What is gochujang and where can I find it?

Gochujang is a savory, sweet, and spicy fermented Korean chili paste. It's a staple in Korean cuisine and can be found in most Asian grocery stores, as well as in the international aisle of many larger supermarkets. It typically comes in a red plastic tub.

Can I make Gochujang Sesame Garlic Noodles less spicy?

Yes, absolutely! The spice level is largely determined by the amount of gochujang you use. You can start with a smaller amount (e.g., 2 tablespoons) and taste the sauce, adding more if you prefer a spicier kick. You can also increase the brown sugar slightly to balance out the heat.

What kind of noodles are best for this recipe?

While ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet) are fantastic for their quick cooking time and texture, this recipe is very versatile. You can use spaghetti, linguine, udon, soba, or even rice noodles. Just ensure you cook them according to their package directions to achieve an al dente texture.

Can I add protein or vegetables to these noodles?

Definitely! This dish is highly customizable. Cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even beef can be added. For vegetables, try stirring in sautu00e9ed bell peppers, spinach, shredded carrots, or steamed broccoli florets along with the noodles for a more complete and nutritious meal.

Gochujang Sesame Garlic Noodles: 5-Star Recipe in Under 30

Name: Gochujang Sesame Garlic Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 8 oz ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets), spaghetti, or udon; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste); 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred); 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1/4 cup reserved noodle cooking water (optional, for thinning sauce); 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish; 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts), plus more for garnish

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets), spaghetti, or udon
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup reserved noodle cooking water (optional, for thinning sauce)
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts), plus more for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/4 cup of the starchy noodle water, and set the noodles aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and grated fresh ginger until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved noodle water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well with tongs to ensure every strand of noodle is evenly coated with the rich gochujang sauce.
Step 6: Remove from heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds and the sliced green onions. Serve immediately, garnished with additional sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, ensure your ramen noodles are egg-free. Feel free to add your favorite cooked protein like chicken, tofu, or shrimp, and vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a heartier meal. Adjust the gochujang to your preferred spice level.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Korean, Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: gochujang noodles, sesame garlic noodles, spicy noodles, korean noodles, easy dinner, quick recipe, vegetarian noodles, asian noodles, weeknight meal, umami noodles

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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