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Creamy Kimchi Udon Recipe

Creamy Kimchi Udon Recipe

4.7 from 16 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Add spring onions: Toss in the chopped spring onions for a fresh flavor and mix.
  7. 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

Keywords: Kimchi Udon, Creamy Udon, Korean Noodles, Spicy Kimchi Recipe, Gochujang Udon, Easy Korean Dinner