Spicy Gochujang Noodles – A Korean-Inspired Comfort Food Hack
Published on August 26nd, 2025
Intermediate
If you’ve ever found yourself craving something bold, fiery, and just a little indulgent in under 15 minutes, then these spicy gochujang noodles are about to become your new obsession. Inspired by viral instant ramen hacks and the undeniable allure of Korean flavours, this recipe takes a humble packet of noodles and transforms it into a bowl of pure comfort. Creamy, spicy, nutty, and tangy all at once – it’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you ever settled for plain ramen in the first place.
What Makes Gochujang Noodles Special?
At the heart of this dish is gochujang – a Korean fermented red chilli paste that’s equal parts spicy, savoury, and slightly sweet. Unlike your average hot sauce, gochujang has layers of depth from its fermentation, giving it a rich umami flavour that clings beautifully to noodles. When paired with garlic, sesame oil, and just a touch of peanut butter, it creates the ultimate sauce for spicy Korean noodles that feel far more gourmet than their pantry-staple origins.
These noodles aren’t just about heat – they’re about balance. The tang from rice vinegar, sweetness from brown sugar, and nuttiness from peanut butter make every bite a symphony of flavours. The best part? You only need a few basic ingredients to whip it up.
Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Noodle Recipe
• Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes or less.
• Pantry-Friendly – Uses ingredients you probably already have (or can easily find).
• Customizable – Perfect as a solo snack or dressed up with toppings.
• Bold Flavours – Spicy, tangy, nutty, and a touch sweet.
• Viral-Worthy Appeal – This is the kind of noodle hack you’ll want to share.
Ingredients for Noodle & Toppings (serves 2)
- 1 packet instant ramen noodles
- 2–3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp gochugaru (or chilli flakes)
- ½–1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1–2 tbsp chopped spring onions
- 1½ tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1½ tbsp peanut butter (smooth)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp brown sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the beef broth. Soak the brisket in water for 10 minutes to remove excess blood. Drain, then simmer with onion, green onion, and black pepper for about 1 hour. Strain and cool.
- Slice the beef. Once cooled, thinly slice the brisket for topping.
- Mix the broth. Combine the cooled beef stock with dongchimi brine. Season with vinegar, pear juice, sugar, sea salt, and mustard powder. Adjust to taste—it should be tangy, slightly sweet, and refreshing.
- Chill it properly. Place the broth in the freezer until lightly slushy. This icy texture is essential to authentic mul naengmyeon.
- Cook the noodles. Boil the naengmyeon noodles according to the package, usually 3–4 minutes. Drain, rinse under very cold water, and even add ice to keep them extra chewy.
- Assemble the bowls. Place the noodles into bowls, ladle over the icy broth, and top with sliced beef, pear, cucumber, radish, and half a boiled egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Season at the table. Many Koreans add a little mustard paste or vinegar just before eating for an extra kick.
Serving & Variations
The beauty of mul naengmyeon is its flexibility. While the classic toppings are pear, cucumber, radish, and beef, you can also:
• Swap beef for chicken or keep it vegetarian with just the vegetables.
• Use chilled chicken broth if beef isn’t available.
• Add more dongchimi for a tangier flavor.
• Garnish with sliced chili for a hint of heat.
And don’t forget: this dish shines after a BBQ feast, when the icy broth refreshes your palate and makes the meal feel complete.
Serving & Variations
• Refreshing: The icy broth is like culinary air conditioning on a hot day.
• Balanced: Light and tangy, it’s the perfect contrast to heavier dishes.
• Authentic: A true taste of traditional Korean cuisine.
• Customizable: Adjust the broth and toppings to your taste.
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s as nourishing as it is cooling, the mul naengmyeon recipe is it.
Final Bite
Whether you spell it mul naengmyeon or mul naengmyun, this Korean cold noodle soup is a dish that speaks to both tradition and taste. With its slushy broth, chewy noodles, and crisp toppings, it’s a celebration of balance and refreshment. Try it at home, share it with friends, and let it transport you straight to a Korean summer table.
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