Creamy Kimchi Udon Recipe
A flavorful and creamy Kimchi Udon recipe that combines spicy fermented kimchi, savory gochujang paste, and tender udon noodles for a quick and satisfying meal. This dish is easily customizable with your choice of protein and can be topped with a fried egg or egg yolk to elevate the creaminess and richness of the flavors.
- Author: luca
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Halal
Main Ingredients
- 1 pack of fresh udon noodles (typically vacuum-packed; if using dry, cook according to package instructions)
- 80g kimchi, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp Korean gochujang paste
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 250 ml water
- 1 tbsp spring onions, chopped
- Choice of protein: minced pork, chicken pieces, or sliced tofu
Optional
- 1 fried egg or egg yolk to serve
- Soften the noodles: Place the vacuum-packed udon noodles in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to soften, as they can be brittle when cold.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and minced garlic, sautéing for about one minute until fragrant.
- Create the sauce base: Stir in the gochujang paste and honey, mixing well to form a cohesive paste. Then add the chopped kimchi, combining thoroughly to infuse the flavors.
- Cook the protein: If using a protein like minced pork, chicken, or tofu, add it to the pan now and cook until browned and cooked through. If adding vegetables, cook them until softened at this stage.
- Combine noodles with sauce: Stir the softened noodles in their soaking bowl to loosen them up, then add them to the pan with the kimchi and protein mixture. Mix everything well, adding a splash of water if necessary to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
- Add spring onions: Toss in the chopped spring onions for a fresh flavor and mix.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the kimchi udon and optionally top with a fried egg or egg yolk. Break the yolk and mix it into the noodles before serving for extra creaminess.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang paste to suit your desired spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Pair this dish with 5-Min Chinese Egg Drop Soup (蛋花湯) for a complementary meal.
- If using dry udon noodles, be sure to cook according to the package directions prior to adding them to the pan.
- For a vegetarian/vegan option, use tofu and ensure the kimchi does not contain fish sauce or shrimp paste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Kimchi Udon, Creamy Udon, Korean Noodles, Spicy Kimchi Recipe, Gochujang Udon, Easy Korean Dinner