The BEST Spicy Korean Ramen Recipe Made In Under 20 Minutes (2024)

This spicy Korean ramen recipe turns instant ramen noodles into a deeply rich and flavorful ramen that's layered with complex flavor. It combines seared beef with a spicy kimchi sauce and perfectly cooked ramen noodles to make for a savory slightly spicy ramen the whole family will love. Plus, it's so easy to make too. In fact, all you need are 8 simple ingredients and 20 minutes to make it!

The Best Korean Ramen

Ramen is a dish that's best made when you're short on time and need something delicious to eat quickly. And that's why I love this Korean ramen recipe. It's simple and quick, but it tastes way better than your basic cup of instant noodles.

Now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a simple bowl of instant ramen. In fact, I've come up with a bunch of recipes that turn plain instant noodles into something totally different and delicious, like this cheesy ramen.

That being said, though, this Korean instant ramen recipe is honestly one of the best ramen recipes I've come up with to date. That's because of the extra special ingredient that gives us that irreplaceable spicy flavor - the kimchi base.

The kimchi base, or gochujang sauce, is similar in flavor to Nongshim shin noodle soup in that it's rich in spicy flavor and it's super savory. When added to your Korean instant ramen, it adds layers of flavor to your ramen that is sure to make it stand out. And, let me tell ya, when you pair it with your perfectly seared beef, you're family might think you snuck off to get takeout - it's that good!

Now, if you're looking for even more recipes for ramen noodles, then you should check out this spicy ramen recipe. Or, if you just want a quick how-to, then check out this step-by-step on how to make ramen in the microwave.

Ingredients

So, for this Korean ramen recipe, all you need is a package of instant noodles and 7 essential ingredients.

With that said, most mainstream grocery stores should have all you need - including the kimchi no moto - though you'll likely need to look for that one in the Asian ingredient aisle.

Anyway, here's everything you'll need to make this Korean ramen:

• 2 Beef Steaks, cubed
• Salt and Pepper
• 2 tsp. Sesame Oil
• 3 tbsp. Kimchee No Moto (kimchee base) or Gochujang Sauce
• 2 tbsp. Soy Sauce
• ¼ cup Scallions, chopped
• 1 Package Instant Ramen noodles
• Black sesame seeds

Pretty common stuff, right?!

Now, just so you know, when it comes to instant noodles, you can use plain or flavored. Since we are adding our own flavoring to our ramen broth, it doesn't really matter what's in the flavor packet since we won't be using it.

Also, don't get too caught up in "Japanese ramen" or "Korean instant noodles," as you may find both labels at your grocery store. Both kinds of ramen noodles will work to make this spicy ramen recipe.

Oh, and by the way, if you aren't super hungry you can omit the beef in this recipe and make a simple spicy veggie ramen instead.

How To Make Korean Ramen

This recipe for spicy ramen makes 2 big servings, but you can easily double - or triple - the recipe, depending on how many hungry people you have coming over for dinner.

Just plan on needing about 20 minutes from start to finish to make this recipe. Also, don't sweat the steps, this recipe could not be simpler. You basically just sear the meat, make the sauce, cook the noodles in said sauce, and combine everything together.

It's super easy!

Anyway, let's stop wasting time and cook up some spicy ramen!

Step 1: Cook The Beef

First, we are going to start by cooking the beef.

So, to do that, you'll want to start by seasoning your beef with salt and pepper on all sides. Then, in a non-stick skillet, add the sesame oil to it and sear the steak for a few minutes until golden brown on both sides.

Once your steak is fully cooked, set it aside for later.

Step 2: Build The Ramen Broth

So, in the same skillet that you cooked the beef in, you'll want to add the kimchi base or gochujang sauce, soy sauce, water, and half of the scallions. Then, you'll want to stir all of these ingredients up and bring them to a boil.

Step 3: Add The Noodles

Next, you'll want to add the dried noodles to the pan and let them cook for a couple of minutes. Also, I recommend stirring the noodles every so often so you can break 'em up as they cook.

Step 4: Assemble & Enjoy

Finally, split the ramen between two bowls and top with your green onion, cooked steak, and sesame seeds.

Serve warm and enjoy!

How To Store And Reheat Korean Ramen Noodles

Now, it's pretty unlikely that you will have leftovers since this recipe makes the perfect amount of ramen. But, just in case you do, you can store your ramen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Now, to reheat your Korean noodles, I recommend using the stovetop. Simply pour your ramen into a saucepan and set the heat to medium. Stir frequently and cook until your ramen is fully warmed. Also, if your ramen seems dry, you can add a splash of broth to the pan while it's cooking.

Alternatively, you can microwave your Korean ramen in 20-second increments until it is thoroughly warm, stopping between each increment to stir your ramen.

Wrapping It Up

Well, that's how to make Korean ramen!

If you love spicy food, or just spicy Asian dishes in general, like udon noodles or pad Thai, then you really need to try this ramen recipe out.

Plus, it couldn't be simpler to make - I mean just 4 simple steps are all you need to follow to whip it up. And, as I've mentioned a few times, this homemade spicy ramen comes together in just 15 minutes. Honestly, it's almost as easy as making instant ramen.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this Korean ramen recipe as much as I do.

More Recipes

If you enjoyed this spicy Korean ramen, there's a good chance you'll like some of my other Asian-inspired recipes as well.

Here are a few of my favorite easy recipes:

• Korean tofu soup
• Potato mochi
• Spicy noodles
• Beef ramen
• Spicy miso ramen
• Kylie Jenner ramen
• Vietnamese shrimp toast

Also, for even more deliciousness, don't forget to check us out on Instagram,TikTok, andYouTube. We post new ones on them every single day.