Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Gochujang and Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thick udon noodles stir-fried with a fiery gochujang sauce, crisp vegetables, and a hint of sesame for an addictive Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh or frozen udon noodles, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: If using frozen udon noodles, thaw according to package instructions, then drain. Set aside 12 oz of noodles.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/4 cup water, mixing thoroughly to create a spicy sauce.
  5. Step 5: Add the udon noodles and 1 tbsp sesame oil to the wok. Toss well to coat the noodles and vegetables evenly with the sauce, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Gochujang and Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Gochujang and Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh or frozen udon noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Gochujang and Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Gochujang and Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Gochujang and Vegetables vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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