Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I rummaged through my pantry last week, the vibrant crimson hue of gochujang caught my eye, sparking a craving for something both spicy and comforting. This led me to whip up a delightful batch of Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles—my new weeknight hero! In just 20 minutes, you can indulge in chewy udon noodles enveloped in a rich, garlicky sauce that dances on your taste buds. With its enticing blend of Korean-inspired flavors, this dish is a fantastic way to escape the mundane fast-food routine while satisfying your cravings for comfort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt; add your favorite veggies or protein for a heartier meal. Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a spicy sanctuary? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe! Why are these noodles so addictive? Bold, Spicy Flavors: Each bite of creamy gochujang udon noodles is bursting with incredible flavor, thanks to the rich gochujang sauce that adds a unique kick. Quick & Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can whip this up for a speedy weeknight dinner, making it perfect for those busy evenings. Versatile Options: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, or protein such as chicken or tofu for a heartier meal. Comforting Texture: The thick, creamy sauce clings to the chewy udon noodles, creating a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving family or entertaining friends, everyone will love this spicy delight. Don’t forget to check out our Homemade Butter Chicken for another fantastic crowd-pleaser! Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles Ingredients For the Noodles • Udon Noodles – Use frozen udon for convenience and a wonderful chewy texture. For the Sauce • Butter – Adds richness; for a lighter option, substitute with olive oil. • Minced Garlic – Fresh garlic introduces a punchy aroma and flavor. • Chopped Shallots – Provides a hint of sweetness; onions can be used as an alternative. • Gochujang – The star of the dish, adding heat and umami; try a mix of chili paste and vinegar for a milder version. • Heavy Cream – Creates a creamy texture; you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. • Soy Sauce – Enhances the umami flavor; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. • Gochugaru – Adds to the spice level; adjust to your heat preference. For the Finish • Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory finish; use nutritional yeast for a vegan option. • Chopped Green Onion – Fresh garnish that adds mild onion flavor. • Egg Yolk – Richness for the final presentation; omit for a vegan version. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles Step 1: Cook Noodles Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the frozen udon noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5–7 minutes, until they are tender yet still chewy. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the noodle water before draining and rinsing the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped shallot to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. This step will infuse your creamy gochujang udon noodles with delicious flavors. Step 3: Make Sauce Stir in 3 tablespoons of gochujang into the aromatic mixture and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the paste to release its robust flavors. Next, pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and the reserved noodle water, stirring well to combine. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of gochugaru, letting the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes luscious. Step 4: Combine Once your sauce has thickened, gently add the cooked udon noodles into the skillet. Toss the noodles in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are evenly coated and warmed through. The creamy gochujang sauce should beautifully envelop the noodles, creating a rich and flavorful dish. Step 5: Serve Transfer the creamy gochujang udon noodles to bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions for a fresh touch. If you like, add a vibrant and rich egg yolk on top for extra creaminess. Enjoy this comforting dish hot, and savor the spicy explosion of flavors! Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles Variations Feel free to get creative with your creamy gochujang udon noodles and make them your own! Vegetable Boost: Add colorful veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms. They not only bring nutrition but also a delightful crunch to every bite. Protein Power: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier dish. This is a great way to make your meal more filling and satisfying. Noodle Swap: Try using rice noodles or whole wheat noodles for a different texture and taste. Adjust cooking times as needed for your noodle choice! Creamy Vegan Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the egg yolk for a dairy-free delight that doesn’t skimp on creaminess. Flavorful Heat: Incorporate additional spices like ginger and sesame oil for a more complex flavor profile. This adds layers of warmth and depth. Nutty Finish: Top with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds. This adds a delightful crunchy texture and enhances the visual appeal of your dish. Spicy Kick: If you love heat, toss in sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to really amp up the spice level. For more delicious ideas, don’t forget to check out our delightful Chicken Zucchini Noodles that are equally quick and full of flavor! Or explore the magic of our Drunken Noodles Savor for more fusion goodness. What to Serve with Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement the rich flavors of this creamy dish. Kimchi: A Korean staple, tangy kimchi adds crunch and a spicy kick, balancing the creamy texture of the noodles beautifully. Spicy Tuna Rolls: The fresh, bold flavors of spicy tuna rolls offer a delicious fusion, enhancing the overall taste profile of your meal. Sesame Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad brings a crisp, cool element, cutting through the richness of the udon noodles while