If you’re craving bold, spicy flavors, these Spicy Korean Gochujang Noodles are just the ticket! Made with chewy noodles and a gochujang-based sauce, this dish brings a perfect balance of heat, umami, and a touch of sweetness. I love making this quick and satisfying meal for lunch or dinner—it’s packed with flavor and takes only a few minutes to prepare. Whether you’re a spice lover or looking to try something new, these noodles are sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
These Spicy Korean Gochujang Noodles combine the rich, spicy flavor of gochujang with garlic, soy sauce, and honey for a sauce that’s savory, sweet, and wonderfully balanced. The chewy noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, and the garnish of green onions and sesame seeds adds a nice crunch. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful lunch and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein.
Recipe: Spicy Korean Gochujang Noodles
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (udon or ramen)
- 2 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook the noodles according to package instructions until they’re tender but still chewy. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until smooth.
Step 3: Toss the Noodles in Sauce
In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over them. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce, cooking for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the noodles to a serving bowl, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Enjoy your spicy, flavorful noodles while they’re hot!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
Serve these Spicy Korean Gochujang Noodles hot, as a main dish or alongside grilled vegetables, tofu, or your favorite protein for a complete meal.
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, if needed.
Helpful Notes
- Noodle Choice: Udon or ramen noodles work best, but you can use any chewy noodle you like, such as soba or rice noodles.
- Add Vegetables: Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added texture and color.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the gochujang to 1 tablespoon, or add a bit more honey to balance the spice.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of chili paste?
Yes, sriracha or sambal oelek can work as a substitute for gochujang, but the flavor will vary slightly.
Q2: Can I make these noodles gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Q3: Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely. Add cooked chicken, tofu, shrimp, or beef to make the dish more filling and protein-packed.
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
These noodles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q5: How can I make it less spicy?
For a milder flavor, use less gochujang or add more honey to balance the spice.
Final Thoughts
These Spicy Korean Gochujang Noodles are a flavorful, quick meal that brings a bit of heat and a lot of taste to the table. With their chewy texture and spicy-sweet sauce, they’re a great choice for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and you have a dish that’s both beautiful and delicious. Enjoy every spicy bite!
Spicy Korean Gochujang Noodles
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles udon or ramen
- 2 tablespoon gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ cup green onions chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions until they’re tender but still chewy. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until smooth.
Step 3: Toss the Noodles in Sauce
- In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over them. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce, cooking for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the noodles to a serving bowl, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Enjoy your spicy, flavorful noodles while they’re hot!
Notes
- Noodle Choice: Udon or ramen noodles work best, but you can use any chewy noodle you like, such as soba or rice noodles.
- Add Vegetables: Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added texture and color.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the gochujang to 1 tablespoon, or add a bit more honey to balance the spice.
