Description
This Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles recipe is a delightful fusion dish combining spicy Korean gochujang with rich, creamy sauce and chewy udon noodles. Easily prepared on the stovetop, the dish features sautéed garlic and shallots for depth, finished with a velvety mixture of butter, heavy cream, reserved noodle water, and a touch of soy sauce. Garnished with chopped green onions and grated Parmesan, it offers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and umami. The optional egg yolk adds extra richness for those who want to elevate the experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 2 packs frozen udon noodles
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 ½ tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ 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 the noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the frozen udon noodles according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes until tender. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water before draining the noodles.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add gochujang and spices: Stir in the gochujang and gochugaru, cooking for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chili paste to slightly caramelize.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, reserved noodle water, and soy sauce. Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Add the drained udon noodles into the pan and toss thoroughly to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy gochujang sauce. Warm through for another 1-2 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Divide the noodles into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra rich touch, add a raw egg yolk on top of each serving if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetarian gochujang and substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
- The reserved noodle water helps to loosen the sauce while adding starchiness for better coating.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to control the level of spiciness.
- The egg yolk is optional but adds a luxurious creamy texture when mixed in just before eating.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish due to soy sauce and Parmesan.
Keywords: Gochujang Udon, Creamy Udon Noodles, Korean Spicy Noodles, Easy Udon Recipe, Spicy Cream Sauce