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Korean Hot Noodles and Kochujang Sauce

© Susan Johnson-Roehr

One bad thing about living where I do is that there are no good restaurants. So, if you want Korean food, you have to make it yourself. Some of it is more difficult (making your own kimchi, for instance), but some dishes are actually pretty quick and easy. Here is the recipe for Korean Hot Noodles--try it if you like your food a bit on the hot and spicy side. It makes enough for two people to enjoy. Korean Hot Fried Noodles Before you start cooking, it is wise to gather everything together, that way you won't have to worry about over-cooking or burning when you adding new ingredients. INGREDIENTS

• 2 packages of instant noodles (I use ramen because I always seem to have it around)
• 2-3 c. sliced cabbage (it depends on how much you like to eat)
• 1 c. (or so) of finely chopped green onion. Sometimes I use white onions, too.
• 2-3 T. Korean hot sauce kochujang (some people add more for a really hot dish). You can find this at an Asian food store. It is a red pepper soybean paste, so you might ask for that. One brand that I know is Taeyangcho.
• 2 c. water
• 2 T. sugar

Put the water and noodles in a medium-sized pot on the stove. Bring to a boil. Add everything else, and continue to boil about 7-8 minutes. Drain and serve. If you're a real glutton for punishment, you can add hot pepper to it when it is served. If you liked those noodles, you might also try kochujang sauce. You can dip veggies in it, or use it as seasoning. This one is more sweet than some, so you can experiment by adding/subtracting sugar. Kojuchang Sauce INGREDIENTS:

• 2 T. kochujang (see above)
• 2 small garlic cloves, peeled and pressed or grated finely
• 1 T. rice or cider vinegar
• 1 T. soy sauce
• 1 t. sesame oil
• 2 t. toasted sesame seeds
• 2 scallions (green onions), shredded finely on the diagonal
• 2 t. sugar or other sweetener

Mix all ingredients well. Keeps a long time in the refrigerator.

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