Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 packs frozen udon noodles
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved noodle water
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
Garnishes
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Udon Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the frozen udon noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the noodle water and set aside, then drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Gochujang: Stir in the gochujang paste and cook for about 30 seconds to release its flavors and aromas.
- Make the Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and reserved noodle water, stirring to combine. Add soy sauce and gochugaru, then mix well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for a few minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the creamy gochujang sauce.
- Plate and Garnish: Transfer the coated noodles to serving bowls. Top each serving with grated parmesan cheese, chopped green onion, and if desired, an egg yolk for extra richness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and omit the parmesan cheese and egg yolk.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to control the spiciness level.
- Reserving some noodle water helps to loosen the sauce and bind it to the noodles.
- Rinsing cooked noodles under cold water stops overcooking and prevents sticking.
- Adding an egg yolk gives the dish a richer texture but is optional.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion