Creamy Gochujang Noodles Recipe

Sizzling Creamy Gochujang Noodles Recipe for Spice Lovers

Whipping up some creamy gochujang noodles brings a delightful twist to your weeknight dinner routine.

Spicy Korean chili paste adds unexpected depth to classic comfort food.

Silky strands coated in rich, tangy sauce create an irresistible combination that dances across your palate.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that blend heat, creaminess, and umami perfectly.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these noodles speak to anyone who loves bold, satisfying meals.

Culinary adventurers and comfort food enthusiasts alike will find themselves swooning over this simple yet spectacular dish.

Grab a fork and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Creamy Gochujang Noodles Bring Heat And Comfort

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Gochujang brings a bold, tangy kick that transforms ordinary noodles into an exciting culinary adventure for those craving something beyond basic pasta dishes.
  • Quick and Satisfying Cooking: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal prep, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Flexible ingredients like optional parmesan and adjustable spice levels make this dish adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Family-Friendly Fusion: Combines familiar pasta with Korean-inspired flavors, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that introduces exciting global cuisine in an approachable way.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Gochujang Noodles

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs the spicy marinade and creates the primary flavor base of the dish.
Noodles:
  • Fettuccine: Classic pasta that provides a hearty and satisfying foundation for the creamy sauce.
Spicy Marinade Ingredients:
  • Gochujang, Gochugaru: Korean red chili paste and pepper flakes that deliver a rich, complex heat to the chicken.
  • Honey: Balances the spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
  • Paprika, Black Pepper, Salt: Enhance the overall seasoning and depth of flavor.
Cream Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce that coats the noodles.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the cream mixture.
Aromatics and Garnish:
  • Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic base flavor.
  • Scallions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and green color as a garnish.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Mushrooms: Adds earthy texture and additional umami to the dish.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking and marinating.
  • Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Provides a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

Steps To Make Creamy Gochujang Noodles

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Mix the marinade ingredients thoroughly including:
  • Gochujang
  • Vegetable oil
  • Gochugaru
  • Honey
  • Paprika
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Garlic

Coat chicken completely in marinade mixture and refrigerate for half an hour.

Step 2: Boil Pasta

Bring salted water to rolling boil.

Cook fettuccine until perfectly tender, about 8-10 minutes. Save half cup pasta water before straining noodles.

Step 3: Prepare Cream Sauce

Whisk together in separate bowl:
  • Heavy cream
  • Soy sauce
  • Scallion whites

Step 4: Sear Chicken

Heat remaining oil in large skillet over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken until lightly golden brown, stirring frequently.

Add mushrooms and cook until soft.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Protein

Pour cream mixture into skillet.

Simmer until chicken cooks completely, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Final Noodle Fusion

Add fettuccine to skillet.

Cook until sauce thickens. If mixture seems dry, slowly incorporate reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle scallion greens and optional parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Pro Tricks For Creamy Gochujang Noodles

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and tamari sauce to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Reserve pasta water strategically to control sauce consistency without compromising taste.
  • Select fresh mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for enhanced umami and robust texture.
  • Adjust gochujang quantity based on personal spice tolerance for a personalized heat level.

Creative Twists On Creamy Gochujang Noodles

  • Vegetarian Gochujang Noodles: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing out excess moisture before marinating. Use plant-based cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the spicy, creamy flavor profile.
  • Seafood Gochujang Pasta: Swap chicken with shrimp or scallops, reducing cooking time to prevent overcooking. Adjust spice levels to complement the delicate seafood texture.
  • Gluten-Free Gochujang Noodles: Use gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini spirals instead of fettuccine. Substitute soy sauce with tamari to create a celiac-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Protein-Packed Korean Noodles: Add edamame or chickpeas for extra protein.

What Goes Well With Creamy Gochujang Noodles

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy, spicy sauce and refresh the palate.
  • Complement with Pickled Side Dish: Add Korean cucumber pickles or quick kimchi to provide a tangy, crunchy contrast that balances the rich, creamy noodles.
  • Match with Light Beer: Choose a crisp lager or wheat beer to cool down the gochujang's heat and cleanse the mouth between bites.
  • Enhance with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a simple green salad with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint to add brightness and lightness to the heavy, spicy dish.

How To Store Creamy Gochujang Noodles With Ease

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Warm noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore sauce consistency. Gently stir to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Freezer Storage: Pack cooled noodles in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Creamy Gochujang Noodles FAQs Answered

  • What is gochujang and why is it important in this recipe?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste with a sweet, spicy, and umami flavor that adds depth and heat to the dish, making it uniquely delicious and giving the noodles their signature flavor profile.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta instead of fettuccine?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other long noodles like linguine or spaghetti. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente and follow the same sauce preparation method.

  • Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of gochujang and gochugaru used. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Gochujang Noodles Recipe

Creamy Gochujang Noodles Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50–56 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky Korean-inspired gochujang noodles dance with spicy-sweet heat, creating a mesmerizing culinary experience. Savory sauce and tender noodles promise a quick, satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds to Seoul’s bustling streets.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) fettuccine
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream

Spices and Seasonings:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) gochujang
  • 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper powder)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1½ teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 8 white mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 3 scallions, whites and greens separated, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending gochujang, vegetable oil, gochugaru, honey, paprika, black pepper, salt, and minced garlic in a spacious mixing bowl.
  2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for half an hour to intensify flavors.
  3. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge fettuccine and cook until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Create a silky sauce by whisking heavy cream, soy sauce, and finely chopped scallion whites in a separate container.
  5. Warm the remaining oil in a generously sized skillet over medium heat. Introduce marinated chicken, stirring continuously until golden and lightly caramelized, roughly 2-3 minutes.
  6. Incorporate mushrooms into the skillet, sautéing until they become tender and release their aromatic essence, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken and mushrooms, allowing it to gently simmer until chicken reaches complete doneness, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  8. Introduce fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat and allowing sauce to thicken. If the mixture appears dry, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
  9. Finish by folding in vibrant scallion greens and optional parmesan. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor intensity and creamier texture.
  • Keep reserved pasta water handy to adjust sauce consistency without losing richness.
  • Consider substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s spicy profile.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–26 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 748
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 1032 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 172 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star