These Korean ramen noodles are quick and tasty! With a spicy broth and chewy noodles, they make for a comforting dish any day of the week.
I love adding veggies and an egg for extra flavor! It’s so satisfying to slurp them up while enjoying a cozy evening. Who can resist that? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Korean Instant Ramen Noodles: These noodles are essential for authentic flavor and texture. If you can’t find Korean brands, any instant ramen will work, but adjust cooking time per package directions.
Beef: Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin adds richness. For a lighter option, use shredded chicken or tofu, which works well for a vegetarian spin.
Gochujang: This chili paste gives a distinct flavor. If unavailable, try sriracha or chili paste, but start with a smaller amount as they can be spicier.
Baby Bok Choy/Spinach: Either greens add freshness. If you’re out of them, you can swap in kale or even frozen edamame for a crunch.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Soft-Boiled Egg?
Soft-boiled eggs add creaminess that complements your ramen beautifully. To get it right:
- Boil the eggs for about 6-7 minutes in simmering water.
- Immediately transfer them to an ice bath for 5 minutes to stop cooking.
- Peel gently, and you’ll have that perfect, runny yolk!
This technique is simple but makes a huge difference in your ramen experience.
Delicious Korean Ramen Noodles Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packs Korean instant ramen noodles
- 4 cups water
- 200 grams thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin or ribeye)
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 1 cup baby bok choy or spinach
- ½ cup kimchi
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or additional gochugaru for extra spice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Water:
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. This will be the base for your flavorful ramen broth.
2. Flavor the Broth:
Once the water is boiling, add the minced garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, and vegetable oil to the pot. Stir it well to make sure the gochujang dissolves and mixes into the broth, giving it a rich color and spiciness.
3. Cook the Beef:
Add the thinly sliced beef to the boiling broth. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and tender.
4. Add the Noodles:
Next, add the ramen noodles to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
5. Add Greens:
In the last minute of cooking the noodles, toss in the baby bok choy or spinach to wilt in the broth. This adds a fresh touch to your ramen!
6. Finish the Broth:
Turn off the heat and drizzle the sesame oil into the pot. This adds a lovely nutty flavor to your ramen.
7. Serve:
Ladle the ramen noodles and broth into serving bowls. Make sure everyone gets some beef and greens!
8. Top It Off:
Garnish each bowl with halved soft-boiled eggs, kimchi, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch.
9. Spice It Up:
If you like it spicy, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or extra gochugaru to each bowl according to your taste!
10. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Korean ramen immediately with chopsticks and a spoon. Enjoy slurping up those tasty noodles!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can swap the beef for shredded chicken, tofu, or even shrimp for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp cooks faster, while chicken may need a few extra minutes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the broth and noodles separate if possible to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to mix in other veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers. Just add them to the broth a few minutes before the noodles are finished cooking to ensure they remain tender yet crunchy!
