
Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Kalguksu
Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Kalguksu
A Delicious Meal for One: Easy Stir-fried Kalguksu
On days when you have plans and are going out to eat, you might find yourself alone at home on a weekend! While it’s nice to have no obligations, the thought of eating alone can sometimes feel a bit lonely. On such occasions, I often turn to a comforting bowl of noodles. Let’s start making today’s simple yet satisfying meal: stir-fried kalguksu!
Key Ingredients for Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Kalguksu- 2 servings Kalguksu noodles
- 100g Pork (or your preferred protein)
- 1/4 head Cabbage (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 Onion (sliced)
- A small amount of Carrot (thinly sliced)
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (finely chopped, adjust for spice)
- 1 Red chili pepper (finely chopped, for color)
- 1/2 Green onion (cut into large pieces)
Stir-fried Kalguksu Seasoning for Flavor- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust for spice)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce (for umami!)
- 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce (for deep flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (for sweet and savory balance)
- A pinch of black pepper
- A pinch of salt (for final seasoning adjustment)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust for spice)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce (for umami!)
- 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce (for deep flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (for sweet and savory balance)
- A pinch of black pepper
- A pinch of salt (for final seasoning adjustment)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
While I usually enjoy kalguksu with broth, today I’m opting for a stir-fried version to easily satisfy my craving. It’s quick and delicious!
Step 2
First, prepare all the vegetables and pork for the stir-fried kalguksu by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Once the ingredients are prepped, you’re halfway done with the cooking!
Step 3
Since the kalguksu noodles need to be boiled, it’s best to get them ready beforehand. Gently rinse the kalguksu noodles under running water to wash off any excess flour. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking together and results in a cleaner taste.
Step 4
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then add the prepared kalguksu noodles. Stir them gently as they cook to prevent them from clumping together.
Step 5
While the noodles are boiling, heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the pork, roughly chopped green onions, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir-fry quickly.
Step 6
As the pork cooks, the gochugaru will naturally release its oil, infusing the dish with a wonderful smoky flavor and aroma. Make sure to stir-fry over high heat for a quick sear.
Step 7
Now, add all the prepped vegetables to the pan, including cabbage, onion, carrots, Cheongyang chili, and red chili. Stir-fry until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Step 8
Once the vegetables are somewhat cooked, stir-fry everything together to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Letting the ingredients get slightly browned on the edges will add even more flavor.
Step 9
Pour in about one cup of water and let it simmer to allow the flavors to meld. Now is the time to add all the pre-mixed seasoning ingredients for the stir-fried kalguksu.
Step 10
The seasoning blend that makes this dish special includes: 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of salt. (Note: Oyster sauce adjusted to 1 Tbsp and fish sauce to 1/2 Tbsp as per the original recipe’s intention.)
Step 11
Adding an extra half tablespoon of oyster sauce when stir-frying the noodles will significantly deepen the flavor and add a richer umami taste. (Note: The oyster sauce amount in Step 9 has been adjusted to 1 Tbsp).
Step 12
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. Be careful not to oversalt; aim for a balanced flavor.
Step 13
As the sauce thickens slightly and the wonderful aroma fills your kitchen, drain the perfectly cooked kalguksu noodles in a colander. Do NOT rinse them with cold water – this is key!
Step 14
Add the drained kalguksu noodles directly to the pan with the prepared sauce, and
Step 15
stir-fry quickly to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Not rinsing the noodles and stir-frying them immediately saves time and allows the sauce to cling better, resulting in a wonderfully chewy texture.
Step 16
Keep tossing and stirring vigorously in the wok until the delicious stir-fried kalguksu is ready! A meal for one that feels like two is best made this way!
Step 17
Even when dining alone, never settle for a subpar meal! Instead of eating directly from the pot or rice cooker, serve it in a nice bowl. This simple act elevates your solo dining experience.
Step 18
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced red chili if desired. It makes the dish even more appealing – the perfect treat for yourself!
Step 19
Today, cook with the intention of creating a delicious meal solely for yourself. It’s a wonderful way to practice self-care and enjoy the process.
Step 20
Enjoy it with well-fermented radish kimchi for an even more delightful experience! The refreshing tang of the kimchi beautifully complements the spicy stir-fried kalguksu.
Step 21
My plate is already empty! It was so delicious I almost forgot to take a picture. Scrabbling the last bits from the pot is the mark of a true foodie. Two bowls of noodles are always better than one!
Step 22
In life, the time spent cooking a thoughtful meal for yourself is an invaluable moment. Prepare a meal for yourself with the same care you would give to a welcomed guest, and enjoy a relaxing weekend with delicious food. You’ve worked hard this week – thank you!

