Hey y’all! If you love a big burst of flavor with minimal effort, these Instant Ramen Hacks: Spicy Gochujang Noodles are about to become your new favorite go-to meal. With chewy noodles bathed in a rich, savory, and fiery gochujang sauce, this dish is perfect for late-night cravings, cozy dinners, or any time you want something deliciously satisfying in minutes. Grab your chopsticks—let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Fast and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with pantry staples.
- Packed with flavor: Spicy, sweet, and umami-rich, thanks to gochujang.
- Customizable heat level: Adjust the spice to your preference.
- Affordable and satisfying: Makes a crave-worthy comfort meal on a budget.
- Minimal cleanup: Only one pot needed for cooking and mixing!
Ingredients
- 1 (3-oz) package instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1 egg (optional for a soft-boiled topping)
Directions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and have them ready. If adding a soft-boiled egg, start by bringing a small pot of water to a boil.
2. Cook the Noodles
In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender. Do not overcook.
3. Make the Gochujang Sauce
While the noodles cook, in a small bowl mix together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth and set aside.
4. Combine and Toss
Once noodles are cooked, drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of the noodle cooking water. Return the noodles to the pot, add the gochujang sauce and reserved water. Toss over low heat for 30-60 seconds until the noodles are evenly coated in the thick, glossy sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the spicy gochujang noodles to a bowl. Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a soft-boiled egg if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Add more or less gochujang for your preferred spice level.
- Try topping with chopped kimchi for extra crunch and tang.
- Swirl in a pat of butter for an extra creamy, rich finish.
Variations
- Vegetarian crunch: Mix in sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell pepper.
- Cheesy ramen: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar before serving.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, sliced tofu, or cooked shrimp.
Required Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Small bowl (for sauce)
- Strainer or slotted spoon
- Chopsticks or fork
Storage Instructions
Store leftover spicy gochujang noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Not recommended for freezing.
Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations
- Serve with kimchi or pickled veggies for a tangy side.
- Enjoy alongside crispy fried dumplings or spring rolls.
- Pair with an ice-cold green tea or a citrusy sparkling drink to balance the heat.
Pro Tips
- Rinse cooked noodles briefly under cold water if you prefer a chewier texture.
- Reserve some noodle water to help emulsify the sauce for a silkier finish.
- Use high-quality gochujang for a deeper, more authentic flavor.
FAQ
- Can I make this less spicy?
Absolutely! Use half the gochujang or add a little more honey to mellow out the heat. - What kind of ramen works best?
Standard instant ramen bricks (chicken or vegetable flavor) without the included seasoning are ideal, but you can use fresh or other dried noodles. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredient amounts and cook in a larger pot—the flavor scales up perfectly.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 generous portion (double as needed!)
Ingredients
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 soft-boiled egg, halved (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Cook the instant ramen noodles in boiling water according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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2In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sugar until smooth.
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3Add the drained noodles to the bowl and toss thoroughly until evenly coated with the spicy sauce.
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4Divide the noodles between two bowls. Top each with sliced scallions, a soft-boiled egg half, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if desired.
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5Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your spicy gochujang noodles!
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
470cal
Protein:
13 gg
Fat:
15 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
67 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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