Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles

If you’re looking for a quick and indulgent dinner that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles are a delightful blend of spicy and creamy goodness that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. This dish has become a family favorite in my house because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights.

In just 20 minutes, you can have a comforting bowl of these luscious noodles ready to serve. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a cozy night in with friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of gochujang and garlic creates an irresistible taste that keeps you coming back for more.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the creamy texture and mild spice of these noodles.
• Versatile Dish: You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for an extra twist.
• Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate warm hug in a bowl, ideal for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make our Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles! These staples are easy to find and come together beautifully to create a satisfying meal.

 

For the Noodles

• 2 packs frozen udon noodles

For the Sauce

• 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

For Garnish

• 1 green onion, chopped
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Egg yolk (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles is how flexible they are! You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Some Veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Swap the Protein: Try adding tofu or chicken if you’d like some extra heartiness.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, increase the amount of gochugaru or add sliced fresh chili peppers.
• Creamy Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option that adds a unique flavor.

How to Make Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your frozen udon noodles according to package instructions. This step is crucial as it ensures your noodles are perfectly chewy. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the noodle water before draining them; this starchy water will help thicken our sauce later!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until they’re fragrant. This step is key as it releases their wonderful flavors into the butter, forming a delicious base for our sauce.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Once your garlic and shallots are aromatic, stir in the gochujang. Let it cook for about 30 seconds—this helps intensify its flavor! Slowly pour in the heavy cream along with the reserved noodle water. Adding soy sauce and gochugaru will elevate our sauce even more. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer until thickened.

Step 4: Combine Noodles with Sauce

Now it’s time for the star of the show! Add your cooked udon noodles directly into the pan with that creamy gochujang sauce. Toss them gently until every strand is coated beautifully. This mixing ensures every bite is flavorful.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Transfer those delicious noodles into bowls. Top them off with grated parmesan cheese, chopped green onion, and if you’re feeling adventurous—an egg yolk for extra richness. Serve hot, grab your chopsticks or fork, and enjoy this amazing dish!

I hope you love making these Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles

Making creamy gochujang udon noodles is a breeze, but a few tips can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and shallots enhance the flavor of your sauce, making it more aromatic and delicious.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less gochujang and add more as you taste. This way, you control the heat and ensure everyone enjoys the meal.
• Reserve enough noodle water: The starchy noodle water helps to create a silky smooth sauce, so don’t forget to set aside half a cup before draining!
• Experiment with toppings: While we recommend parmesan cheese and green onions, feel free to add other toppings like sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Make it a meal prep option: This dish keeps well in the fridge, so consider doubling the recipe for easy lunches throughout the week!

How to Serve Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles

Presenting your creamy gochujang udon noodles can turn a simple dish into an impressive feast. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can make your meal look as fantastic as it tastes!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh burst of flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only adds crunch but also enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
• Sliced chili: For those who love extra heat, thinly sliced fresh chili provides both color and spice.

Side Dishes

• Stir-fried vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas tossed in soy sauce or sesame oil makes for a crunchy counterpart.
• Miso soup: This warm, comforting soup is perfect for balancing the creaminess of udon noodles while adding an umami punch.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing side made with sliced cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar. It cleanses the palate beautifully between bites.
• Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods are not only nutritious but also provide a delightful pop of flavor that pairs well with your rich noodles.

Enjoy experimenting with these suggestions to create your perfect dining experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This creamy gochujang udon noodles recipe is not just quick to make; it also shines when it comes to meal prep. You can easily whip up a batch in advance and store it for a tasty, comforting meal throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the noodles to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cooled noodles in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion the noodles into freezer-safe containers.
• Ensure to leave some space at the top as they will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to one month for best quality.

Reheating

• For refrigerated noodles, warm them in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water until heated through.
• For frozen noodles, thaw overnight in the fridge or use a microwave on defrost mode before reheating in a pan.
• Add a little extra cream or water while reheating if needed to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about creamy gochujang udon noodles:

Can I make Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles vegan?

Yes! You can swap the butter for plant-based butter and use coconut cream or any dairy-free cream alternative. This makes it deliciously creamy without any animal products!

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and red chili powder. It adds a unique depth of flavor and spiciness to dishes like creamy gochujang udon noodles.

How do I adjust the spice level in Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles?

To decrease the spice, simply reduce the amount of gochujang used. If you want more heat, add extra gochugaru or even fresh chili peppers to suit your taste!

Can I add vegetables to my Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for creamy gochujang udon noodles brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! It’s an easy-to-make dish that packs tons of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or prepping meals for busy days ahead, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy making this dish and feel free to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!