Spicy Korean Noodles (Gochujang noodles)

5 from 3 votes

Spicy Korean Noodles (Gochujang Noodles) with ground pork and veggies in a delicious spicy umami sauce.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Korean

Servings:

Calories: 377kcal

Author: Helen

2 tbsp oil (Note 7)
4 scallions (green onions / spring onions) finely chopped with green and white parts separated
250 g cabbage finely shredded
2 medium sized carrots chopped into matchsticks
120 g kimchi (Note 4)
3 cloves garlic crushed
250 g ground pork optional (Note 8)
4 portions cooked udon noodles (Note 9)
4 eggs optional
Sesame seeds to serve, optional

Mix the sauce ingredients in a small jug or bowl
1 tbsp gochujang paste, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp kimchi juice, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 60 ml water, 2 tsp Korean red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
Cook the noodles according to packet instructions and run cold water over them to prevent them from cooking further.
4 portions cooked udon noodles
Place a wok or large frying pan on a medium heat and add oil
2 tbsp oil
Add the whites of the spring onions/scallions, cabbage and carrot and fry for a few minutes until tender.
4 scallions (green onions / spring onions), 250 g cabbage, 2 medium sized carrots
Add the kimchi and garlic and fry for 1 minute.
120 g kimchi, 3 cloves garlic
Add the pork mince and toss in the pan for a few minutes until brown.
250 g ground pork
Place a separate frying pan on a medium heat, add a little oil and fry the eggs if using.
4 eggs
Meanwhile, add the noodles to the pan and toss until they become hot.
Pour in the sauce, toss together with the noodles and serve topped with the green parts of the spring onions / scallions and sesame seeds.

Gochujang paste is a key ingredient in the noodle sauce that adds heat and delicious savory flavor. If you can't find it in your local store you can buy it from an Asian grocery store or online.
Soy sauce: use regular or light soy sauce. Avoid dark because it will make the noodle sauce too rich.
Sesame oil: substitute with peanut or walnut oil.
Kimchi: Korean fermented pickled vegetables (usually cabbage). If you can't find it in your local store you can buy it from an Asian grocery store or online. It comes packed in kimchi juice, one of the key ingredients in the noodle sauce.
Rice vinegar: can be substituted with apple cider vinegar.
Red pepper flakes (Gochugaru): Korean red pepper flakes that add additional heat to the sauce. It's unlikely you'll find them in your local store so you'll need to visit an Asian grocery store or buy them online. You can use crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper or additional gochujang instead. You can also omit the red pepper flakes if you are sensitive to spice.
Oil: use a neutral oil with a high burn point like groundnut, vegetable or sunflower oil.
Ground pork: can be swapped for ground beef or chicken. You can also use tofu or omit to make the dish vegetarian.
Udon noodles: you can use egg noodles instead cooked according to packet instructions.