Go Back

Gochujang Mapo Tofu Udon Noodles

Gochujang Mapo Tofu Udon Noodles is a Korean-inspired twist on the classic Sichuan dish. Chewy udon noodles are topped with spicy, savoury gochujang pork and silky smooth tofu, then finished with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Quick, comforting and packed with flavour, this is an easy noodle dish for a weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pork Stir-Fry
  • 300 g ground pork
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp ginger minced
  • 1 scallion finely sliced
  • 2 tbsp gochujang
  • 1 tsp apple vinegar
  • ¼ tsp gochugaru Korean red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
For the Creamy Tofu Sauce
  • 300 g silken tofu blended until smooth
To Serve
  • 1 portion fresh udon noodles
  • 2 scallions sliced
  • 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Add the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger and finely sliced scallion. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, until fragrant.Stir in the gochujang and cook for about 30 seconds.
  2. Cook the pork: Add the ground pork and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Season the pork: Add the apple vinegar, soy sauce, gochugaru (korean red pepper flakes), sugar and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavours to develop. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  4. Prepare the tofu sauce: Add the silken tofu to a blender, food processor or use a hand blender to blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  5. Cook the udon: Prepare the fresh udon noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain well once cooked.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Pour the udon noodles into a large bowl. Spoon the spicy gochujang pork onto one side of each bowl, then pour the creamy silken tofu sauce onto the other side.
  7. Garnish and serve: Top with sliced scallions and roasted sesame seeds. Mix the pork and creamy tofu sauce through the udon before eating and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Gochujang: Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your preferred spice level.
  • Gochugaru: Gochugaru adds extra Korean chilli flavour and a gentle heat. Reduce or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
  • Silken tofu: Blend the tofu until completely smooth for a creamy sauce that coats the noodles.
  • Udon: Fresh udon works particularly well because its thick, chewy texture holds up to the spicy pork and creamy tofu sauce.
  • Serving: Keep the pork and tofu sauce separate when plating for a visually striking dish, then mix everything together just before eating.
QR Code linking back to recipe