Ingredients
8 oz (225g) ramen noodles, spaghetti, or udon
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or maple syrup)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, chili flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the noodles according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy noodle water before draining. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 2: While the noodles are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil until well combined.
Step 3: In a large skillet or wok, heat the neutral oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the garlic. Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the noodles.
Step 5: Using tongs, toss the noodles vigorously to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved noodle water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Transfer the Gochujang Sesame Garlic Noodles to serving bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of chili oil with the sauce. Adjust the amount of gochujang to your preferred spice level. This dish is excellent with added protein like pan-fried tofu, chicken, or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired, Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg