, the hashtag #PerillaCucumberRamen amassed 2.3 M Instagram posts and 5.8 M TikTok views.
• Restaurant footfall – Lim Seong‑geun’s flagship shop in Seoul reported a 190 % increase in weekday reservations (Yong‑Soo Kim, seoul Food gazette, Jan 2026).
• Search trends – Google Trends shows a 420 % rise in “perilla oil ramen recipe” searches from Dec 2025 to Jan 2026, with top interest in the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

Practical Tips for Home Cooks

• Oil temperature: Toast perilla oil lightly (≈ 120 °C) before storing; it releases deeper nutty notes without burning.
• Cucumber prep: Salt cucumber slices for 5 min,then squeeze out excess water to avoid a soggy ramen bowl.
• noodle swap: For gluten‑free options, substitute with buckwheat soba or rice vermicelli; adjust broth saltiness accordingly.

Where to Experience the Authentic Dish

City	venue	Notable Feature
Seoul	Seong‑geun Ramen House (jongno)	Limited‑edition “Netflix Remix” platter with live perilla‑oil pouring.
New York	K-Town Bistro (Manhattan)	Collaboration menu with Netflix, includes behind‑the‑scenes video QR code.
London	Miso & Ramen Lab (Soho)	Seasonal cucumber ramen paired with a cold barley tea infusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use regular olive oil instead of perilla oil?

A: Olive oil lacks the distinct anise‑like aroma of perilla. Substituting will change the flavor profile, though a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil can provide a comparable nuttiness.

Q: Is the dish suitable for vegetarians?

A: Absolutely. The broth can be made solely from kombu and shiitake mushrooms, eliminating any fish‑based dashi.

Q: How long does the prepared ramen keep?

A: Because it’s served cold, store the noodles and cucumber separately in airtight containers. Consumption within 24 hours preserves texture and freshness.

Case Study: TikTok Chef Jae‑hyun’s “30‑Second Ramen Hack”

• Overview: Jae‑Hyun, a korean‑American creator with 1.9 M followers,posted a 30‑second remix of Lim’s recipe using pre‑cooked noodles and a perilla‑oil spray bottle.
• Result: The video generated 3.2 M views within 48 hours, prompting several kitchenware brands to launch “perilla‑oil sprayers” marketed as “instant ramen upgrade kits.”
• Takeaway: Bite‑size, format‑kind content accelerates recipe adoption, especially when paired with a recognizable brand (Netflix) and an identifiable chef (Lim Seong‑geun).

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Key takeaways for food‑enthusiasts:

• Leverage the visual appeal of perilla oil and cucumber for shareable content.
• Pair the dish with light, cold sides to reinforce its refreshing character.
• Keep the ingredient list simple—the viral power lies in the sensation of flavors, not complexity.

Prepared by Marina Collins, senior content strategist, Archyde.com – Published 2026‑01‑10 18:40:36.