Creamy Korean Carbonara Udon: The Ultimate Fusion Comfort Food

Korean Carbonara Udon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pancetta or bacon, cubed
• 5 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup grated onion
• 2 packs of fresh udon noodles
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp gochugaru (red bean paste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame oil for finishing

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pancetta: Place the cubed pancetta in a hot pan and cook until crispy and rendered.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the smashed garlic, sliced mushrooms, and grated onion to the pan with the pancetta. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the three egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Boil Noodles: While the pancetta mixture is cooking, get a pot of water boiling for your udon noodles.
5. Add Korean Flavors: To the pancetta and vegetable mixture, add the soy sauce and gochugaru. Stir to combine.
6. Cook Noodles: Add the udon noodles to the boiling water and cook for about 1 minute.
7. Finish the Sauce: Scoop out a small amount of hot pasta water from the udon pot and slowly add it to the egg and cheese mixture, whisking constantly to create a creamy, lump-free sauce.
8. Combine: Drain the cooked noodles and add them directly to the pan with the pancetta and vegetables. Remove the pan from the heat, then pour in the egg and cheese mixture.
9. Stir and Serve: Stir everything together quickly. The residual heat from the noodles and pan will cook the egg yolks and melt the cheese, creating a thick, creamy sauce.
10. Garnish: Top with a drizzle of sesame oil and serve immediately. Enjoy!