Gochujang Noodles: Viral Sensation Recipe

Gochujang Noodles: Viral Sensation Recipe

Whip up these viral gochujang noodles with a savory blend of soy sauce, peanut butter, and tomato paste for a quick, flavorful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2-3 tablespoons gochujang sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1-2 cups broth or water for thinning the sauce
• 1 pound ground chicken

Instructions

 

• Whisk the soy sauce, gochujang sauce, tomato paste, peanut butter, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl or shake together in a jar until it forms a thick sauce.
• Cook the ground chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Season generously.
• Boil noodles according to package directions until just softened. Drain and set aside.
• Add the cooked chicken, cooked noodles, and the prepared sauce to the skillet. Toss to combine over medium-high heat until the noodles are heated through.
• Add broth or water, a little at a time, to thin the sauce to your desired sauciness. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
• Serve immediately, topped with your favorite fresh herbs, scallions, chili oil, or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

– For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the gochujang.
– Use chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful result.
– Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil for texture and visual appeal.
– Adjust the amount of broth or water to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Keyword gochujang noodles

The technique that makes it

The magic behind these viral gochujang noodles lies in the emulsification and layering of flavors. The sauce is a careful balance of salty (soy sauce), spicy and fermented (gochujang), sweet (brown sugar), and savory (tomato paste and garlic). Peanut butter acts as a crucial emulsifier, binding the fats and water-based ingredients together, creating a smooth, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. This prevents the sauce from separating and becoming oily or watery. The ground chicken, when browned and cooked through, provides a hearty base and absorbs the sauce’s complex flavors, adding another layer of texture and taste. The key is to cook the chicken first, then build the sauce in the same pan, allowing the browned bits (fond) from the chicken to dissolve into the sauce, amplifying its depth. Finally, the broth or water is added gradually to achieve the desired sauce consistency – thick enough to coat but not so thick it’s cloying.

Troubleshooting

• Sauce is too thick: Gradually whisk in more broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Ensure it’s heated through to maintain flavor.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce uncovered over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Be careful not to scorch it.
• Sauce is too salty: Add a touch more brown sugar or a small amount of unsweetened applesauce to balance the saltiness. A squeeze of lime can also help.
• Chicken is dry: Ensure the chicken is not overcooked. Browning it quickly over medium-high heat and then simmering it gently in the sauce will help retain moisture.

Substitutions

• Gochujang Sauce: If unavailable, a mix of sriracha and a teaspoon of miso paste can offer a similar spicy-fermented profile, though the depth will differ.
• Peanut Butter: Almond butter or tahini can be used as emulsifiers. Tahini will impart a nuttier, slightly more bitter flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Maple syrup or honey can be substituted, but adjust the quantity as they are sweeter and have different flavor notes.
• Ground Chicken: Ground turkey, pork, or even firm tofu (crumbled and pan-fried) can be used for a different protein or vegetarian option.

Pro tips

• For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the gochujang.
• Use chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful result.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil for texture and visual appeal.
• Adjust the amount of broth or water to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.

Experience the explosion of flavor with these viral gochujang noodles. This recipe is a guaranteed hit for any meal occasion.

More from Chicken Pasta Recipes →

Frequently asked questions