Gochujang Noodles

These gochujang noodles are packed with rich, fiery, and bold flavors! This recipe seamlessly blends the heat of Korean chili flakes and the umami depth of gochujang paste with tender udon noodles and savory veggies. Everything comes together in 20 minutes, making this dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: In just a few simple steps, you'll have a gourmet meal ready to enjoy. If you love quick and easy noodle recipes, try whipping up my garlic bok choy noodle soup in under 15 minutes!
• Versatile: This dish is so easy to customize! You can cater your gochujang noodles to your spice preferences or whatever veggies you have on hand.
• Authentic Taste: Traditional ingredients like gochujang and gochugaru allow you to enjoy authentic Korean flavors in the comfort of your home. If you enjoy bold and spicy Korean flavors, then you can also try out my spicy vegan Korean Ramen noodles.

What are Gochujang Noodles?

Gochujang noodles blend bold, spicy Korean ingredients with tender udon noodles for one unforgettable dish. The gochujang paste lays the foundation with its deep, fermented flavor profile, while the gochugaru adds a fiery kick that's balanced by the subtle sweetness of maple syrup and the umami-rich soy sauce.

Mirin lends a mild acidity that brightens the dish, and the garlic infuses a pungent depth that ties all the flavors together. Fresh vegetables like shiitake mushrooms and bell peppers provide a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles, making every bite taste better than the last!

My favorite part of this recipe is how quick and easy it is to assemble, meaning you can whip up a vibrant and satisfying meal in no time. Plus, there are so many ways to customize it with different veggies, tofu, or other proteins.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Udon Noodles: With their chewy, thick texture, udon noodles provide the perfect canvas for the sauce. You can also use soba or ramen noodles if you prefer.
• Vegan Butter: Adds richness to the sauce. Feel free to use any plant-based oil if you can’t get your hands on vegan butter.
• Korean Chili Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru): Impart a distinctive spicy flavor. Check for these at your local Asian food market. If they’re unavailable, try crushed red pepper flakes as an alternative, but expect a different heat profile.
• Gochujang Paste: This paste is the heart of the dish, offering depth and spice. Again, check for it at your local Asian food market. There's no perfect substitute, but a mix of red chili paste and miso can work in a pinch.
• Soy Sauce: Brings saltiness and umami. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the heat. Make sure it’s 100% pure!
• Mirin: Provides a mild sweetness and tang. If mirin is unavailable, a mix of white wine and a pinch of sugar makes a suitable substitute.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent depth. Garlic powder will work if you don’t have fresh cloves.
• Scallions: Add freshness and a mild onion flavor. You’ll need the white parts for cooking and the green parts for garnishing.
• Veggies: I like to add shiitake mushrooms and bell peppers for a meaty texture and pop of color. Button or portobello mushrooms also work, and crunchy vegetables like carrots or snap peas can be a good substitute for peppers.

How to Make Gochujang Noodles

• Step 1: Chop all the vegetables. Separate the white part of the chopped scallions from the green part, as you’ll use the white for cooking and the green for garnishing.

• Step 2: Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Scoop out ¼ cup of the hot noodle water and set aside. Then drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent sticking.

• Step 3: To make the sauce - Place the vegan butter, Korean chili flakes, gochujang paste, garlic, and the reserved hot noodle water in a glass or jar. Whisk together until it forms a sauce-like consistency, then stir in the mirin, soy sauce, and maple syrup.

• Step 4: Heat oil in a pot over low-medium heat. Then sauté the white part of the scallions and mushrooms for about 2-3 minutes.

• Step 5: Add the bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Rinse the noodles quickly under cold water again before adding them to the pot. Next add the noodles and the gochujang sauce in with the sautéed vegetables and gently toss together.

• Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and garnish your gochujang noodles with the green parts of the scallions, Thai basil leaves, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your gochujang noodles with sides and garnishes like these for a complete meal:

• Tofu: Use grilled or baked tofu to add protein and texture.
• Kimchi: Offers a spicy, tangy contrast to the savory noodles.
• Cucumber Salad: A spicy and refreshing side to cleanse the palate.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle extra sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro on top.

Storage & Reheating

Keep your gochujang noodles fresh by following these simple storage and reheating tips:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: I don’t suggest freezing this dish as the noodles can become mushy when thawed.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Variations

• Protein-Packed: Add cubed tofu, tempeh, or your choice of protein.
• Veggies: Incorporate a variety of vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or spinach.
• Nutty Crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for added texture.
• Sesame: Drizzle with sesame oil before serving for an extra burst of toasty flavor.
• Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of coconut milk for a creamier sauce.

Top Tips

• Noodle Preparation: Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente and rinsed under cold water to prevent sticking.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
• Proper Storage: Store the sauce separately from the noodles if you’re preparing this dish in advance.
• Low Heat: Cook the sauce on low heat to prevent burning the gochujang.

FAQ

More Noodle Recipes

If you love noodle and pasta dishes like gochujang noodles, take a look at some more of my most popular recipes:

• Chow Fun Noodles: A Cantonese-inspired dish featuring tofu, rice noodles, and vegetables.
• Vegan ramen: A flavorful ramen bowl in a vibrant lemongrass broth.
• Vegan baked pasta: A plant-based twist on the viral TikTok pasta dish.
• Stir-Fried Glass Noodles: Quick and easy recipe inspired by Asian and Southeast Asian dishes.