If you’re a fan of dumplings and noodles, and you love a bit of heat, this Spicy Dumpling and Noodle Soup is a dream come true. Drawing inspiration from traditional Asian flavors and incorporating a twist of modern fusion, this recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a joy to prepare. Let’s explore this delightful recipe that’s perfect for cozy evenings or as a comforting meal any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich in Flavor: Combining the savory taste of dumplings with the slurp-worthy delight of noodles, all wrapped in a spicy and aromatic sauce.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for those days when you need a warm hug in a bowl.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with readily available ingredients that are easy to source.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen Dumplings: Choose any variety you like. Whether you prefer meat-filled, vegetarian, or even vegan options, they all work great in this recipe.
- Noodles: Any type – from ramen to udon or even whole wheat pasta.
- Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Flakes): For that unique spicy kick.
- Fresh Garlic: Finely chopped for a burst of flavor.
- MSG (Optional): Adds an extra umami touch.
- Spring Onions: For a fresh, crunchy element.
- Soy Sauce: Brings a depth of salty, umami flavor.
- Sugar: Just a hint to balance the spice and salt.
- Cooking Oil: Ideal for sizzling and releasing the flavors of the spices.
- Garnishes: Such as chopped spring onions, crispy fried shallots, and sesame seeds for added texture and taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spicy Dumpling and Noodle Soup
Step 1: Spice Mixture Preparation
Start by creating a vibrant spice base. In a heatproof bowl, mix Gochugaru, garlic, spring onions, and MSG (if using). This mixture is the heart of the dish, offering a perfect balance of heat, flavor, and aroma.
Step 2: Sizzle to Perfection
Heat oil in a pan until it shimmers, then carefully pour it over the spice mixture. This technique, known as “blooming”, releases the full spectrum of flavors from the spices.
Step 3: Seasoning the Mix
Add soy sauce and sugar to the spiced oil. Stir well and adjust the seasoning to your liking. This creates a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
Step 4: Cooking Dumplings and Noodles
In a separate pot, boil water and cook your chosen dumplings and noodles as per the package instructions. Aim for a texture that’s firm yet tender.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Combine the cooked noodles and dumplings with the spiced mixture. Add some noodle cooking liquid to achieve your desired soup consistency. Mix well, ensuring each dumpling and noodle strand is coated in the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your soup with chopped spring onions, crispy fried shallots, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy a bowl full of comfort and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
- Experiment with Dumplings: Try different varieties of dumplings to find your favorite combination.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of Gochugaru based on your spice tolerance.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutrition by adding veggies like bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms.
Make it Hearty: For a more filling meal, consider adding protein like tofu or other proteins.
Spicy Dumpling and Noodle Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot (for boiling dumplings and noodles)
- Heatproof Bowl (for mixing sauce)
- Strainer (for dumplings and noodles)
Instructions
- Prepare Spice Mixture: In a large heatproof bowl, combine Gochugaru, garlic, sesame, msg (if used) and chopped spring onion.
- Sizzle Oil: Heat 2-3 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully pour the hot oil over the Gochugaru mixture to release the flavors.
- Season: Stir in the soy sauce and sugar to the spiced oil mixture. Mix well and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Cook Dumplings and Noodles: In a separate pot, boil water and cook the frozen dumplings and noodles according to the package instructions until fully cooked.
- Combine: Transfer the cooked noodles and dumplings to the bowl with the Gochugaru mixture. Add some of the noodle cooking liquid (as needed) to create a soup consistency. Mix well to coat the dumplings and noodles in the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the soup with chopped spring onions, crispy fried shallots, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!