Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles Recipe
This creamy gochujang udon noodle recipe combines the rich, spicy flavors of Korean gochujang paste with the comfort of thick udon noodles, all coated in a luscious buttery cream sauce. Enhanced with garlic, shallots, and topped with parmesan and green onion, this dish is both hearty and flavorful, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 2 pack frozen udon noodles
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved noodle water
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
Garnish
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
- Egg yolk (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the frozen udon noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the noodle cooking water and set it aside. Drain the noodles, rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the gochujang and cook for about 30 seconds to enhance its flavor.
- Prepare Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and reserved noodle water while stirring. Add soy sauce and gochugaru, mixing well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Toss Noodles: Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan with the creamy gochujang sauce. Toss carefully to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy gochujang udon noodles to serving bowls. Top each serving with grated parmesan cheese, chopped green onion, and an optional egg yolk for extra richness. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use reserved noodle water to help loosen and thicken the sauce for better coating on the noodles.
- Egg yolk is optional but adds a rich creaminess when mixed into the hot noodles.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Grated parmesan cheese adds umami and balances the spiciness, but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately as the sauce is creamy and fresh.
Keywords: gochujang udon noodles, creamy udon, Korean noodles, spicy cream sauce, quick noodle recipe, vegetarian Korean fusion