adding interest to your plate. Steamed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli provides an intriguing contrast, while also infusing nutrients into your dinner experience. Szechuan Green Beans: Savor the complexity of flavor from these stir-fried green beans, which will add both crunch and spice to your meal ensemble. Asian Pear Sorbet: For dessert, delight your taste buds with a light, refreshing sorbet that cleanses the palate after the savory decadence of the noodles. Crispy Tofu Bites: Adding crispy tofu can offer a delightful crunch, turning your dish into a more substantial option with added protein. Expert Tips for Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles • Reserve Noodle Water: This starchy water is essential for creating a beautifully emulsified sauce, enhancing the texture of your creamy gochujang udon noodles. • Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce as it cooks; adjust the gochujang based on your heat preference to ensure a flavor balance you love. • Sauté Aromatics Correctly: Don’t rush sautéing the garlic and shallots—cook them just until fragrant to prevent burning, allowing the flavors to shine through. • Avoid Over-Simmering: To maintain the creamy consistency, simmer your sauce just until thickened—overcooking can lead to a grainy texture. • Experiment with Additions: Feel free to add vegetables or proteins; this not only boosts nutrition but also personalizes your creamy gochujang udon noodles for a unique twist. Make Ahead Options Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance by cooking the garlic, shallots, gochujang, and cream mixture, then storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain its luscious consistency, make sure to reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of reserved noodle water if needed. On the day you’re ready to serve, simply boil the udon noodles, combine them with the sauce, and finish with grated Parmesan and green onions. This way, you’ll relish in a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort! Storage Tips for Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Freezer: You can freeze the creamy gochujang udon noodles for up to 1 month. Just be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to re-emulsify the sauce for a creamy texture. Avoid Room Temperature: For best quality and to prevent spoilage, do not leave the noodles out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles Recipe FAQs What type of udon noodles should I use? I recommend using frozen udon noodles for convenience and that delightful chewy texture. They cook up perfectly in just about 5-7 minutes, making them ideal for quick weeknight dinners. How should I store leftover creamy gochujang udon noodles? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the noodles for up to 1 month. Just keep in mind that the sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but don’t worry—it’s easily fixable with a little stirring. How can I reheat the creamy gochujang udon noodles? When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy consistency, stirring gently until warmed through. This will help re-emulsify the sauce and restore its velvety texture! Can I adjust the spice level of the gochujang sauce? Absolutely! If you prefer a milder dish, start with less gochujang and taste as you go. You can always add more spice if you want it to be hotter. Don’t forget, you can also use a mix of chili paste and vinegar as a gentler alternative. Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets? Absolutely! To make this creamy gochujang udon noodles vegan, simply use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, omit the egg yolk, and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without the dairy. What if my sauce is too thick? If your creamy gochujang sauce becomes too thick after cooking, don’t fret! Simply add a little reserved noodle water or more cream, mixing it gently until you reach the desired consistency. This step is important for achieving that luscious texture in your udon noodles. Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles for a Spicy Comfort Feast Indulge in Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles, a flavorful dish combining spicy gochujang with chewy udon for a perfect comfort meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: KoreanCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Noodles12 oz Udon Noodles Use frozen for convenience.For the Sauce2 tbsp Butter For a lighter option, substitute with olive oil.3 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic for flavor.1 medium Chopped Shallot Onions can be used as an alternative.3 tbsp Gochujang The star of the dish.½ cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream can be used for dairy-free.2 tbsp Soy Sauce Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.1 tsp Gochugaru Adjust to your heat preference.For the Finish¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.2 tbsp Chopped Green Onion Fresh garnish.1 large Egg Yolk Omit for a vegan version. Equipment large potSkillet Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsBring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add frozen udon noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 5–7 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of noodle water before draining and rinsing noodles.In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped shallot. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant.Stir 3 tablespoons of gochujang into the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and reserved noodle water, stirring to combine. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of gochugaru; let simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.Add cooked udon noodles to the skillet and toss for 1-2 minutes until evenly coated in the sauce.Serve in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, and an egg yolk if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Can freeze for 1 month; sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Reheat in a pan adding a splash of milk or cream. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
