If you’re craving bold, spicy, and savory noodles, these Korean Spicy Noodles are the perfect dish! Made with chewy japchae noodles (or rice noodles) and a flavorful gochujang-based sauce, this Korean noodle bowl is a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for Asian food recipes with noodles, a Japchae sauce recipe, or a simple Korean stir-fry noodle dish, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Korean Spicy Noodles Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – A rich, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce coats every bite.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable – Add protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp) or extra veggies.
- Authentic & Restaurant-Style – Inspired by Korean japchae noodles with a spicy twist.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free Options – Use rice noodles and tamari for a plant-based version.
Ingredients for Korean Spicy Noodles
For the Noodles & Stir-Fry:
- 8 oz japchae noodles (sweet potato noodles) or rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Spicy Japchae Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons water or broth (to thin sauce)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make these Korean stir-fry noodles, you’ll need:
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowl for sauce
- Wok or skillet for stir-frying
- Tongs for tossing noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Korean Spicy Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add japchae noodles or rice noodles and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Japchae Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water.
- Set aside for later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add carrots, bell peppers, and shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
- Add the cooked noodles and spicy japchae sauce to the wok.
- Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are well coated.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with extra gochujang or a squeeze of lime.
- Enjoy as a main dish or side with Korean BBQ, dumplings, or kimchi!
Expert Tips for the Best Korean Stir-Fry Noodles
- Use japchae (sweet potato noodles) for authenticity – They soak up the sauce beautifully.
- For extra spice – Add more gochujang or sriracha.
- Want more umami? – Stir in 1 teaspoon fish sauce or miso paste.
- For a crunchier texture – Add bean sprouts or chopped peanuts.
- Make it a full meal – Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Fun Variations of Korean Spicy Noodles
- Korean Peanut Noodles – Add peanut butter or tahini to the sauce for creaminess.
- Spicy Japchae with Beef – Stir-fry thinly sliced beef bulgogi with the veggies.
- Kimchi Noodle Stir-Fry – Mix in chopped kimchi for tangy heat.
- Vegan Japchae Noodles – Use tofu and tamari for a plant-based dish.
How to Store & Reheat Korean Spicy Noodles
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the noodles may become too soft.
Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips
- Top with a fried egg for an extra indulgent touch.
- Serve with a side of kimchi for authentic Korean flavors.
- Pair with dumplings or a Korean BBQ platter for a full meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Spicy Noodles
- Overcooking the noodles – Keep them slightly firm (al dente) to prevent mushiness.
- Skipping the sauce step – Mixing the sauce separately ensures balanced flavors.
- Using too much sauce – Start with less and add more as needed.
- Not stir-frying on high heat – This helps the flavors develop quickly.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Korean Noodles
- Korean Fried Chicken – A crispy contrast to the spicy noodles.
- Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi) – Adds extra protein and umami.
- Miso Soup or Egg Drop Soup – A comforting side dish.
FAQ Section
1. Can I make these noodles gluten-free?
Yes! Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
2. What if I don’t have gochujang?
Use sriracha + miso paste as a substitute, or try chili garlic sauce.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge and reheat with a little water to refresh the noodles.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
These Korean Spicy Noodles are a quick, flavorful, and easy Asian-inspired dinner perfect for busy nights. Whether you’re making a Korean noodle bowl, a Japchae sauce recipe, or a simple Korean stir-fry, this dish delivers bold, spicy, and savory flavors with minimal effort!
Try this Korean-inspired noodle recipe today and share your results! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more quick and tasty Asian food recipes!
PrintKorean Spicy Noodles : Quick & Tasty Dinner
If you’re craving bold, spicy, and savory noodles, these Korean Spicy Noodles are the perfect dish!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
For the Noodles & Stir-Fry:
- 8 oz japchae noodles (sweet potato noodles) or rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Spicy Japchae Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons water or broth (to thin sauce)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add japchae noodles or rice noodles and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Japchae Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water.
- Set aside for later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add carrots, bell peppers, and shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
- Add the cooked noodles and spicy japchae sauce to the wok.
- Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are well coated.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with extra gochujang or a squeeze of lime.
- Enjoy as a main dish or side with Korean BBQ, dumplings, or kimchi!
Notes
- Use japchae (sweet potato noodles) for authenticity – They soak up the sauce beautifully.
- For extra spice – Add more gochujang or sriracha.
- Want more umami? – Stir in 1 teaspoon fish sauce or miso paste.
- For a crunchier texture – Add bean sprouts or chopped peanuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: Asian Food Recipes Noodles