Gochujang Buttered Noodles

Gochujang buttered noodles are a quick and flavorful dish that can be prepared in just 10 minutes. This simple meal combines the rich umami of gochujang, a Korean red chili paste, with the creamy decadence of butter. Thick, chewy noodles soak up this delicious sauce, making each bite a delightful experience.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, these noodles require only a few basic pantry ingredients. Whether you’re making them for lunch or dinner, gochujang buttered noodles prove that even the simplest dishes can deliver bold, satisfying flavors.

Key Tips – Gochujang Buttered Noodles

• For the best gochujang buttered noodles, try using frozen udon noodles. You can find these at many Asian grocery stores in the US. Their chewy texture and authentic flavor make a big difference. Unlike dried noodles, frozen ones give your dish a restaurant-quality feel, turning a simple meal into something special.

• If frozen udon isn’t available, use any noodles or pasta you have. Spaghetti works well too! The gochujang butter sauce will still taste great, and trying different noodles makes the dish fun and tasty.

Use High-Quality Butter And Gochujang If Possible.

• When making gochujang butter noodles, using good butter really enhances the dish. It makes the sauce creamy and rich, turning your meal into something special. Premium butter adds a deep flavor that coats each noodle perfectly, making every bite memorable.

• Opt for high-quality gochujang for the best flavor. Authentic gochujang, especially from Korean grocery stores, has a balanced heat and umami. It’s more flavorful than many commercial versions. Using these genuine pastes can really enhance your gochujang butter noodles.

Control The Spice Level To Your Preference.

• The beauty of gochujang butter noodles is how you can control the spice level. Start with half a tablespoon (1.5 tsp) of gochujang for a mild kick that still keeps the rich flavors. If you like it hotter, use a full tablespoon or more. Adjust to suit your taste and enjoy a personalized spicy noodle dish!

• To make your butter gochujang noodles even better, try adding red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. This adds extra flavor and aroma before mixing with the noodles. You can also serve red pepper flakes on the side so everyone can add their own spice. These simple changes make the dish customizable for any taste or occasion.

The Cornstarch Is Our “Pasta Water”.

• When making gochujang buttered noodles, getting the sauce to stick well is key. Instead of using pasta water, try using cornstarch. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. This helps thicken the sauce just right and gives you control over its texture. It’s especially useful with strong flavors like gochujang.

• Switching to cornstarch makes things easier and gives consistent results. Unlike pasta water, which varies, cornstarch always thickens the sauce well. When mixed with butter and gochujang, it coats the noodles perfectly, making each bite smooth and flavorful. This simple change can make your dish taste even better.

Check Out The Guide On Freezing Fresh Garlic To Save Some Time In The Kitchen.

Freezing fresh garlic is a big time-saver. With minced garlic ready to go, cooking becomes easier. Just add frozen garlic to the hot butter for quick, great flavor in your gochujang butter noodles.

Freezing garlic does more than save time. It keeps the flavor and nutrients fresh. You can freeze garlic in small portions for easy use in sauces or marinades. Add herbs or veggies to your gochujang butter noodles, and enjoy creative cooking with less effort.

Dietary Restrictions – Gochujang Buttered Noodles

This Dish Is Naturally Vegetarian.

Gochujang buttered noodles are great for vegetarians. They’re meat and seafood-free but still full of flavor. The gochujang adds spicy depth, while the butter makes it creamy. This dish is comforting and tasty, appealing to both vegetarians and anyone who loves exploring new flavors.

To suit different dietary needs, you can customize gochujang buttered noodles easily. Add veggies like bok choy or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. For those avoiding gluten, use gluten-free noodles. This way, you can enjoy bold flavors while sticking to your dietary preferences. Enjoy this delicious and versatile meal!

Make it Vegan:

To make gochujang buttered noodles vegan, swap regular butter with creamy vegan butter. This keeps the dish rich and smooth while sticking to vegan choices. The vegan butter blends well with gochujang, giving you a tasty and indulgent meal that fits your diet.

Using vegan butter lets everyone enjoy gochujang buttered noodles. Many plant-based butters are made with natural ingredients and work well in cooking. As you mix gochujang with melting vegan butter, add fresh veggies like bok choy or snap peas for extra nutrition. This change not only fits different diets but also adds variety and color to your meal, making it perfect for any dinner or gathering.

Make It Gluten-Free:

• If you have dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy gochujang buttered noodles. Just swap udon noodles for gluten-free pasta. This easy change lets you enjoy the rich gochujang sauce with great texture and taste. Use high-quality gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or legumes for a tasty, satisfying dish.

• Make sure to use a gluten-free gochujang paste to fully enjoy this recipe. Many brands now offer gluten-free options that still taste great. The sweet and spicy gochujang will add lots of flavor to your gluten-free noodles. Trying different brands can give you new tastes and spice levels each time you make your gochujang buttered noodles while meeting dietary needs.

A Note On Serving Sizes

Gochujang buttered noodles can vary in serving size. The recipe uses one block of frozen udon noodles to make a hearty bowl. For some, this might feel like a large serving, especially if you usually eat lighter meals. However, others might find this amount perfect for a satisfying meal, given the rich gochujang flavor.

Dietary needs and preferences vary, so serving sizes can be adjusted. Some might want smaller portions if the dish feels rich, while others may enjoy a full bowl. For a group, serve the gochujang buttered noodles family-style. This way, everyone can take the amount they want, making the meal more enjoyable for all.

Ingredients

• 1 block frozen udon noodles (~9 oz), see notes for substitutions  
• 2 tbsp butter  
• 1 tbsp gochujang paste  
• 1 tsp minced garlic (about 1 clove)  
• 1 green onion  
• 1 tsp cornstarch  
• ⅓ cup warm water  
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for topping)  
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for topping)  
• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Boil a pot of water for your noodles. While waiting, prep your ingredients. Frozen udon cooks quickly in hot water, making it perfect for your sauce.

• While your noodles cook, slice fresh green onions, separating the white and green parts. This adds flavor and looks great. Mix cornstarch with warm water to create a smooth sauce. This helps your gochujang buttered noodles become creamy and rich. Manage your ingredients and timing for a delicious, flavorful dish.

• Melt the butter over medium heat. As it melts, add the garlic and green onions. This step fills your kitchen with great smells and starts to build the flavors in your gochujang buttered noodles. Watch for the delicious aroma to know you’re on the right track.

• Add the gochujang paste to your skillet. Use a flat whisk to mix it in well and break up any lumps. The red color and rich flavors will make your noodles look and taste amazing. Enjoy your delicious gochujang buttered noodles, whether you’re serving guests or having a treat for yourself.

• Once the gochujang is mixed in, add the cornstarch and water mixture to thicken the sauce. This will make the sauce smooth and coat the noodles well. If the sauce is too thick or too thin, adjust gradually by cooking on medium-low heat to get it just right.

• When mixing your drained noodles with the gochujang sauce, enjoy how the noodles soak up the rich flavors. The sesame seeds and green onion add texture and brightness. Each bite combines warmth from the spice with creamy butter, making it a special dish full of flavor.

Conclusion

Gochujang buttered noodles blend creamy butter with spicy gochujang for a comforting and tasty dish. Easy to make and customize, you can add your favorite veggies or proteins. Perfect for a quick dinner or a meal with friends, these noodles are sure to impress. Try them out and enjoy a delicious new dish!

FAQs