When the air begins to cool and weeknights start to feel a little longer, there’s something especially comforting about a steaming bowl of noodles. Korean Gochujang Noodles have become a favorite in our household—not only for their bold, spicy-sweet flavor but for the way they warm both the belly and the heart. This dish is rooted in the rich culinary tradition of Korea, where gochujang, a fermented red chili paste, plays a central role in many family recipes.

I first discovered gochujang noodles during a chilly fall trip to a small Korean eatery in New York. The cook, a kind grandmotherly figure, brought out a dish that looked simple but tasted like home—even though it wasn’t mine. It had the depth of something that had been cooked from memory, passed down through generations. Ever since then, I’ve tried to recreate that warmth in my kitchen, adjusting flavors to suit the ingredients in my pantry while respecting the cultural integrity of the dish.

These Korean Gochujang Noodles are the perfect way to bring a touch of spice and comfort to your dinner table, whether you’re new to Korean flavors or a longtime fan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor
• Perfectly chewy noodles coated in a rich sauce
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins
• A cozy meal for any night of the week

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 8 oz rice noodles or soba noodles
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons gochujang
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 cup chopped scallions
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
• Toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
• Optional: sautéed tofu, cooked chicken, or grilled lamb strips

HOW TO MAKE KOREAN GOCHUJANG NOODLES:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the noodles.
   Cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics.
   In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil and neutral oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This is when your kitchen starts to smell incredible.
3. Make the sauce.
   Add gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch to the skillet. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.

1. Toss in veggies.
   Add the carrots, bell pepper, cabbage, and scallions. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.
2. Combine with noodles.
   Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently in the sauce and veggies until fully coated and heated through.
3. Serve and garnish.
   Plate your gochujang noodles and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and more scallions. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• If your gochujang is very spicy, start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste.
• Soba or rice noodles work great, but you can also try udon or even spaghetti in a pinch.
• Stir-frying the veggies quickly over high heat helps retain their crunch and color.
• For extra protein, top with grilled lamb, turkey ham, sautéed tofu, or a fried egg.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian (optional to make vegan or meat-based)

NOTES:

Feel free to adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of gochujang. Add a splash more soy sauce or maple syrup to balance flavor to your liking.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving – approximate)
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What does gochujang taste like?
Gochujang has a bold, complex flavor that’s sweet, savory, and spicy all at once. It’s made from fermented red chili flakes, glutinous rice, and soybeans, giving it a rich umami depth. Perfect for adding a kick to marinades, soups, and noodle dishes.

What are gochujang noodles?
Gochujang noodles are a Korean-inspired dish featuring rice noodles tossed in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and packed with bold, umami-rich flavors.

How long does it take to cook gochujang noodles?
Gochujang noodles typically take 20 to 30 minutes to prepare. The process involves stir-frying vegetables and protein, boiling the noodles, and tossing everything in a spicy, sweet gochujang-based sauce. It’s a quick weeknight dinner with big flavor payoff.

What is Korean spicy noodles?
Korean spicy noodles are a zesty dish made with rice noodles and a bold gochujang-based sauce. Often mixed with veggies and protein like shrimp or tofu, these noodles deliver a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami in every bite.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the noodles from getting mushy.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Korean Gochujang Noodles
• Gochujang Beef Bowls
• Gochujang Pasta
• Best and Easiest Beef Bulgogi

CONCLUSION:

There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that brings together heat, comfort, and tradition. Korean Gochujang Noodles are more than just a quick dinner—they’re a little bowl of cultural appreciation, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with something new and flavorful. Keep a jar of gochujang in your pantry, and this recipe will never be far from reach.

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