Bursting with bold flavors and irresistible textures, Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is the weeknight dinner you didn’t know you needed. Imagine slippery, chewy udon noodles tangled with tangy, spicy kimchi, kissed with the savory goodness of soy and sesame, and finished with a flurry of fresh scallions. This Korean-Japanese fusion dish comes together in just 20 minutes and is the kind of comfort food that feels both satisfying and exciting, perfect for when you crave something a little different but still oh-so-easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the dish’s signature punch of flavor, color, and texture. Don’t be afraid to personalize, but these essentials create pure magic together.
- Udon noodles: Thick, chewy noodles are the heart of this dish—fresh or frozen both work beautifully, just follow the prep directions.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil for stir-frying keeps the flavors bright and lets the kimchi shine.
- Well-fermented kimchi (chopped): The deep, tangy funk of matured kimchi is the backbone of flavor here.
- Kimchi juice: Don’t toss that liquid! It adds an extra punch of sour, spicy complexity.
- Soy sauce: Brings savory depth and rounds out the umami profile.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle for nutty aroma and silkiness that ties everything together.
- Sugar: A sprinkle balances the spice and acidity from the kimchi, making every bite pop.
- Garlic (minced): There’s nothing like the fragrance of freshly sautéed garlic—it’s a must.
- Scallions (sliced, whites and greens separated): The whites add a mellow oniony note during cooking, while the greens make the perfect fresh garnish.
- Water or broth (as needed): Just a splash helps coat the noodles and keeps things saucy.
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish): Tiny but mighty, these add a delightful crunch and nutty finish.
- Fried or soft-boiled egg (optional): Top your bowl with an egg for luscious richness and extra protein—totally worth it.
How to Make Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Udon Noodles
If you’re starting with frozen udon, cook them according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside. If you have vacuum-sealed fresh udon, a quick rinse under hot water is all you need to loosen them up. Getting the noodles just right makes all the difference—they should be chewy but not clumped together.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the scallions and the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. The aroma that hits your kitchen is your first sign that Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is about to get delicious.
Step 3: Caramelize the Kimchi
Stir in the chopped, well-fermented kimchi and let it cook for 2–3 minutes. As it caramelizes, the kimchi softens and its flavors deepen, giving your dish a beautiful, savory foundation.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the kimchi juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir everything together, letting the seasonings mingle. This is where the magic happens—the sauce starts to thicken slightly and coat the kimchi, filling your kitchen with irresistible, mouthwatering aromas.
Step 5: Toss and Stir-Fry the Noodles
Add your cooked udon noodles to the pan, along with a splash of water or broth to help loosen and coat the noodles. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes, making sure every noodle is glossy and tangled with kimchi. The noodles should be hot and perfectly saucy—don’t be afraid to add a bit more liquid if it seems dry.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the heat and scatter the sliced scallion greens and toasted sesame seeds on top. For a finishing touch, add a fried or soft-boiled egg if you like. There you have it: Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, ready to devour!
How to Serve Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of scallion greens and toasted sesame seeds is classic, but don’t stop there! For extra flair, try a drizzle of chili oil, a handful of nori strips, or a few microgreens. That finishing egg—whether fried or soft-boiled—makes every bowl feel special and adds a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the spicy noodles.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can build a meal around Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe with some light, crunchy sides. Think quick-pickled cucumbers, a simple miso soup, or a refreshing Asian slaw. These sides help balance the bold flavors and keep things fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your noodles in a deep bowl with chopsticks and a large spoon for scooping up those saucy bits. Or, go family-style on a platter with all the garnishes on the side, letting everyone build their own perfect bowl. You can even pack leftovers into a thermos for a warm, satisfying lunch on the go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the noodles cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors just get better as they mingle overnight.
Freezing
While udon noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm the noodles gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until heated through. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, but the pan method helps revive that fresh, saucy finish.
FAQs
Can I make Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Just skip the egg or use a plant-based alternative, and double-check that your kimchi doesn’t contain fish sauce or shrimp. Tofu makes a fantastic protein addition if you want to bulk things up.
What kind of kimchi works best?
A well-fermented napa cabbage kimchi is ideal—the tangier and funkier, the better. Older kimchi has deeper flavors that really shine in a stir-fry, but use what you have on hand.
Can I substitute the udon noodles?
While udon noodles give the dish its signature chewy texture, you can swap in thick rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just cook according to package directions and proceed as usual.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on your kimchi and whether you add extra chili. For more kick, stir in a spoonful of gochujang or chili flakes. For milder palates, stick to the base recipe and use mild kimchi.
Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe scales up easily—just use a large wok or cook in batches to ensure the noodles stay springy and the flavors distribute evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s cozy, bold, and ready in a flash, you have to try Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special and will have you coming back for seconds. Grab some kimchi and udon noodles, and treat yourself to this unforgettable bowl!
Print
Kimchi Udon with Scallions: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Korean-Japanese Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and comforting Kimchi Udon recipe that combines chewy udon noodles with tangy, spicy kimchi and aromatic scallions. This Korean-Japanese fusion stir-fry is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal, with optional additions for extra protein.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 2 packs (7–8 ounces each) fresh or frozen udon noodles
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup well-fermented kimchi, chopped
- 1 tablespoon kimchi juice
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup water or broth (as needed)
Vegetables & Garnishes
- 2–3 scallions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fried or soft-boiled egg (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Noodles: If using frozen udon noodles, cook according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. If using vacuum-sealed fresh noodles, rinse under hot water to loosen them.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the scallions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Kimchi: Stir in the chopped kimchi and cook for 2–3 minutes until it starts to caramelize and release its flavors.
- Add Seasonings: Pour in the kimchi juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Udon Noodles: Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet along with a splash of water or broth to help loosen and coat the noodles evenly. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until heated through and well mixed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the stir-fry from heat. Top with the scallion greens, toasted sesame seeds, and a fried or soft-boiled egg if desired. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra protein, add tofu, sliced pork belly, or shredded chicken to the stir-fry.
- Use gochujang (Korean chili paste) to add heat and depth of flavor if you prefer a spicier dish.
- The recipe is vegetarian-friendly if you omit the egg and any meat additions.
- Adjust the amount of kimchi juice and soy sauce to balance saltiness and tanginess to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
