Spicy Garlic Seafood Noodles is a bold and flavorful Korean-inspired dish that combines succulent seafood with chewy udon noodles, all coated in a rich, spicy garlic sauce. The dish features a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, squid, and scallops, which are marinated to enhance their natural flavors.
The star of the dish is the sauce—a mouthwatering blend of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness from maesilaeck (Korean green plum extract) or fruit jam. This spicy and savory sauce perfectly complements the tender seafood and the hearty noodles, creating a dish that's both comforting and exciting.
Stir-fried with fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, and zucchini, and finished with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, Spicy Garlic Seafood Noodles is a dish that bursts with flavors and textures. It’s an excellent choice for those who love a bit of heat and want to experience the vibrant tastes of Korean cuisine in a simple, yet satisfying meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Garlic Seafood Noodles dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. The combination of tender shrimp, squid, and scallops with a rich, spicy sauce makes for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.
The addition of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) and Mat-ganjang (Korean flavored soy sauce) brings an authentic Korean twist that sets this dish apart from your usual stir-fry. The smoky hint from paprika and the sweetness from maesilaeck (Korean green plum extract) add layers of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Key Ingredients
Seafood Mixture: A mix of shrimp, squid, and scallops brings a variety of textures and flavors to the dish. The seafood is marinated with mirin and soy sauce, enhancing its natural sweetness and umami.
Mat-ganjang: This Korean flavored soy sauce is a must-have for an authentic taste. If you don’t have it on hand, regular soy sauce works too.
Gochugaru: Korean red pepper flakes add a vibrant color and a spicy kick that’s essential for the dish.
Udon Noodles: These thick, chewy noodles are perfect for absorbing the flavorful sauce.
Cooking Tips
✔️ Allow the seafood to marinate for at least 10 minutes. This step infuses the seafood with the flavors of mirin and soy sauce, making every bite delicious.
✔️ Ensure your skillet is hot before you start cooking. This helps in quickly searing the seafood and vegetables, locking in their flavors without making them soggy.
✔️ Make sure the sauce evenly coats the noodles and seafood. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Variations
Vegetarian Version: You can substitute the seafood with tofu or a variety of mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Noodle Swap: If you don’t have udon noodles, you can use ramen or soba noodles. Each brings a different texture to the dish.
korean Spicy Garlic Seafood Noodles Recipe
This dish brings together the robust flavors of the ocean with the fiery kick of Korean spices, all perfectly balanced by the aromatic garlic and the satisfying chewiness of udon noodles.
1 tbsp maesilaeck (Korean green plum extract) or apricot/apple jam
For Stir-Frying:
2 portions udon noodles
3 tbsp cooking oil
10 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp chopped ginger
2 oz. carrot, sliced
1/2 medium onion, sliced into 1/2” wide pieces
2 oz. zucchini, sliced
1 red & 1 green chili, seeded & julienned
4 green onions, cut in halves lengthwise, then into 2” long pieces
1 tsp sesame oil
Sesame seeds for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
In a mixing bowl, combine the seafood with 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp Mat-ganjang, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 to 20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients—Mat-ganjang, oyster sauce, mirin, gochugaru, smoked paprika, hondashi (if using), and maesilaeck. Set aside.
Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, rinse them under cold water, drain well, and set them aside.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the cooking oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the chopped garlic and ginger, stir-frying until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Add the sliced carrots and onions to the skillet and stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then, add the marinated seafood and continue stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the seafood is almost cooked and there’s little moisture left in the pan.
Toss in the zucchini slices and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir-fry everything until the seafood and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce, about 45 seconds to 1 minute.
Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet and stir-fry until the noodles absorb the sauce and are well-coated.
Finally, toss in the red and green chilis, along with the green onions. Give everything a final stir, then drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Spicy Garlic Seafood Noodles hot, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil. This dish pairs well with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the spiciness.
