Spicy Chicken Udon

In my excitement to find the secret ingredient of my favorite Asian noodle dish when out with friends last Saturday night I knew I would be making it the very next day. While we were in the Korean Market looking for the Vinegared Red Pepper Paste I also picked up a package of Udon Noodles - these aren't a requirement for this dish but I highly recommend it, they are super thick and chewy and add a great element to the dish. This dish is great for people who love spicy foods, if you are not a spicy food fan I suggest using a different sauce as this meal is all about heat.



Spicy Chicken Udon: Serves 4

16oz Udon Noodles
8oz Chicken Breast - Cubed
1/4C Vinegared Red Pepper Paste
1/4C Chicken Stock
1TB Olive Oil
1/4 Head Cabbage - Sliced
1 Onion - Sliced
2 Carrots - Sliced
2C Sugar Peas / Snow Peas
2 Garlic Cloves

In a mixing cup mix the vinegared red pepper paste and the chicken stock and set to the side. In a large wok or heavy bottomed pan heat 1tsp of oil with half of the garlic over medium heat until the garlic turns fragrant. Add the chicken to the pan and stir around, add in 2-3TB of the sauce mixture and cook the chicken until it is fully cooked through - warning - be careful with inhaling the fumes coming from the chicken, I did and instantly had my eyes watering!

Once the chicken is cooked through remove it to a small bowl on the counter and cover to keep warm. Add the remaining oil and garlic to the pan for another 30-40 seconds then add the vegetables (you can use any stir fry veggies you want, the ones above are what I had on hand!). Toss the vegetables in the oil and garlic and stir fry for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables have started to caramelize and still have some crunch to them.

My udon noodles came precooked and shrink wrapped so I just had to open the package and toss them in, if yours are not precooked, by all means - cook them! Once your noodles are prepared toss them in with the vegetables, add the chicken and any juices that settled in the bowl and add the remaining sauce to the pan. Toss it all around and cook until the noodles absorb the sauce and soften slightly. Turn off the heat, serve and enjoy!

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WW: 9 Points Plus / serving