This quick and flavorful kimchi peanut noodles recipe combines the umami of fermented kimchi with creamy peanut sauce for a delicious fusion meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, these noodles are not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, making them a satisfying vegetarian option. Serve warm or cold, and customize with your favorite toppings for a unique twist!
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Weeknight Kimchi Peanut Noodles
Back in my university days, with just a microwave and a rice cooker in my dorm, I became really good at making quick meals that didn’t break the bank. One of my go-to meals was this kimchi udon noodle recipe, which takes just under 10 minutes to make using all inexpensive ingredients. Packed with the bold flavors of kimchi and the comforting texture of udon noodles, it’s a spicy riff on my other quick noodle creations like miso butter corn udon noodles, soy butter noodles, and kimchi cheese udon noodles. Perfect for busy days, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings with what you have in your pantry!
Ingredients
The base of this recipe requires just 5 simple ingredients:
- Udon noodles: Thick, chewy Japanese noodles that provide a hearty base. You can also use your favourite type of noodles! Instant or fresh ramen noodles and spaghetti noodles are great options.
- Peanut butter: Adds creamy richness and nutty flavor to the sauce. Roasted sesame paste can also be used.
- Kimchi: Spicy, fermented cabbage that brings tang and heat.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor; can be fresh or powdered.
- Sesame oil: A fragrant oil that enhances the nutty flavor.
In addition, you can add other condiments like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar and sugar to your liking. As for toppings, nuts, sesame seeds, scallions, shiso and cilantro are great options!
How to Make Kimchi Peanut Noodles
Just like my other 5 minute noodle recipes, this kimchi peanut butter version is just as easy and flavourful! Here’s a quick rundown of how to make it:
- Cook Noodles: Microwave or boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth.
- Combine: In a large bowl, toss the cooked noodles with the kimchi and peanut sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Cook the kimchi: If you have time, cook the kimchi with a bit of sugar! It becomes like kimchi jam and adds a nice caramelized flavour.
- Balance flavors: Adjust sweetness, saltiness, and acidity based on your kimchi. Use rice vinegar or brown sugar if needed for a perfect balance.
- Creamy sauce: Add a splash of hot water to the peanut butter mixture to create a smoother, creamier sauce that coats the noodles evenly.
Serving Suggestions
I usually pair this dish with some vegetables and a protein! You can add some sous vide poached chicken, air fried tofu, onsen egg, fried egg or fish to make it a heartier meal. Additionally a side salad or some sauteed vegetables to make it a complete meal.
FAQ
Kind of. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Udon noodles are best served fresh as they get soggy overtime or harden if placed in the fridge after cooked. If wanting to make them to take on the go, I recommend using noodles that can withstand some time like spaghetti noodles.
More quick & easy weeknight noodles to try
- Sesame miso butter udon (5 minute meal)
- Vegan curry udon
- Vegetable Yaki Udon
- Shoyu butter udon (5 minute meal)
- Corn mayo udon (5 minute meal)
- Cheesy kimchi udon noodles (5 minutes)
Enjoy!! If you make this Kimchi Peanut Noodles recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rating and if you decide to share it on socials, tag me on instagram @Okonomikitchen. I’d love to hear from you!
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Kimchi Peanut Butter Noodles
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
This quick and flavorful kimchi peanut noodles recipe combines the umami of fermented kimchi with creamy peanut sauce for a delicious fusion meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, these noodles are not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, making them a satisfying vegetarian option.
Ingredients
- 1 serving udon noodles (200–250 grams frozen udon)
- 2–3 tbsp peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup (75 g) kimchi, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Optional Ingredients (adjust to taste):
- 1 tsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar (if the kimchi is very spicy)
- 1 1/2 tsp rice vinegar (if kimchi is really fresh)
- Pinch of salt (if peanut butter is unsalted)
Toppings:
- Cilantro
- Scallion
- Crushed cashews or peanuts
Instructions
- Cook the noodles:
- Microwave: place the frozen noodles in a microwave-safe bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of water to keep them from drying out. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to help the noodles separate. Once heated through, drain any excess water into a bowl and set aside.
- Boil: Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Reserve 1-2 tbsp of the cooking liquid and then drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, chopped kimchi, minced garlic (or garlic powder), and sesame oil. If using the optional ingredients (hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and salt), add them as well. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Toss the noodles: Add the cooked udon noodles to the sauce, tossing until all the noodles are evenly coated with the peanut kimchi mixture. If the noodles are too thick or dry, add a splash of water or the noodle cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add toppings and serve: Garnish with cilantro, scallions, and crushed cashews or peanuts for extra flavor and crunch. Serve and enjoy!!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: Korean
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