Cheesy Kimchi Noodles

Published Sept. 27, 2021

Cheesy Kimchi Noodles
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
20 minutes
Rating
4(1,514)
Comments
Read comments

Instant ramen ranks highly among comfort foods because it can be quickly prepared and those little seasoning packets provide lots of flavor with minimal effort. No packets are used in this recipe, but the addition of gooey, melted Cheddar and funky fermented kimchi makes the dish even more satisfying. Sautéed scallions and garlic balance out the spicy Sriracha, soy and sesame sauce, while the runny yolk from a crispy fried egg adds richness and mellows the spice. The cheese becomes sticky as it cools, so these noodles are best served immediately while still warm and glossy.

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone
    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.
    Subscribe
  • Print Options


Advertisement


Ingredients

Yield:2 servings

    For the Noodles

    • 6ounces dried instant noodles (see Tip)
    • tablespoons canola oil, plus more for coating cooked noodles
    • 2eggs
    • 5scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish)
    • ½(packed) cup kimchi, sliced
    • 3garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
    • 1tablespoon black (or white) sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
    • ½cup grated Cheddar

    For the Sauce

    • 2tablespoons Sriracha
    • 1 to 2tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1tablespoon Shaoxing wine
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

743 calories; 39 grams fat; 11 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 16 grams monounsaturated fat; 9 grams polyunsaturated fat; 70 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 28 grams protein; 1444 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by
Cooking Newsletter illustration

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil over high. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until tender but still springy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse in cold water until cool, then toss with a splash of canola oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Set cooked noodles aside.

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil and Shaoxing wine; set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Set a medium nonstick skillet over high heat. Add ½ tablespoon canola oil and, once shimmering, crack in the eggs. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the whites are done and the edges are browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

  4. Step 4

    In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil over medium-high. Add the scallions, kimchi, garlic and sesame seeds, and cook for 1 minute until just softened, stirring frequently. Add the noodles and sauce, and toss to combine for 1 minute. Stir in the grated cheese until it melts. Turn off the heat.

  5. Step 5

    Transfer the noodles to serving plates, top with the fried eggs and garnish with extra sesame seeds and scallions. Serve immediately.

Tip
  • If you can’t find plain instant ramen noodles, you can also use two individual 3-ounce ramen packages, discarding the flavor sachets or saving them for another use.

Ratings

4 out of 5
1,514 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Comments

Reminds me of a childhood classic from the 80s. Kraft Mac & Cheese w/ Kimchi. Used to make it when mom wasn't home. In the ensuing decades, I've never heard anyone else even think of this ghastly contraption, but the creamy/salty cheddar plus the vinegary kimchi is a highly under-rated combination. If by chance there was a opened pack of Hebrew Nationals in the meat drawer, the combination of these 3 square pegs was all i needed til mom came home. Discomfiting comfort food.

If you can’t find Shiaoxing wine, substitute a mix of dry vermouth and rice vinegar. Use no more than a half teaspoon of rice vinegar. The rest should be vermouth.

Dry sherry should work

I LOVE this dish. I add some ground beef or shredded chicked with Gojuchang to it .... yum yum YUM

I make this once every few weeks and it is always a hit. I’m Celiac so use Lotus Foods millet and brown rice ramen, and never have the right wine so sub vermouth or manzanilla, and use Furikake instead of plain sesame seeds since I never have those either….. but it is always delicious. a family favorite and so easy and quick.

This is officially one of my go to recipes. I use half the sriracha, and highly recommend adding some mushrooms.

Private comments are only visible to you.

Advertisement

or to save this recipe.