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Spicy Korean Kimchi Noodles

Spicy Korean Kimchi Noodles

Spicy Korean Kimchi Noodles offer a perfect balance of heat, tang, and umami, combining chewy noodles with fiery gochujang sauce and crunchy fermented kimchi. This vibrant, nutrient-rich dish is quick to prepare, customizable with proteins or veggies, and perfect for any season as a comforting Korean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Noodles

  • Wheat or rice noodles – quantity as per package instructions (typically 6-8 oz)

Kimchi

  • Fermented napa cabbage kimchi – about 1 cup, chopped

Sauce

  • Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) – 2 tablespoons
  • Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Fresh ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated
  • Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon plus extra for drizzling

Other Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil – 1 tablespoon for sautéing
  • Green onions – 2 stalks, thinly sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
  • Optional protein: Tofu, chicken, or beef – about 4-6 oz, cooked or grilled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and aromatic.
  3. Sauté kimchi: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped kimchi and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly caramelized to deepen its flavor.
  4. Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the sautéed kimchi. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. If using optional protein, add it at this stage to heat through.
  5. Garnish and serve: Transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and drizzle with extra sesame oil if desired. Serve warm or chilled as preferred.

Notes

  • Use well-fermented kimchi for the deepest and most complex flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the noodles; keep them slightly firm for the best texture.
  • Adjust the spice level gradually by starting with less gochujang and increasing to taste.
  • Add a touch of sugar or honey if you prefer a slight sweetness to balance the acidity.
  • Toast sesame seeds before garnishing to enhance their nuttiness and add crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kimchi noodles, Korean noodles, Spicy noodles, Gochujang recipe, Quick Korean meal, Korean comfort food