Spicy Gochujang Noodles

5 from 16 votes

These 10 minute Spicy Gochujang Noodles are perfect for a quick meal when you don't have a lot of time! The sauce comes together in minutes and the noodles are spicy, creamy, and delicious!

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Korean

Servings:

Author: Chris Joe

Ingredients

6 oz dried knife cut noodles
2 tsp gochugaru
1 tbsp gochujang
2 scallions chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp sesame seeds
3 tbsp neutral oil
2 tbsp sesame paste
1 tbsp mirin or sugar
2 tbsp light soy sauce low sodium
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp msg optional
1/2 cup reserved noodle cooking water

Instructions

In a heatproof bowl, combine scallions, garlic, sesame seeds, gochugaru, and gochujang. Heat 3 tbsp of neutral oil in a pot to 350F-375F and add to the bowl. Stir to combine.
In the same bowl, add sesame paste, mirin, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and mix to combine to form the sauce.
Cook dried noodles according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of noodle cooking water, then add the noodles directly to the sauce.
Mix the noodles well, using reserved cooking water to loose the sauce as needed.
Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds and enjoy!

Notes

Key Tips

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, thinly sliced cucumber (matchsticks), and crushed peanuts

Nutrition