Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles Recipe
This Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles recipe combines chewy udon noodles with a rich, spicy, and flavorful gochujang-infused cream sauce. With a balance of savory butter, aromatic garlic and shallots, and a touch of heat from gochugaru, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 15 minutes. Topped with parmesan, fresh green onion, and an optional egg yolk, it offers a comforting and indulgent dining experience with Korean and Japanese influences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-Japanese)
Ingredients
Noodles
- 2 pack frozen udon noodles
Sauce & Flavoring
- 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 (Korean red pepper flakes)
Garnish
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese, to taste
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Udon Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook frozen udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the noodle water, then drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until fragrant and softened but not browned, about 2-3 minutes. Then stir in the gochujang and cook for about 30 seconds to release its flavors.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream along with the reserved noodle water. Add the soy sauce and gochugaru. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook briefly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the creamy gochujang sauce, ensuring every strand is flavorful.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the coated noodles to serving bowls. Top each with grated parmesan cheese and chopped green onion. Optionally, add an egg yolk on top for extra richness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy, spicy udon noodles!
Notes
- Reserving noodle water to add to the sauce helps to create a silky texture and enhances flavor absorption by the noodles.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru based on your preferred spice level.
- The egg yolk is optional but adds a luscious texture when mixed into the hot noodles.
- Using unsalted butter allows better control over the dish’s saltiness combined with soy sauce.
- Parmesan adds umami and creaminess but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Rinsing cooked noodles prevents them from clumping and keeps them chewy.
