A store-cupboard dinner in about 15 minutes. Use ripe kimchi for the deepest flavour.
Quick kimchi noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the noodles to packet instructions, then drain.
- Heat the oil and fry the kimchi for two minutes.
- Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce and kimchi juice.
- Add the noodles and toss to coat, then finish with sesame oil and spring onion.
Notes
Why sour kimchi gives the deepest flavour
Ripe, sour kimchi is the engine of this dish. It fries in the oil and the acidity caramelises into a depth that fresh kimchi cannot match. The kimchi juice is the secret seasoning.
What are kimchi noodles?
Kimchi noodles take the sour, spicy flavour of kimchi and toss it through noodles with gochujang, sesame oil and a little sugar. In Korea a cold version called bibim guksu, made with thin wheat noodles, is popular in summer, while warm stir fried kimchi noodles are a quick everyday meal.
Older kimchi works best here, as the deeper sourness gives the sauce more flavour.
Kimchi, noodles and gochujang explained
- Kimchi: well fermented cabbage kimchi, chopped, with a spoon of the juice.
- Noodles: instant ramen, udon or thin wheat noodles.
- Gochujang: adds heat, sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Toppings: a soft egg, spring onion, sesame seeds and seaweed.
Getting the most from the kimchi juice
- Use kimchi that has been in the fridge for at least a week. The older and more sour it is, the better the flavour.
- Do not discard the kimchi juice. It is the most concentrated flavour in the jar.
- Keep the heat high when frying the kimchi so it caramelises rather than stews.
- Taste before adding extra soy. Kimchi and gochujang are both salty already.
Egg, vegan and extra protein versions
- Add an egg: crack one in to the pan at the end and stir it through for extra richness.
- Vegan: this recipe is already vegan if your kimchi is vegan-friendly.
- Extra protein: add tofu, edamame or leftover cooked chicken.
Why kimchi noodles are best eaten fresh
Best eaten fresh, as noodles continue to absorb the sauce and soften. The sauce itself keeps for two days in the fridge. Cook fresh noodles and toss with the reheated sauce.
A fried egg and other sides
A fried egg on top is the classic move. Also good alongside some sesame cucumber or a simple bowl of miso soup.
Which noodles work best?
What noodles are best for kimchi noodles?
Any quick-cooking noodle works: instant ramen, rice noodles, udon or thin egg noodles. See our where to buy rice noodles guide.
Is kimchi noodles very spicy?
It depends on your kimchi and how much gochujang you use. Start with one tablespoon of gochujang and add more to taste.
Where can I buy kimchi in the UK?
See our full where to buy kimchi in the UK guide.
