I am a self-professed lover of all things kimchi (like how I have to eat Cheesy Kimchi Fried Rice every other week), which is why this Bacon Kimchi Stir Fry Udon is one of my favorite noodle dishes with a delicious spicy-sweet-savory kick in every bite! The best thing is, there’s almost no prep work and only takes 15 minutes to cook!
The crispy, smoky essence of bacon pairs perfectly with the tangy and spicy notes of kimchi and gochujang paste. When cooked to a golden brown and crispy perfection, bacon infuses the dish with its unmistakable rich flavor, adding depth and an irresistible texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft and chewy udon noodles.
Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, takes center stage in this Bacon Kimchi Stir Fry Udon. The bold and vibrant flavors of fermented cabbage combined with a fiery kick from the gochujang paste give this stir-fry its signature oomph! As it sizzles in the pan, the kimchi undergoes a transformation, releasing its complex umami flavors and complementing the other elements in the dish.
Udon noodles, with their thick and chewy texture, absorb the essence of the bacon, kimchi, and gochujang paste, creating a delightful mix of tastes and textures. Adding a touch of freshness and crunch to the dish, xiao bai cai (also known as bok choy or chinese cabbage), contributes to the overall balance. Its mild, leafy green profile contrasts the hearty flavors of bacon and kimchi, while also providing a burst of color to the dish.
The introduction of unsalted butter bridges the gap between these diverse ingredients. As it melts into the stir-fry, the butter imparts a luscious creaminess and binds all the components together, resulting in a harmonious and irresistible blend of flavors. Finishing off with a garnish of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds results in a pop of color and a subtle nutty aroma to the dish.
Bacon Kimchi Stir-Fry Udon marries the hearty and savory charm of bacon with the zesty punch of kimchi and gochujang paste, all woven together by the comforting embrace of udon noodles. So let’s get to it!
Watch How To Make It
Bacon Kimchi Stir Fry Udon
Ingredients
- 190 g bacon bites
- 400 g udon
- 1 cup kimchi chopped
- 30 g unsalted butter
- 1.5 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 bunch xiao bai cai (bok choy/chinese cabbage) cut to bite sizes
Instructions
- Warm up and loosen the udon as per the packet's instructions.
- Cook the bacon over medium heat until brown and crispy (about 5 minutes), then set it aside.
- Return to the pan and add the chopped kimchi. Cook until the kimchi is slightly caramelized (about 2 minutes), then add butter and gochujang paste, and stir until the butter melts.
- Turn down the heat and add the xiao bai cai (bok choy/chinese cabbage), udon, bacon and kimchi "juice". Toss the mixture until the noodles are well coated (about 2 minutes).
- Garnish with chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds, then serve it while it's hot!