Creamy Spicy Kimchi Udon

Hey there, food lovers! If you’ve never tried kimchi or find yourself with a pot in the fridge and no clue what to do with it, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This creamy, spicy kimchi udon is the perfect way to use that jar of kimchi you’ve been putting off. It’s a fusion dish that gives off pasta vibes, but trust me, it’s far more exciting than just plain pasta. The combination of the creamy sauce, the bold flavors of kimchi, and those chewy udon noodles is a recipe you’ll want to try again and again! Not only does it taste incredible, but it’s also super easy to make. Plus, if you want a chance to win a 150GBP K Box prize, all you have to do is join the “Spice up your plate with kimchi” challenge. Find out more by checking out @eat_ukorea for the details. Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we?

Method 

Cook the Udon 

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the udon noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Udon noodles typically take around 5-7 minutes to cook, but you should follow the specific instructions on your packet to ensure the perfect texture. Once the noodles are cooked and tender, drain them, but don’t forget to reserve a little bit of the noodle water. This water can help adjust the sauce later if it becomes too thick.

Make the Sauce 

While the noodles are cooking, prepare the sauce by combining the key ingredients. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gochujang (Korean chili paste), light soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and a pinch of curry powder. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sauce will bring both a spicy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, with a hint of depth from the oyster sauce and the richness of the honey.

Cook the Aromatics 

In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the whites of the spring onions, sliced shallots, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. This step releases the essential oils from the garlic and shallots, which will form the flavor base for your dish.

Add the Kimchi 

Next, toss in the chopped kimchi and continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes. The kimchi will infuse the oil with its tangy and slightly fermented flavor, making the entire dish aromatic and flavorful. Give it a good mix with the aromatics, allowing the kimchi to heat through and develop a bit of caramelization.

Combine the Sauce 

Once the kimchi has softened and mixed well with the aromatics, pour the sauce mixture you prepared earlier into the pan. Stir everything together until it’s well coated in the sauce. Now, add the kimchi juice and double cream. Continue to stir the mixture, cooking it for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy. The cream adds a richness to the dish, balancing out the heat from the gochujang and the tang of the kimchi.

Mix the Noodles 

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked udon noodles into the pan with the sauce and kimchi mixture. Toss the noodles thoroughly, making sure each noodle is coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick at any point, you can add a bit of the reserved noodle water to loosen it up and get the desired consistency.

Garnish & Serve 

Once the noodles are perfectly coated and the sauce has reached the right texture, transfer them to a serving dish. To finish, top the dish with a crispy fried egg, the greens of the spring onion, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you like, add a bit of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciously creamy, spicy kimchi udon!

Necessary Tools 

• Large pot for boiling noodles
• Frying pan
• Mixing bowl for sauce
• Grater for parmesan (optional)
• Serving dish

Serving Suggestions 

• Serve with a side of fresh greens or a light salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Pair with a refreshing drink like iced green tea or a cool cucumber lemonade to complement the spiciness.
• For a heartier meal, add some grilled chicken or tofu on top.

Fun Fact 

Did you know that kimchi is packed with probiotics? This traditional Korean dish is not only delicious but also great for your gut health. So enjoy your creamy kimchi udon while giving your digestive system a little boost!

Conclusion 

This creamy spicy kimchi udon is such a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any day when you want something different. The kimchi adds a tangy kick that blends beautifully with the rich creaminess of the sauce. Whether you’re a kimchi newbie or a seasoned fan, this recipe will definitely spice up your plate. Plus, the chance to win a 150GBP K Box is just the cherry on top. Enjoy making this dish and don’t forget to enter the challenge for that awesome prize. Happy cooking!