The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food
Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, easy, and packed with incredible flavor? Look no further than these Gochujang Butter Noodles! This simple recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a truly satisfying and slightly addictive meal in just about 20 minutes. If you’re a fan of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, and the satisfying chew of udon noodles, then this Gochujang Noodles Recipe is about to become your new go-to.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste that brings a unique depth of flavor and a pleasant kick of heat. When combined with rich melted butter, fragrant garlic, savory soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness, it creates a velvety sauce that perfectly coats every strand of noodle.
Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Udon Noodle Recipe
This Spicy Korean Noodles dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly convenient for busy weeknights. Here’s why you’ll be making this recipe again and again:
- Ready in a Flash: From pantry to plate in just 20 minutes! Perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still crave a flavorful homemade meal.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have many of these ingredients on hand already.
- Big Flavor Payoff: Don’t let the simplicity fool you – the combination of gochujang and butter creates a surprisingly complex and deeply satisfying taste.
- Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your heat preference.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The chewy texture of udon noodles combined with the rich sauce is pure comfort food.
Key Ingredients for Our Gochujang Butter Noodles
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this 20 Minute Noodle Recipe so special:
- Udon Noodles: We recommend thick and chewy udon noodles for the best texture. Fresh or frozen work perfectly.
- Gochujang: This fermented Korean chili paste is the heart of the dish, providing heat, sweetness, and umami. You can find it in most Asian grocery stores or online.
- Butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich and luscious sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic base.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances the savory notes and adds depth.
- Honey (or Maple Syrup): A touch of sweetness balances the spice and umami.
- Crispy Shallots: These homemade crunchy bits add incredible texture and a subtle oniony sweetness. Don’t skip them!
- Scallions and Sesame Seeds: Fresh scallions add a pop of freshness and color, while toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty aroma and subtle crunch.
Tips for the Best Gochujang Butter Noodles
- Adjust the Spice: Start with a smaller amount of gochujang and add more to taste if you prefer a spicier dish. Maybe try adding some homemade chilli crisp!
- Don’t Overcook the Shallots: Keep a close eye on the shallots while they’re frying to prevent them from burning. They will continue to crisp up after being removed from the oil.
- Reserve Noodle Water: The starchy water helps create a smoother and more cohesive sauce. Don’t skip this step!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the noodles are still warm and the crispy shallots are crunchy.
- Add Protein: Feel free to add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make it a more substantial meal.
Easy Gochujang Butter Noodles (Ready in 20 Minutes)
Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with these incredibly easy Gochujang Butter Noodles. This recipe is your new weeknight hero, transforming simple ingredients into a dish bursting with spicy, sweet, and savory umami flavors in just 20 minutes. Thick, chewy noodles are tossed in a rich, velvety sauce made from Korean gochujang and melted butter, then finished with a delightful crunch from homemade crispy shallots. It's the satisfying, slurpy noodle dish you've been craving.
Ingredients
For the Noodles & Sauce
For the Toppings
Instructions
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Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Shallots
Place the thinly sliced shallots and neutral oil in a cold, small frying pan. Turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes. As the shallots begin to colour, stir more frequently until they are uniformly golden brown and crisp. Be watchful as they can burn quickly at the end. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle lightly with salt. Set aside.
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Step 2: Cook the Noodles
While the shallots are frying, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions (fresh noodles usually only need 2-3 minutes). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy noodle water. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
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Step 3: Make the Gochujang Butter Sauce
In the same pan you used for the shallots (you can wipe it out or leave any remaining oil for extra flavour), melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the gochujang, soy sauce, and honey until a smooth paste forms. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the drained noodles directly to the pan with the sauce. Pour in ¼ cup of the reserved noodle water and the optional heavy cream. Toss everything together vigorously until the noodles are thoroughly coated and the sauce becomes glossy and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved noodle water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Divide the noodles between two bowls and top generously with the crispy shallots, sliced spring onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Serving Size 1 bowl (~380g)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 710kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32g50%
- Sodium 1350mg57%
- Total Carbohydrate 88g30%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 16g32%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Maybe a bit too spicy for me, but I’m not a spice nut.