Kimchi Udon Noodle Stir Fry: A Spicy and Savory Delight

Kimchi udon noodle stir fry is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It combines the chewy texture of udon noodles with the spicy, fermented goodness of kimchi, and a medley of other delicious ingredients. This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences and what you have on hand. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of kimchi, soy sauce, gochujang, and other ingredients creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, and sauces.
* **Comfort Food:** The chewy udon noodles and spicy kimchi make this dish incredibly comforting and satisfying.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe uses relatively inexpensive ingredients, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious kimchi udon noodle stir fry:

* **Udon Noodles:** Fresh or frozen udon noodles work best. Pre-cooked udon noodles are convenient but may not have the same texture as fresh or frozen.
* **Kimchi:** Use well-fermented kimchi for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.
* **Protein (Optional):** Tofu (firm or extra-firm), chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or even leftover cooked meat work well in this stir fry. If using tofu, press it to remove excess water before cooking.
* **Vegetables:** Onion, garlic, scallions, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach are all great options. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
* **Soy Sauce:** Adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish.
* **Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste):** Provides a spicy and slightly sweet flavor. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
* **Sesame Oil:** Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor.
* **Sugar:** Balances the spiciness and acidity of the kimchi and gochujang.
* **Garlic:** Adds a pungent and savory flavor.
* **Ginger (Optional):** Adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
* **Scallions (Green Onions):** Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor.
* **Sesame Seeds (Optional):** For garnish and added texture.
* **Cooking Oil:** Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well for stir-frying.

Detailed Ingredient List with Specific Quantities

* 1 package (8-10 ounces) fresh or frozen udon noodles
* 1 cup kimchi, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
* 8 ounces protein of your choice (tofu, chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, etc.), cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 scallions, thinly sliced, divided (separate white and green parts)
* 1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
* 1/2 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
* 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste), adjust to taste
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
* 2 tablespoons cooking oil
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or wok
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect kimchi udon noodle stir fry:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

1. Cook the udon noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. If using frozen udon, you may need to microwave it briefly to loosen the noodles before stir-frying. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will become mushy.
2. Prepare the protein of your choice. If using tofu, press it to remove excess water, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. If using chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Wash and chop all the vegetables according to the ingredient list. Have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the stir-fry process moves quickly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, and sugar. This is your stir-fry sauce. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the sauce if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

**Step 2: Cook the Protein (If Using)**

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the protein (tofu, chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp) to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. For tofu, cook until golden brown on all sides. For chicken, pork, or beef, cook until no longer pink inside. For shrimp, cook until pink and opaque.
3. Remove the cooked protein from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables**

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet.
2. Add the onion and the white parts of the scallions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the garlic and ginger (if using) to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the carrots and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
5. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
6. If you’re using leafy greens like spinach or bok choy, add them to the skillet during the last minute of cooking and stir until wilted.

**Step 4: Combine Everything and Stir-Fry**

1. Add the cooked udon noodles and kimchi to the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
3. Add the cooked protein (if using) back to the skillet.
4. Toss everything together to combine, ensuring that the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.

**Step 5: Serve and Garnish**

1. Remove the kimchi udon noodle stir fry from the heat and transfer it to a serving bowl or individual plates.
2. Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and sesame seeds (if using).
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Control the spiciness of the dish by adjusting the amount of gochujang and kimchi you use. For a milder flavor, use less gochujang or rinse the kimchi before adding it to the stir-fry.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this stir-fry. Broccoli, snap peas, bean sprouts, and corn are all great options.
* **Use Different Proteins:** Experiment with different proteins to find your favorite combination. Chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, tofu, and even eggs all work well in this dish.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the meat. To make it vegan, use tofu as your protein source and ensure that your gochujang is vegan-friendly (some brands contain fish sauce).
* **Add Eggs:** Crack an egg or two into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking and scramble them for added protein and richness.
* **Use Different Noodles:** While udon noodles are the traditional choice for this dish, you can also use other types of noodles such as ramen, soba, or even spaghetti.
* **Add Cheese:** For an extra creamy and cheesy flavor, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese over the stir-fry during the last minute of cooking.
* **Make it Ahead:** This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated later. However, the noodles may become slightly softer after reheating.
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Overcooked udon noodles will become mushy and unappetizing. Cook the noodles according to package directions and be careful not to overcook them during the stir-frying process.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Before serving, taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, or sugar to balance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve the kimchi udon noodle stir fry as a main course for lunch or dinner.
* Pair it with a side of steamed rice or kimchi fried rice for a more complete meal.
* Serve it with a Korean side dish such as banchan (small side dishes) for an authentic Korean experience.
* Top it with a fried egg for added protein and richness.
* Serve it with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover kimchi udon noodle stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out. Be careful not to overheat the noodles, as they may become mushy.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the noodles and vegetables may become mushy and lose their texture upon thawing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: 500-700 per serving
* Protein: 20-30 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams
* Fiber: 5-10 grams

Kimchi Udon Noodle Stir Fry Recipe Card

**Yields:** 2-4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (8-10 ounces) fresh or frozen udon noodles
* 1 cup kimchi, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
* 8 ounces protein of your choice (tofu, chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, etc.), cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 scallions, thinly sliced, divided (separate white and green parts)
* 1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
* 1/2 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
* 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste), adjust to taste
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
* 2 tablespoons cooking oil
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the udon noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the protein of your choice and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Wash and chop all the vegetables according to the ingredient list.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, and sugar.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
6. Add the protein (tofu, chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp) to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
7. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet.
8. Add the onion and the white parts of the scallions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Add the garlic and ginger (if using) to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
10. Add the carrots and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
11. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
12. Add the cooked udon noodles and kimchi to the skillet with the vegetables.
13. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
14. Add the cooked protein (if using) back to the skillet.
15. Toss everything together to combine, ensuring that the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
16. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
17. Remove the kimchi udon noodle stir fry from the heat and transfer it to a serving bowl or individual plates.
18. Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and sesame seeds (if using).
19. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy this delightful Kimchi Udon Noodle Stir Fry! It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that you can customize to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique version. Happy cooking!