Description
A rich and spicy creamy gochujang udon noodle dish that comes together quickly in just 15 minutes. This recipe features tender udon noodles coated in a savory blend of butter, garlic, shallots, spicy gochujang, and heavy cream, finished with a touch of soy sauce and garnished with parmesan cheese, green onion, and an optional egg yolk for extra richness.
Ingredients
Udon Noodles
- 2 packs frozen udon noodles
Sauce & Garnish
- 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
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the frozen udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, carefully reserve 1/2 cup of the noodle water and set it aside. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until fragrant and softened, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Then add the gochujang and cook it with the aromatics for about 30 seconds to release its flavors.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream followed by the reserved noodle water. Add the soy sauce and gochugaru, stirring the mixture well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained udon noodles to the pan with the creamy gochujang sauce. Toss the noodles thoroughly so each strand is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the coated noodles into serving bowls. Top with grated parmesan cheese, chopped green onion, and if desired, place an egg yolk on top for added richness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Reserve some noodle cooking water to help loosen and create a creamy sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru based on your preferred spice level.
- The egg yolk is optional but adds a luscious texture and richness to the dish.
- Using unsalted butter allows better control over the saltiness of the final dish.
- Rinsing the noodles after cooking stops further cooking and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion
