• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact

Cook With Dana

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Travel
    • About
    • Shop
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Cook With Dana » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Published: Jun 16, 2022 · Modified: Jan 26, 2024 by Dana · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

    Kimchi Udon (15 Minutes Meal)

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    This Kimchi Udon takes 15 minutes to cook and is perfect for those who want a quick and delicious lunch. You will love these kimchi noodles cooked in a fragrant sauce that’s spicy, savory, sweet, and salty. Each chewy noodle bite simply bursts with flavor.

    Kimchi udon with a fried egg and green onions garnished on top served with a spoon and chopsticks.
    Jump to:
    • What is Kimchi Udon?
    • Why You Will Love This Kimchi Udon Stir Fry
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Kimchi Udon
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Udon Noodles Recipes
    • Kimchi Udon Noodles (Just 15 Minutes!)

    What is Kimchi Udon?

    Kimchi udon is a simple dish that combines gochugang for a little spice, kimchi, and udon noodles. In this version, stir-fried kimchi noodles are spicy, savory, a little sour (from the kimchi and kimchi juice), and sweet! The noodles are chewy and stick to the sauce super well.

    If you’re feeling fancy, add a fried egg (the yolk makes it SO CREAMY) and fried panko bread crumbs for a slight crunch.

    Kimchi udon noodles are a special recipe to me because it’s one of the first recipes that went viral on TikTok more than a year ago! Here is a link to the old video. I decided to re-make the video and show viewers a different side to the recipe.

    Why You Will Love This Kimchi Udon Stir Fry

    • So Fast! I know I already said it but seriously this kimchi udon recipe only takes 15 minutes to make and uses mostly staple ingredients. It’s perfect when you need something easy to make or forget to plan something for a meal.
    • Great Flavors! These spicy, sweet, and sour noodles hit all the flavor notes! It doesn’t get any better than this. You can easily adjust any of these flavor profiles to your own tastes.
    • Budget-Friendly. If you’re on a tight budget this dish makes an easy dinner solution. Plus, the recipe is written for one so you don’t have to worry about tons of leftovers that might go to waste.

    Looking for more quick and easy meals? Try this Vegetarian Mapo Tofu, Shrimp and Egg Stir Fry, or my Tomato and Egg recipe.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for kimchi udon stir fry including sesame seeds, oil, kimchi, green onion, sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, fish sauce, udon noodles, water black pepper, and soy sauce on the table with text labels.
    • Kimchi and kimchi juice: Kimchi is pickled and fermented napa cabbage with gochugaru (korean red pepper powder). Kimchi is added to the noodles for extra spice, saltiness and acidity. The kimchi juice is added for extra acidity at the end of the meal! It is commonly available these days in many stores but for a more authentic kimchi, I recommend buying it from an Asian market like H-mart.
    • Frozen udon noodles:The noodles are chewy and sticks to the sauce well. The benefit is that the udon cooks in less than 2 minutes! They are available in most Asian markets.
    • Green onions: These add mild onion flavor and a splash of color.
    • Sauce: A simple stir-fry sauce for this kimchi and gochujang udon is made using soy sauce, fish sauce, and gochujang, a Korean spicy red pepper paste. All these ingredients be found in most Asian markets or you can buy them online from Amazon as well.
    • Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to the sauce to balance the flavors.

    How to Make Kimchi Udon

    Mixing gochujang with sesame oil, black pepper, soy sauce, and sugar.

    Step 1: Mix up the sauce. Combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, gochujang, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl and mix together.

    Cut kimchi and sliced green onions in a bowl.

    Step 2: Chop kimchi into small pieces (if it’s not already in small pieces) and slice the green onions and split it into two portions, half is for garnish and the other half is for stir-frying.

    Soaking udon noodles in hot water in a bowl.

    Step 3: Add boiling water to the pack of udon noodles. The water will separate the noodles.

    Adding white udon noodles to stir fried kimchi and green onions.

    Step 4: Heat your pan over medium heat. When it’s hot, add oil followed by the kimchi and half of your sliced green onions. Saute for 1 minute. Then, add your noodles.

    PRO TIP: Boil water in an electric kettle to speed up the process for this quick meal.

    Udon noodles stir fry with red kimchi sauce on a pan.

    Step 5: Add mixed sauce (from step 1), a tablespoon of kimchi juice and two tablespoons of water. Mix together.

    Kimchi red sauce udon with a fried egg and green onions garnished on top.

    Step 6: Add your sliced green onions, sesame seeds and sesame oil & serve!

    PRO TIP: If you have any leftover protein like chicken, you can also add to the dish to cook at this time. Mix together for half a minute and you’re done.

    Garnish: If you’re feeling fancy, fry an egg sunny side up. Want extra crunch, fry some panko bread crumbs in oil and use it as a garnish.

    Expert Tips

    • Adjust the Flavors: You can easily adjust the flavors of your kimchi fried udon to suit your tastes. For a bit milder or spicier you can use more or less of the gochujang in the dish. If you want it a bit more sour you can adjust the kimchi juice and add more sugar if you prefer it a little sweeter than sour.
    • Heat the Pan First. When stir-frying you want to heat the pan very well before adding the oil and beginning to cook.
    • Prep all the ingredients before stir-frying. The stir-frying process takes less than 5 minutes! Once you have prepped the sauce and kimchi, all you have to do is add in the noodles.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make this kimchi udon noodle stir fry vegetarian?

    Yes, it’s actually already vegetarian as long as you use a kimchi that doesn’t have any seafood added. Sometimes small pieces of fish such as tiny shrimp or anchovies are added for flavor. You can top it with a fried egg or crispy tofu for a bit of protein.

    What do you serve with kimchi udon?

    This dish is really an entire meal in a bowl! But here are just a few ideas you might consider! Enjoy some crispy chicken on the side like this Taiwanese Air-Fried Chicken or Chicken Karaage. If you looking for something more vegetable-based I’d recommend these Stir-Fried Green Beans or Spicy Lotus Root.

    How long does kimchi last?

    Your jar of kimchi will last quite a while — almost indefinitely — in the fridge. The process of fermentation increases its shelf life significantly. But don’t worry there are so many ways to use it up to create delicious meals. Try it in these tasty Kimchi Cheese Rice Balls or make this Kimchi Fried Rice.

    What else can I use the kimchi for?

    If you have lots of old kimchi in the fridge, you can also make Dubu Kimchi or Kimchi Jjigae. The sour fermented flavor tastes super delicious when it’s cooked down. The flavor is sweet and savory (with just some acidity!).

    Spicy udon noodles with fried egg, green onions sesame seeds and sesame oil on top on a plate.

    More Udon Noodles Recipes

    • udon noodles with chicken and pork broth, pork mince, green onions and spinach
      Easy Tan Tan Udon (Tantanmen Recipe)
    • Udon soup with fish cakes in a bowl topped with green onions and tempura shrimp on the side.
      Easy Udon Soup
    • corn carbonara bacon pasta udon
      Creamy Corn Udon
    • butter dashi udon
      Butter Dashi Noodles

    Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

    Kimchi udon noodles with spicy sauce, green onions, fried egg on top on a plate.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 5 votes

    Kimchi Udon Noodles (Just 15 Minutes!)

    These kimchi noodles are cooked in a fragrant sauce that's spicy, savory, sweet and salty. Each chewy noodle bite simply bursts with flavor.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Asian Fusion
    Servings: 1 person
    Calories: 194kcal
    Author: Dana

    Ingredients

    Sauce

    • ½ tablespoon soy sauce
    • ½ tablespoon fish sauce
    • ½ tablespoon gochujang (red pepper paste)
    • ½ tablespoon sugar
    • black pepper

    Stir Fry

    • ½ tablespoon oil vegetable or avocado
    • ¼ cup kimchi chopped in small pieces
    • 1 packet frozen udon noodles
    • 1 sliced green onion half for frying and save half for garnish
    • 1 tablespoon kimchi juice
    • 2 tablespoon water
    • ½ teaspoon sesame oil for garnish
    • sesame seeds for garnish

    Optional Additions

    • 1 fried egg
    • crispy panko
    • any cooked protein

    Instructions

    Mix Sauce

    • Make sauce by mixing ½ tablespoon soy sauce, ½ tablespoon fish sauce, ½ tablespoon gochujang, ½ tablespoon sugar and black pepper.

    Cook Udon Noodles

    • Add boiling water to the pack of udon noodles. The water will separate the noodles and get it ready for stir frying in the next step. Tip: Boil water in a kettle to speed up the process for this quick meal.

    Stir Fry Noodles

    • Chop kimchi in small pieces (if not already in small pieces). Slice green onions. Leave half for garnish and another half for frying.
    • Heat pan on medium heat. Once pan is hot, add ½ tablespoon oil and ¼ cup kimchi. Then, add half of your sliced green onions. Saute for 1 minute.
    • Strain the udon noodles. Then, add noodles, sauce (from Step 1), kimchi juice and 2 tablespoons water in the pan. Stirring occasionally and cook for 1 minute.
    • (optional) If you have any leftover protein like chicken, you can also add the meat in the pan. Mix together for half a minute and you’re done.
    • If you’re feeling fancy, fry an egg sunny side up. And if you’re looking for a slight crunch, fry some panko bread crumbs in oil and use as a garnish. Hope you enjoy!

    Video

    @cookwithdana

    spicy kimchi udon noodles for a quick & delicious lunch ☺️ #lunchideas #noodles #kimchi #learnontiktok #easyrecipe #korean #asmr

    ♬ original sound – cookwithdana

    Notes

      • Adjust the Flavors: You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your tastes. For a bit milder or spicier you can use more or less of the gochujang in the dish. If you want it a bit more sour you can adjust the kimchi juice and add more sugar if you prefer it a little sweeter than sour.
      • Heat the Pan First. When stir frying you want to heat the pan very well before adding the oil and beginning to cook.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 1432mg | Potassium: 212mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 401IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg
    Facebook Share Twitter Share
    Did you make this?Please give it a 5-star rating, or leave a comment to share your experience! Tag @cookwithdanaa on Instagram to show me your beautiful creations! 😊

    More Authentic Asian Main Dishes

    • A bowl of tomato egg soup with tofu chunks and garnished with cilantro.
      Easy Chinese Tomato Egg Soup
    • A plate of Korean Japchae noodles with red bell peppers, spinach, shiitake mushrooms, sprinkled with sesame seeds and a small Kimchi dish on the side.
      Easy & Quick Japchae (Korean Glass Noodle Stir Fry)
    • A plate of Japanese Mentaiko Udon garnished with an egg, spicy cod roe, green onions, and seaweed.
      Japanese Mentaiko Udon
    • Salmon bites with mayonaise and sriracha arranged in a bowl with white rice and green beans.
      Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Under 15 Minutes!)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 5 votes

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Lola Manning says

      December 14, 2023 at 1:20 pm

      My favorite recipe of yours ❤️ straight forward enough to make taste really good while also making me feel like super cool for being able to do successfully.

      Reply
    2. Alexandra Robertson says

      December 14, 2023 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      This is so good. I made it to cozy up on the couch with and it did not disappoint. Must make again soon!

      Reply
    3. Cindy says

      December 14, 2023 at 12:22 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is so good and easy to memorize for when you need food FAST. I always pour in more sesame oil because I love the nuttiness, and sometimes a little peanut butter or sesame paste when I want even more LOL. The fried egg is a must!!!

      Reply
    4. Angela says

      March 14, 2023 at 6:31 am

      5 stars
      12/10 recipe!!!!! I made this and doubled up the ingredients for two portions and it was amazing. So much flavor and umami with a kick!! This will definitely be a go to for a quick meal

      I wish I had older kimchi cause my jar was quite new lol.

      Added garlic for extra flavor, but honestly this recipe is perfect on its own. Thanks for sharing this with the world Dana!!

      Reply
      • Cook With Dana says

        March 15, 2023 at 4:34 pm

        Thanks Angela!

        Reply
    5. Amy says

      November 05, 2022 at 3:50 am

      5 stars
      I just made this for the second time today and I think it’s my new quick meal for when I’m home alone. It’s so easy to add whatever I have in the fridge like protein, veggies, or dumplings. These noodles are so delicious and truly, honestly easy!

      Reply
      • Cook With Dana says

        November 06, 2022 at 5:11 pm

        Aw thank you Amy for the kind words! happy you liked them ◡̈

        Reply
    6. Alana says

      August 29, 2022 at 9:02 pm

      5 stars
      This is CRAZY good. I made it once as written, then the next time I added a quarter of a sweet onion, roughly chopped. Made it even better. Yum!

      Reply
      • Cook With Dana says

        August 29, 2022 at 10:39 pm

        Genius idea! Need to try for next time! Thanks for sharing the tip.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi there, I'm Dana and I create Asian recipes that are yummy and easy for everyone to make! I hope my food reminds you of a little taste of home.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    Popular Recipes

    • chicken and rice with cucumbers, spicy sweet and sour red sauce, green onions ginger
      One Pot Chicken Rice – Hainanese Chicken Rice
    • udon noodles with chicken and pork broth, pork mince, green onions and spinach
      Easy Tan Tan Udon (Tantanmen Recipe)
    • chinese chicken rice with sausage
      Easy One Pot Chinese Chicken and Rice
    • mango dessert with cream, graham cracker, and ripe yellow mangoes
      Filipino Mango Float
    • Chicken and broccoli with white rice and wooden spoon.
      Easy Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
    • Egg drop soup with tofu served in a bowl with spoon.
      Egg Drop Soup with Tofu

    Featured Recipes

    • Kimchi udon noodles with spicy sauce, green onions, fried egg on top on a plate.
      Kimchi Udon (15 Minutes Meal)
    • chinese hot pot - bok choy beef tofu mushrooms
      Easy Chinese Hot Pot At Home
    • salmon nigiri with spicy crab avocado slices, green onions and spicy red sauce
      Spicy Salmon Sushi with Crab
    • Crispy fried chicken with lemon and sriracha mayo.
      Chicken Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
    • white long noodles with sliced cucumber, minced pork and peanuts on top. mix with sesame and chili sauce for fragrant noodles
      Easy Dan Dan Noodles
    • pork mince sunny side egg with white rice
      Braised Minced Pork Sauce

    Latest ‘Grams

    Featured

    A bowl of tomato egg soup with tofu chunks and garnished with cilantro.

    Easy Chinese Tomato Egg Soup

    Tuna poke tacos with crispy seaweed shells, rice, tuna, topped with avocado and sesame seeds, served on a wooden chopping board.

    Tuna Poke Tacos

    Footer

    Sign up to receive
    the latest recipes from
    Cook With Dana!

    ↑ back to top

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Cook With Dana

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.