Spicy Gochujang Noodles with Crispy Chicken
This Spicy Gochujang Noodles with Crispy Chicken is a bold, flavorful Korean-inspired dish with tender noodles, spicy sauce, and crispy chicken. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles spaghetti or ramen-style wheat noodles recommended
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce use low sodium if preferred
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 carrot julienned
- 1 bell pepper thinly sliced, any color
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside. Drizzle with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles cook, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon gochujang, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Toss the chicken with this mixture and let it marinate for 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy on the edges, and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add the sliced green onions and toss for another minute.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of gochujang with sesame oil and a splash of soy sauce. Add this sauce to the vegetables in the skillet and stir to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked noodles and crispy chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the noodles absorb the sauce and the chicken and veggies are evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the spicy gochujang noodles with crispy chicken into bowls. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pat chicken strips dry before marinating for extra crispiness.
- Add roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch when serving.
- Swap vegetables as desired; snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini work well.
- Do not overcook noodles; keep them slightly firm to hold sauce better.
- Add a splash of toasted sesame oil before serving for smoky depth.