Korean Spicy Gochujang Noodles – 10 Min! (VIDEO)

PRO TIPS

Gochujang vs. Gochugaru

Gochujang and gochugaru are similar but very different. They are both key ingredients for Korean cooking, so I’m providing a brief breakdown of the two ingredients below. There are no great substitutes for either of these and they do not work as substitutes for each other. If you want to make Korean food at home, I highly recommend purchasing these two ingredients for your pantry.

Gochujang

• This is a spicy and sweet Korean red pepper paste. It has a strong flavor profile, with a hint of umami. You only need a little to go a long way.
• It is usually sold in tubs of varying sizes at Korean markets. I’ve also seen it at some of my local Ralph’s (in the “Asian” aisle) and on Amazon.
• If you are new to using or eating gochujang, I would consider using 1/2 of what the recipe calls for.
• It’s used in recipes like Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Kimchi Fried Rice, Spicy Honey Garlic Tofu, Gochujang Honey Wings, and Korean Fried Cauliflower.

Gochugari (Korean red chili pepper flakes)

• Gochugaru is Korean red chili pepper flakes (or powder, depending on which version you purchase). It’s vibrant in color and smoky in flavor, and while the heat level varies, it’s definitely on the spicy side. I love using this ingredient because of the layers of flavor it adds.
• It is usually sold in tubs of varying sizes at Korean markets. I’ve also seen it at some of my local Ralph’s (in the “Asian” aisle) and on Amazon.
• If you are new to using this ingredient or if you are sensitive to spice, I would consider using 1/2 of what the recipe calls for.
• It’s used in recipes like Korean Braised Tofu, Spicy Garlic Ramen and Korean Cucumber Salad.

PRO TIPS

Expert Tips for Making Korean Spicy Gochujang Noodles at Home!

Noodle Tips

• I like using dried noodles by the brand “Wu-Mu”. I find them at my local 99 Ranch. They are wavy, knife cut wheat noodles from Taiwan. These noodles have a great mouth feel and pick up a lot of the delicious spicy gochujang sauce.
• If you can’t find these, I’ve seen these type of noodles by many brands – I’ve even seen something similar at Trader Joe’s! You can also substitute with another noodle of your choice; in a pinch, even spaghetti or fettuccine can work.

Gochujang vs Gochugaru

• There are no great substitutes for either of these and they do not work as substitutes for each other. If you want to make Korean food at home, I highly recommend purchasing these two ingredients for your pantry. If you are new to using either ingredient or if you are sensitive to spice, I would consider using 1/2 of what the recipe calls for.
• Gochujang is a spicy and sweet Korean red pepper paste; it is usually sold in tubs of varying sizes.
• Gochugaru is Korean red chili pepper flakes (or powder); it is sold in bags.

Noodle Water

• Reserve 1/2 cup of noodle cooking water to loosen your sauce, it is too thick for your liking. I also like to use it to loosen the noodles, as the Korean Spicy Gochujang Noodles will thicken as it sits.

Optional Garnishes

• These noodles are delicious as is – but if you want to take it an extra step and top with optional garnishes, here are some ideas:
  • chopped scallions
  • crushed peanuts
  • thinly sliced cucumber (matchsticks)