Description
Easy Kimchi Noodles are a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired stir-fry dish featuring tender ramen noodles tossed with spicy, tangy kimchi and a savory sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This comforting meal is perfect for a fast lunch or dinner and can be topped with a fried egg or fresh veggies for extra texture and protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 6 oz ramen noodles or your favorite noodles
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chopped kimchi (with some juice)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
Garnishes
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 fried egg (optional, for topping)
- Sliced cucumber or shredded carrots (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the ramen noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside to be added later.
- Sauté Aromatics and Kimchi: Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the chopped kimchi and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to soften it and bring out its flavor.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a splash of kimchi juice into the skillet. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce base for the noodles.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately with an optional fried egg or fresh veggies like cucumber or shredded carrots for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For added protein, you can include tofu, cooked chicken, or shrimp in the stir-fry.
- Adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of gochujang or adding a drizzle of honey to balance heat.
- Use vegetarian kimchi to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- Serve with fresh crunchy vegetables for extra freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
