Sometimes, you crave a meal that’s packed with bold flavors, satisfying textures, and just the right amount of spice to make your taste buds dance. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies and Noodles. This dish is the perfect combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and a deliciously spicy sauce. It’s hearty enough to please everyone at the table and quick enough for even the busiest weeknight.
Whether you’re new to Korean flavors or already a fan of gochujang (Korean chili paste), this recipe will transport you to the bustling street food stalls of Seoul. Ready to dive into this easy and flavor-packed meal? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Korean Chicken Stir Fry
Here are some reasons why this dish will become a go-to in your meal rotation:
- Quick and easy: You can have this entire meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with flavor: Gochujang adds a unique mix of spice, sweetness, and umami that’s unforgettable.
- Customizable: Use any vegetables or noodles you prefer to suit your taste.
- Balanced: It’s a perfect combination of protein, veggies, and carbs for a complete meal.
- Family-friendly: You can adjust the spiciness, making it suitable for everyone.
Ingredients for Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry
Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful stir fry:
Category | Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|---|
For the Chicken: | Chicken breast, thinly sliced | 400g |
Salt | To taste | |
Black pepper | To taste | |
Paprika | To taste | |
Vegetable oil | For cooking | |
For the Noodles: | Noodles or pasta | 250g |
For the Vegetables: | Carrot, julienned | 1 |
Onion, thinly sliced | 1 | |
Bell pepper, thinly sliced | 1 | |
Spring onions, chopped | 1 bunch | |
Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | |
For the Sauce: | Gochujang (or sweet chili sauce) | 45ml |
Soy sauce | 45ml | |
Sesame oil (optional) | 1 tbsp | |
Paprika or gochugaru (chili flakes) | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Korean Chicken Stir Fry
Follow these steps for a foolproof and delicious stir fry:
1. Cook the Noodles
- Boil Water: Start by boiling a large pot of water.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the noodles or pasta and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside while you prepare the stir fry.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the thinly sliced chicken breast with salt, black pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Stir Fry the Vegetables
- Add More Oil: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed.
- Cook the Garlic and Onion: Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the Carrot and Bell Pepper: Stir in the julienned carrot and bell pepper slices. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Create the Sauce
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine gochujang (or sweet chili sauce), soy sauce, and sesame oil (if using).
- Adjust Spice Level: Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika if you prefer extra heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Combine Chicken, Veggies, and Sauce
- Add the Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour the Sauce: Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring everything together to ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Simmer Briefly: Let the mixture cook for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Mix in the Noodles
- Add the Noodles: Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables.
- Coat Evenly: Stir everything together until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce and combined with the other ingredients.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Top with Spring Onions: Sprinkle the chopped spring onions over the stir fry for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Optional Garnish: Add toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry immediately, straight from the pan to your plate.
Tips for Making the Perfect Korean Chicken Stir Fry
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and chicken make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the veggies: Keep them slightly crisp for the best stir fry texture.
- Adjust the spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, use sweet chili sauce instead of gochujang.
- Choose the right noodles: Udon, soba, or even spaghetti can work, depending on what you have on hand.
- Prep everything first: Stir frying happens quickly, so make sure all your ingredients are ready before you start cooking.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (recipe serves 4):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~450 |
Protein | ~30g |
Carbohydrates | ~40g |
Fat | ~15g |
Fiber | ~4g |
FAQ: Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry
1. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian option.
2. What if I don’t have gochujang?
No problem! Use sweet chili sauce or sriracha as a substitute. Both add a slightly different flavor but still work beautifully.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free noodles and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
4. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to include broccoli, zucchini, snap peas, or even baby corn for added variety.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save effort on busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies and Noodles isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and vibrant colors. It’s spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, with a perfect balance of textures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your family, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
Ready to Cook?
What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and bring a taste of Korea to your kitchen tonight. With its bold flavors, quick prep time, and endless customization options, this Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies and Noodles is sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Enjoy every bite!
PrintSpicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies and Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience bold flavors and vibrant textures with this Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies and Noodles. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and a spicy-sweet sauce come together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re a fan of Korean flavors or a stir-fry enthusiast, this dish will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 400g chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 250g noodles or pasta of your choice
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
- 1 bunch spring onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 45ml gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor
- 45ml soy sauce (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for authentic flavor)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Paprika or gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
-
Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add noodles or pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken slices with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Stir-fry the chicken until it’s cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.
- Toss in the garlic and onions, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the carrot and bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix gochujang (or sweet chili sauce), soy sauce, and sesame oil (optional).
- Add chili flakes or paprika to adjust the spice level as desired.
-
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour the sauce over the mixture, stirring well to coat evenly.
- Let it simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
-
Add Noodles:
- Toss in the cooked noodles, mixing until everything is well combined and coated in the sauce.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and serve hot.
- For extra flavor, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil.
Notes
- Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for variety.
- Vegetable Add-Ons: Add broccoli, zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust gochujang or chili flakes to make it more or less spicy.
- Make Ahead: Prep the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time for an even quicker meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired