These Easy Korean Spicy Noodles are packed with bold flavors, a satisfying chewy texture, and a perfect balance of heat and umami. Made with chewy noodles, a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, and fresh toppings, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner!
The best part? You can customize the spice level, add your favorite proteins, or keep it fully plant-based!
Ingredients for Easy Korean Spicy Noodles
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) Korean wheat noodles or ramen noodles
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Spicy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- ¼ cup (60ml) reserved noodle water (to thin the sauce if needed)
Garnishing & Serving:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- ½ cup kimchi (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 soft-boiled egg (optional, for extra protein)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Chopsticks or tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt.
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions, usually 4-5 minutes.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the cooking water, then drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Make the Spicy Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved noodle water to loosen it.
3. Toss & Coat the Noodles
- Add the drained noodles to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the spicy sauce over the noodles and toss well until evenly coated.
4. Garnish & Serve
- Top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and kimchi.
- Add a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Korean Spicy Noodles
Use fresh or frozen Korean wheat noodles – They have the best chewy texture.
Adjust spice levels – Add more gochujang or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Don’t skip the sesame oil – It enhances the depth of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the noodles – Slightly undercook them for a chewier bite.
Skipping the reserved noodle water – Helps loosen and thicken the sauce.
Using too much gochujang – Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve with a side of Korean cucumber salad or pickled radish.
- Pair with crispy tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp for extra protein.
- Garnish with extra chili flakes and crushed seaweed for an authentic touch.
How to Store & Make Ahead
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The noodles may absorb the sauce, so add a splash of warm water when reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan with a little sesame oil or water over low heat.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as the noodles can become mushy when thawed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it gluten-free – Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add protein – Toss in grilled tofu, shrimp, or sliced beef.
- Make it extra creamy – Stir in 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or tahini.
What to Serve with Korean Spicy Noodles
- Korean BBQ chicken or bulgogi beef
- Steamed dumplings or crispy tofu bites
- A side of miso soup or seaweed salad
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! Try ramen, udon, or soba noodles for different textures.
How can I make this less spicy?
Reduce the gochujang to 1 tablespoon and add a little extra honey.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes! It works well as a cold noodle salad for summer.
Conclusion
These Easy Korean Spicy Noodles are bold, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes, making them a go-to dish for spice lovers and quick meal seekers! Whether you serve them hot or cold, with protein or as-is, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for delicious, umami-packed noodles.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick and flavorful Asian-inspired recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 400 kcal per serving (based on 2 servings).
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2
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Easy Korean Spicy Noodles – Bold, Flavorful & Quick!
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
-
These Korean Spicy Noodles are chewy, saucy, and packed with bold flavors! A quick 15-minute meal with gochujang, garlic, and sesame oil.
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) Korean wheat noodles or ramen noodles
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Spicy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- ¼ cup (60ml) reserved noodle water (to thin the sauce if needed)
For Garnishing & Serving:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- ½ cup kimchi (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 soft-boiled egg (optional, for extra protein)
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt.
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions, usually 4-5 minutes.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the cooking water, then drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Make the Spicy Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved noodle water to loosen it.
3. Toss & Coat the Noodles
- Add the drained noodles to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the spicy sauce over the noodles and toss well until evenly coated.
4. Garnish & Serve
- Top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and kimchi.
- Add a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
✔ Use fresh or frozen Korean wheat noodles – They have the best chewy texture.
✔ Adjust spice levels – Add more gochujang or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
✔ Don’t skip the sesame oil – It enhances the depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 400
