Ingredients
Noodles
- 2 pack frozen udon noodles
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp gochujang
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved noodle water
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp gochugaru
Garnish
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook frozen udon noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the noodle cooking water and set aside. Drain the noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop cooking, and set them aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a pan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, which releases their aromatic flavors without browning.
- Add gochujang and liquids: Stir in the gochujang paste and cook for about 30 seconds to deepen its flavor. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and reserved noodle water while stirring continuously. Then add soy sauce and gochugaru, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This enhances the creamy texture and melds the spicy and savory flavors beautifully.
- Toss noodles in sauce: Add the cooked udon noodles back into the pan with the creamy gochujang sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand evenly, ensuring each bite is rich and flavorful.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer coated noodles to serving bowls. Garnish generously with grated parmesan cheese and chopped green onion. For extra richness and a luscious texture, add an optional egg yolk on top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful creamy udon noodles.
Notes
- Reserving noodle water helps to adjust the sauce consistency and enhances flavor integration.
- Gochugaru adds a smoky heat; adjust quantity based on spice preference.
- Egg yolk is optional but recommended for extra creaminess and richness.
- Using unsalted butter allows control over the sodium level in the dish.
- Parmesan cheese adds umami depth but can be omitted for a dairy-free variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion