Description
A bold and flavorful noodle dish featuring the deep umami of gochujang (Korean chili paste) balanced with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness. These spicy, savory noodles come together in under 20 minutes, making them a perfect quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces udon, ramen, or rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or avocado oil)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1/2 cup protein of choice (tofu, chicken, or shrimp) (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved noodle cooking water (as needed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Adjust to taste. -
Sauté the Vegetables and Protein
In a large pan or wok, heat neutral oil over medium heat. If adding protein, cook it first until fully done, then remove and set aside. Add bell pepper, carrot, and bok choy, stirring for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. -
Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the pan, tossing until well coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved noodle cooking water to loosen the sauce. Return the protein to the pan and mix well. -
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and a drizzle of extra sesame oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Level: Start with 1 tablespoon of gochujang and increase based on spice preference.
- Alternative Vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, or snap peas work well.
- Protein Options: For extra heartiness, use tofu, chicken, or shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1.5 cups
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg