Description
This Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles recipe combines chewy udon noodles with a rich, spicy, and creamy sauce made from gochujang, butter, and heavy cream. Infused with garlic, shallots, and a hint of soy sauce and gochugaru, it’s a flavorful twist on traditional udon perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 2 packs frozen udon noodles
Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Chopped green onion (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Boil the frozen udon noodles according to the package instructions until tender. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the noodle cooking water to use in the sauce.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots and sauté until fragrant and translucent, usually about 2-3 minutes.
- Add gochujang: Stir in the gochujang paste and cook it with the aromatics for about 30 seconds to release its flavor.
- Make creamy sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream along with the reserved noodle water, stirring continuously. Add soy sauce and gochugaru, then let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine noodles with sauce: Toss the cooked udon noodles into the skillet and stir well, ensuring the noodles are fully coated with the creamy gochujang sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the noodles hot, sprinkling chopped green onion and optional grated parmesan cheese on top for a burst of freshness and umami depth.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of gochujang or gochugaru.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, though it will slightly change the flavor.
- Frozen udon noodles streamline cooking time and texture, but fresh udon can be used as well.
- Grated parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice umami complement to the Korean-inspired flavors.
- Reserved noodle water helps to loosen and thicken the sauce, enhancing the creaminess and helping it adhere to the noodles.
