Creamy Gochujang Carrot Button Noodles

Ingredients

• 400 g carrots (Peeled and sliced)
• 200 g glutinous rice flour (Knead in up to 25 g more as needed; use glutinous or sweet rice flour, not regular rice flour)
• 0.25 tsp salt
• warm water (Only if needed; add 1 teaspoon at a time if the dough cracks when rolled)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (Minced)
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 0.75 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 0.25 tsp sugar (Plus more to taste)
• Parmesan (Optional, for finishing)
• scallions (Optional, for finishing)
• chili crisp (Optional, for finishing)

Steps

1. 1

   Steam the peeled, sliced carrots for 20 minutes, or until extremely tender. While they are still hot, blend or mash them until completely smooth.

2. 2

   Add the salt and 200 g of glutinous rice flour to the hot carrot purée. Knead until combined, gradually adding up to 25 g more flour as needed. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky.

3. 3

   If the dough cracks when rolled, knead in warm water 1 teaspoon at a time until it becomes workable and smooth.

4. 4

   Roll the dough into marble-sized balls. Press an indentation into each one using the rounded end of a chopstick or a small measuring spoon.

5. 5

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. While the water heats, prepare the sauce.

6. 6

   Melt the butter in a pan over medium-low heat.

7. 7

   Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

8. 8

   Stir in the gochujang and cook for another 30–60 seconds.

9. 9

   Slowly stir in the heavy cream and gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.

10. 10

    Add the fish sauce and sugar, then reduce the heat to low.

11. 11

    Add all the carrot buttons to the gently boiling water and stir once. As soon as they float and feel tender, transfer them directly into the sauce with a slotted spoon. Do not drain them or leave them sitting together, or they will stick.

12. 12

    Gently fold the buttons through the sauce, then turn off the heat immediately so they do not overcook.

13. 13

    Finish with optional Parmesan, scallions, or chili crisp, and serve immediately.

Notes

The source does not specify the exact boiling time for the buttons; cook only until they float and feel tender. Use sweet/glutinous rice flour rather than regular rice flour. Serve immediately to prevent the buttons from sticking and overcooking.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• noodles
• vegetarian-optional
• East Asian-inspired
• gochujang
• carrot
• stovetop
• quick meal