Spicy Korean Gochujang Beef Noodles Recipe

Sizzling Spicy Korean Gochujang Beef Noodles Recipe

Craving a bold culinary adventure with spicy korean gochujang beef noodles that dance on your palate?

Unexpected flavor combinations make this dish a true sensation.

Vibrant ingredients weave together in a harmonious blend of heat and comfort.

Robust beef mingles with tangy sauce, creating a symphony of taste that surprises at every bite.

Weeknight dinners transform into exciting gastronomic experiences with minimal effort.

Rich umami notes and fiery gochujang elevate this simple recipe beyond ordinary meals.

Storage Advice For Korean Beef Noodles

Storage Advice For Korean Beef Noodles
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the noodles and sauce separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Pack completely cooled noodles in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated through.

FAQs

  • What makes gochujang special in this recipe?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that provides a unique sweet, spicy, and umami flavor profile, giving these noodles their distinctive taste and rich red color.

  • Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the amount of gochujang. The current recipe offers a moderate heat that most people can enjoy, but you can customize it to your spice tolerance.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground beef works great, but you can easily substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.

Spicy Korean Gochujang Beef Noodles Recipe

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: This recipe delivers speedy satisfaction with minimal cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes fast.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Flexible ingredients like optional coconut cream and flexible toppings mean you can personalize each plate to match your taste preferences and spice tolerance.
  • Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform ordinary ground meat and noodles into a restaurant-worthy Korean-inspired dish that feels gourmet but requires zero professional cooking skills.
  • Pack a Flavor Punch: Gochujang sauce brings incredible depth and spicy complexity, turning simple ingredients into an exciting meal that will wake up your taste buds and impress dinner companions.

Ingredients For Spicy Korean Beef Noodles

Noodles and Proteins:
  • Noodles: Provide the base for this delicious Korean-inspired dish.
  • Ground Meat: Adds protein and hearty texture to the meal.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Gochujang: Delivers a spicy and complex Korean chili paste flavor.
  • Coconut Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
Seasonings and Garnishes:
  • Salt, Butter, Scallions, Sesame Seeds, Cilantro, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance flavor, provide garnish, and add extra texture and visual appeal to the dish.

Cooking Instructions For Korean Beef Noodles

Cooking Instructions For Korean Beef Noodles

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the noodles until they’re perfectly tender.

Once done, drain the noodles and toss them with melted butter, allowing the rich flavor to coat every strand.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces.

Cook the meat until it’s completely browned and no pink remains, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Whip Up The Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil.

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, vibrant sauce.

Don’t worry about small coconut cream chunks – they’ll melt beautifully when heated.

Step 4: Combine Noodles And Sauce

Return the cooked noodles to the pot.

Pour in about half of the prepared sauce and gently toss to ensure each noodle is beautifully coated with the spicy, tangy mixture.

Step 5: Add Beef And Finish Cooking

Fold the browned beef into the sauced noodles.

Pour in the remaining sauce and stir thoroughly.

Let the mixture simmer on low heat for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Transfer the spicy beef noodles to serving plates.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped scallions, a handful of sesame seeds, and a scattering of cilantro.

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top.

Step 7: Optional Creamy Boost

For an luxurious touch, stir in a dollop of coconut cream.

This creates an incredibly rich and silky sauce that takes the dish to the next level of deliciousness.

Tips For Korean Gochujang Beef Noodles

Tips For Korean Gochujang Beef Noodles
  • Rinse noodles with cold water after boiling to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring perfect al dente consistency.
  • Adjust gochujang quantity to control heat intensity, adding more for fiery flavor or less for milder taste.
  • Break ground beef into small pieces while cooking to create even, well-distributed meat throughout the dish.
  • Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to eliminate coconut cream chunks and create a silky, uniform coating.
  • Let the final dish simmer on low heat for a few extra minutes to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper taste profiles.

Flavor Variations For Korean Beef Noodles

  • Vegetarian Korean Noodles: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitute, maintaining the spicy gochujang flavor profile for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use rice noodles or zucchini noodles instead of traditional wheat noodles, ensuring the dish remains safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Carb Korean Beef Bowl: Swap noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables, keeping the robust gochujang sauce and protein-rich ground beef intact.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Add extra protein by incorporating soft-boiled eggs or grilled chicken alongside the ground beef, enhancing the nutritional value of the dish.

Serving Suggestions For Korean Beef Noodles

  • Flavor Fusion Plating: Arrange noodles in a wide bowl, creating a swirl pattern with the beef and sauce for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Fresh Herb Garden Topping: Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, and a dash of sesame seeds for a vibrant color and crisp texture contrast.
  • Spice Level Customization: Offer red pepper flakes on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat intensity according to their personal preference.
  • Protein Power-Up: Pair with a soft-boiled egg or grilled tofu for additional protein and a creamy element that complements the spicy sauce.
Print
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Spicy Korean Gochujang Beef Noodles Recipe

Spicy Korean Gochujang Beef Noodles Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Spicy Korean Gochujang Beef Noodles deliver a flavor-packed punch of Korean street food magic. Fiery gochujang sauce, tender beef, and silky noodles combine for a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Noodles and Base:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rice noodles

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) gochujang paste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons (10 grams) tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons (10 grams) minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) fresh grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat salted water in a large pot and cook noodles until al dente, following package guidelines. Drain and toss with melted butter, ensuring even coating.
  2. In a spacious skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains.
  3. Prepare the sauce by whisking all liquid ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Some coconut cream fragments are normal and will dissolve when heated.
  4. Return noodles to the pot and pour approximately half the prepared sauce, gently mixing to distribute flavors evenly.
  5. Incorporate the cooked ground beef into the noodle mixture, adding remaining sauce. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together.
  6. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with fresh chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, fragrant cilantro, and optional red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  7. Note: Coconut cream provides a luxurious richness to the sauce, though it can be omitted without significantly compromising the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Notes

  • Check noodle texture by tasting during cooking to achieve perfect al dente consistency without becoming mushy.
  • Drain noodles quickly and immediately toss with butter to prevent sticking and add rich flavor.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting gochujang amount, perfect for those with different heat tolerances.
  • Coconut cream creates a silky, luxurious sauce that balances the spicy Korean flavors, adding depth and creaminess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 497 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 385 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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