Fiery Gochujang Noodles with Crumbled Tempeh Recipe

Craving something wickedly delicious, these gochujang noodles with crumbled tempeh will spark serious kitchen excitement.

Spicy Korean chili paste infuses each bite with bold, complex flavors.

Nutty tempeh adds incredible protein and texture to this plant-based marvel.

Umami notes dance across your palate with every twirling forkful.

Simple ingredients combine into a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous.

Weeknight cooking just got dramatically more interesting with this quick and satisfying dish.

Trust me – you want to whip up this game-changing recipe right now.

Gochujang Noodles with Crumbled Tempeh Highlights

• Whip Up Quickly: This recipe is super simple to make, with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master in no time.
• Packed with Plant Protein: Tempeh delivers a hearty, satisfying texture while providing a nutritious protein boost that keeps you feeling full and energized.
• Customize Your Spice: The gochujang sauce allows for easy heat adjustment, making it perfect for different taste preferences and spice tolerance levels.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and a single skillet mean less cleanup, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious meal without dreading kitchen mess.

Ingredients for Gochujang Noodles with Tempeh

• Noodles: A classic base for this Asian-inspired dish that provides a satisfying and hearty foundation.
• Tempeh: A protein-packed soybean product that adds a robust, meaty texture to the recipe.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful fungi that contribute depth and umami to the dish.
• Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that brings freshness and vibrant color to the noodles.

• Gochujang: A spicy Korean chili paste that delivers a rich, complex heat to the sauce.
• Spicy Miso Sauce: A bold and tangy mixture that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Green Onions: Crisp and zesty onions that provide a fresh, sharp finish to the noodle dish.

• Oil: A medium for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

Preparation Steps for Gochujang Noodles and Tempeh

Step 1: Boil Noodles and Prepare Skillet

Drop noodles into boiling water and cook following package instructions.

Meanwhile, warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté mushrooms until they turn golden and release their delicious earthy aroma, which takes about 5 minutes.

Add spinach and quickly wilt for 1 minute.

Step 2: Crumble and Sizzle Tempeh

Crumble tempeh into the skillet and pour half of the spicy miso sauce over the ingredients.

Stir everything thoroughly and let it cook for 2 minutes, allowing the tempeh to absorb the vibrant flavors.

Step 3: Combine and Coat Noodles

Transfer cooked noodles into the skillet and drizzle remaining sauce.

Use tongs to toss and coat noodles completely, ensuring every strand is covered with the zesty sauce.

Plate immediately and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of brightness.

Tips for Gochujang Noodles with Tempeh

• Crumble tempeh into small, uneven pieces for better sauce absorption and a more satisfying texture that mimics ground meat.
• Adjust gochujang quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually adding more to customize the dish's intensity.
• Toast tempeh briefly before adding sauce to develop deeper, richer flavor notes and create a slightly crispy exterior.
• Replace mushrooms and spinach with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale for varied nutrition and taste profiles.
• Cook extra tempeh mixture and store separately from noodles to maintain optimal texture when reheating leftovers throughout the week.

Variations for Gochujang Noodles and Tempeh

• Protein Swap: Replace tempeh with crumbled tofu or seitan for a different protein texture and mild flavor profile.
• Vegetable Variation: Substitute mushrooms and spinach with zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli to create new flavor combinations and nutrient diversity.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use rice noodles or 100% buckwheat soba noodles instead of wheat-based noodles for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Modify gochujang quantity to increase or decrease heat intensity, allowing customization for individual spice preferences.

Serving Suggestions for Gochujang Tempeh Noodles

• Fresh Green Garnish Delight: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions generously over the noodles for a burst of color and sharp, crisp flavor that complements the rich, spicy sauce.
• Protein Power Boost: Add a soft-boiled egg on top to increase protein content and create a creamy texture that blends beautifully with the gochujang sauce.
• Crunch Factor Enhancement: Scatter toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts over the dish to introduce a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts with the soft noodles and tempeh.
• Vegetable Volume Option: Consider adding quick-pickled cucumber slices or kimchi on the side to provide a tangy, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy noodles.

Storage Advice for Gochujang Noodles with Tempeh

• Store leftover Gochujang Noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer noodles to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Tempeh and noodles may slightly change texture upon thawing.
• Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What is gochujang and how does it affect the dish's flavor?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste that adds a spicy, sweet, and umami depth to the noodles, creating a complex and rich taste profile that makes the dish uniquely vibrant and exciting.

• Is tempeh a good protein substitute for meat?

Tempeh is an excellent plant-based protein option that provides a firm, meaty texture and absorbs flavors well, making it a nutritious and satisfying alternative to animal proteins in this recipe.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and ensuring your gochujang and miso sauce are certified gluten-free, which are typically available in most health food stores.

Gochujang Noodles with Crumbled Tempeh Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Korean-inspired gochujang noodles dance with crumbled tempeh, creating a bold fusion of umami and heat. Comforting noodles provide a perfect canvas for fiery sauce, inviting you to savor each complex, satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) tempeh (crumbled)

Vegetables:

• 1 cup (150 grams) cremini mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 cups (60 grams) spinach

Noodles and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) Kikkoman® Teriyaki Takumi (Gochujang Spicy Miso Sauce)
• 2 tablespoons (6 grams) green onion (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and prepare noodles according to package instructions until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the pan to warm evenly.
3. Sauté sliced mushrooms in the hot skillet, stirring occasionally, until they release moisture and develop a golden-brown color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Introduce fresh spinach leaves into the skillet, quickly wilting them until they become vibrant and tender, about 45-60 seconds.
5. Crumble tempeh into the vegetable mixture, breaking it into small, irregular pieces that will absorb maximum flavor.
6. Pour half of the spicy miso sauce over the tempeh and vegetable blend, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating and allowing the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes.
7. Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet, drizzling the remaining sauce and using tongs to gently toss and integrate all components until noodles are completely glazed.
8. Transfer the aromatic noodle dish to serving plates, garnishing generously with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, zesty finish.
9. Serve immediately while piping hot, ensuring optimal texture and flavor preservation.

Notes

• Boost protein by using extra firm tofu instead of tempeh for a softer texture and mild flavor.
• Create a gluten-free version by selecting rice noodles or 100% buckwheat soba noodles to replace traditional wheat noodles.
• Dial down heat intensity by reducing gochujang amount or substituting with mild chili paste for sensitive palates.
• Enhance nutritional profile by adding roasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra crunch and healthy fats.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg