Name: Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 pack frozen udon noodles; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 shallots, chopped; 1 1/2 tbsp gochujang; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup reserved noodle water; 2 tsp soy sauce; 1 tsp gochugaru; 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish); Grated parmesan cheese; Egg yolk (optional)

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Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This dish combines the chewiness of udon noodles with the rich creaminess of its sauce. The gochujang adds a touch of spice, making each bite exciting. It’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy dinner or a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy some Korean flavors in an easy-to-make pasta dish.

How to Make Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles

Ingredients

2 pack frozen udon noodles
3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp gochujang
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup reserved noodle water
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp gochugaru
1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Grated parmesan cheese
Egg yolk (optional)

Directions

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the frozen udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of noodle water and set it aside. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. Set them aside.
In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots. Sauté them until fragrant.
Add the gochujang to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and reserved noodle water. Then, add soy sauce and gochugaru. Mix everything and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
Add the cooked udon to the pan and toss to coat the noodles evenly in the creamy gochujang sauce.
Transfer the noodles to a bowl. Top with grated parmesan cheese, chopped green onion, and an egg yolk if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles

Serve the Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles hot in a bowl. You can add extra toppings like sliced chili peppers or more green onions if you want it spicier. This dish is a complete meal and doesn’t need much else, but you can pair it with a simple salad for a nice balance.

How to Store Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles

If you have leftovers, let the noodles cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay good for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them on the stove with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles

For more flavor, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the noodles.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang and gochugaru.
Make it vegetarian by replacing the butter with olive oil and omitting the egg yolk.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Just cook your protein of choice along with the garlic and shallots for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh udon noodles instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh udon noodles can be used. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.

2. What can I use if I don’t have gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can use sriracha or chili paste, but the flavor will be different.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, udon noodles are made from wheat. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free noodles and check the sauce ingredients.

Enjoy making and savoring your Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles!