Creamy udon noodles. Whether you are craving comfort, creativity, or simply an unforgettable bowl of noodles, this noodles recipe delivers every single time. The irresistible fusion dish combines the chewy texture of Japanese udon noodles with a luscious cream sauce infused with Korean gochujang. With a simple chili oil garnish, the rich yet balanced flavors of these noodles are not only a favorite quick, indulgent meal, but it also proves that the best comfort food knows no borders. Best of all, this creamy, spicy Korean inspired udon comes together in under 20 minutes.
Why I Love This Korean Fusion Dish
We all want our weeknight dinners to bring comfort and togetherness, and to be an antidote to a stressful day. Perhaps the best way to create a cozy atmosphere, and yes, surprise our loved ones, is by exploring fusion recipes like this Korean inspired noodles. Korean food has been evolving over the past few years, and this creamy noodle dish sits comfortably within this ever changing foodie landscape.
I must say, the flavors of the classic are exceptionally delicious, but this dish brings in contrast, with chewy noodles covered in a blanket of velvety cream. The base starts with bacon and garlic sautéed in butter, and the luxurious cream base is flavored with gochujang or Korean chili paste. The result is surprisingly balanced flavors with ingredients that don’t compete with each other. Instead, they complement one another, creating a dish with remarkable complexity.
Gochujang is the defining ingredient in this recipe. Apart from being a simple source of heat, this fermented chili paste delivers sweetness and umami giving the sauce that unmistakable Korean touch. Plus, the basic recipe serves as a blank canvas for countless variations. Seafood lovers can incorporate shrimp (prawns), salmon or scallops. Chicken and beef creates a hearty, protein-rich meal. Vegetarians can build impressive flavor using spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, and tofu. If you enjoy extra heat, add a sprinkle of gochugaru over the finished dish. And the garnishes? Thinly sliced spring onions (scallions), toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, jammy eggs, roasted seaweed, the options are endless.
Key Ingredients In Creamy Udon Noodles
- Udon noodles - The chewy Japanese noodles.
- Cream - Creates the rich, silky sauce.
- Gochujang - Adds heat and gives the vibrant color.
- Soy sauce - Umami flavor complements the cream.
- Bacon - Crispy bacon adds flavor and texture.
- Butter - Builds flavor.
- Garlic - The flavor base that releases fragrant compounds when cooked in butter.
- Spring onions (scallions) - For garnish.
How To Make Creamy Udon Noodles
Make the sauce - Cook the bacon in butter until crispy. To build the flavor, sauté garlic for about 30 seconds. Gochujang and soy sauce gets a quick stir. Pour in the cream, and mix until smooth.
Toss and garnish - Add cooked udon noodles, and make sure every strand is coated in the creamy sauce. Top with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy this creamy, spicy, umami-packed dish.
20 Minute Korean Creamy Udon Noodles
Ingredients
- 400 g udon noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
- 150 g diced bacon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ cup heavy (thickened) cream
- Chopped scallions (spring onions), to garnish
- Chili crisp (homemade or store bought), to garnish
Instructions
- Cook udon noodles following packet directions.
- Heat butter in a large wok over high heat.
- Add bacon, and stir fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
- Add garlic, and stir fry for about 30 seconds.
- Add gochujang. Stir fry for about 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add cream. Stir to combine. Simmer for about 2 minutes or until thick.
- Add cooked noodles. Toss.
- Stir fry until the noodles are glossy and coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with scallions (spring onions) and chili crisp.
Video
Notes
- Dairy free alternative - Unsweetened oat or soy cream.
- Gochujang - Buy from the international aisle of supermarkets or Korean grocery stores.
- Bacon substitutes - Pancetta, ham, shiitake mushrooms or kimchi.
Nutrition
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