Miso Butter Kimchi Udon, under 30mins
It's mainly prep work for this dish. There was a period where Gochujang Kimchi Udon was popular but I dont have Gochujang sauce with me and someone suggested replacing with misoooo. Geniusss!
Ingredients for 2pax:
- 2 udon packs
- 3 cloves of garlic /minced garlic
- 1 cup of kimchi
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1.5 tbsp miso
- Spring onions
- Mushrooms (enoki, shimeji, or shiitake)
- Luncheon meat (if you want the healthier option, I think chicken breasts could work too)
1. Prep all your ingredients - dice luncheon meat, chop the garlic, spring onions, kimchi and mushroom.
2. Boil udon and mushroom in a pot for about 8mins. If the udon looks slightly translucent and soft, it's cooked.
3. I'm trying to reduce amount of pots and pans used. So I took out my noodles, poured away the udon water and use the same pot. Add butter into the pot. Stir-fry the luncheon meat until slightly brown.
4. Add the minced garlic, spring onion, kimchi, and mushroom, let them stir fry for about 30sec. Then add your miso and milk. Mix them all up and let them simmer for another 30sec.
5. Add udon into the pot, give all the sauce and noodles a good mix. Ready to serve!
When serving, you can add a bit of spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
😉
If you're looking for a tasty twist on classic udon dishes, this Miso Butter Kimchi Udon recipe is a perfect go-to. One aspect that stands out is the use of miso instead of gochujang, which gives it a unique umami flavor and creaminess when combined with butter and milk. In my own experience, adding fresh mushrooms like enoki or shiitake really amplifies the earthiness of the dish, balancing the tang from the kimchi. To save time and reduce cleanup, I highly recommend using the same pot for boiling the noodles and stir-frying the ingredients. This not only retains some subtle flavors left in the pot but also makes meal prep easier and faster. When cooking udon, be careful not to over-boil; turning translucent and soft is a good indicator that your noodles are ready without becoming mushy. For protein options, while luncheon meat is convenient and flavorful, switching to diced chicken breast or tofu can make the dish lighter and healthier, especially if you prefer lean meats or plant-based alternatives. Also, garnishing with chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely freshness and a slight crunch, making every bite more enjoyable. Finally, consider adjusting the amount of milk and butter depending on your preference for creaminess. Some like it slightly saucier, while others prefer a lighter coating on the noodles. This flexibility allows you to cater the recipe to your taste. Overall, this dish is great for busy nights when you want a quick yet satisfying meal that’s full of layers of flavor and easy enough for any home cook to master.