Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe (2024)

By Eric Kim

Updated Dec. 12, 2023

Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe (1)

Total Time
25 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Rating
5(5,554)
Notes
Read community notes

These garlicky, buttery noodles are perfect for when you need a stellar pantry meal lickety-split. A packet of fresh or even instant ramen speeds up the meal prep and is ideal when cooking for one (see Tip). Honey and sherry vinegar round out gochujang’s deep heat into a mellowness that’s at once sweet, savory and tangy. The brick-red butter sauce, emulsified with a splash of the pasta cooking water, coats spaghetti here, but you can use whatever noodles you like.

Featured in: Gochujang Is So Much More Than a Condiment

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 1pound spaghetti or other long pasta
  • 6tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 12garlic cloves, finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • ¼cup gochujang paste (not sauce; see Tip)
  • ¼cup honey
  • ¼cup sherry vinegar or rice vinegar
  • Finely chopped cilantro or thinly sliced scallions (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

693 calories; 20 grams fat; 11 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 5 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 111 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 22 grams sugars; 18 grams protein; 654 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe (2)

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water. Drain the spaghetti and return to its pot.

  2. While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet over medium-low. Add the garlic and season generously with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic starts to soften but not brown, 1 to 3 minutes.

  3. Step

    3

    Stir in the gochujang, honey and vinegar, and bring to a simmer over medium-high. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reduces significantly, 3 to 4 minutes; when you drag a spatula across the bottom of the pan, it should leave behind a trail that stays put for about 3 seconds. Remove from the heat.

  4. Step

    4

    Transfer the sauce to the pot with the spaghetti and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Vigorously stir until the butter melts. Add splashes of the pasta cooking water, as needed, to thin out the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Top with the cilantro or scallions (if using) and serve immediately.

Tips

  • Be sure to purchase plain gochujang paste, not gochujang sauce, which often includes additives like vinegar and sugar. To easily measure out gochujang, swipe the inside of a measuring cup with a little neutral oil, which will get it to slip right out.
  • To make a single serving, follow the recipe using 4 to 5 ounces fresh or instant ramen noodles; 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter (1 tablespoon to fry the garlic and ½ tablespoon for the sauce at the end); 3 garlic cloves; 1 heaping tablespoon gochujang; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or rice vinegar. Decrease the cook times throughout by 1 to 2 minutes.

Ratings

5

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5,554

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Annie B

Many thanks for including instructions for a single serving. The onesies of the world salute you, Eric!

jacqueline

It’s midnight and I’m a couple drinks in. Because I just got home from a trip I had everything except the Gochujang paste (had to substitute Gochujang sauce, which I know, it says get the paste!). Regardless, it was delicious. I used stale limpy cilantro but I would have preferred scallions, or fresh cilantro. I used somen noodles and they were perfect. Chopped some nuts for crunch/protein and it was a hit. Smashed it.

ann

Spicy, sweet, delicious, and easy. The one (unintentional) change is we planned to make a full batch of sauce and save half; we promptly forgot and mixed in the half pound of pasta directly. We actually liked the double sauce because the sauce was so good. Added the pasta to the pan with sauce instead of the opposite. Also not sure it’s a main dish unaccompanied unless it’s midnight and you’re a couple drinks in in which case get after it.

dimmerswitch

If you want to see Eric Kim make this recipe with ramen noodles instead of spaghetti go to this youtube video and scroll to 10:35. If you want to have even more fun, watch the entire video for four other great ramen noodle inspirations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pFTJN1tF8A

Max Alexander, Rome, MasterChef Italia

Make the sauce in a skillet. Transfer the cooked pasta directly from the water into the skillet with tongs; the clinging water will thin the sauce about right. If not, add a bit more. This is how we do it in Italy, where colanders gather dust in the back of the cupboard.

Jesse & Jen In MSP

Frankly, 1/4 c (i.e. 4 tbsp) honey was too much for us. The heat was great, and it was perfectly savory, but just had too much sweetness. We will go with 2 or even 1 tbsp next time.Green onions as a topper gave the perfect fresh / allium crunch.Ultimately it was a very tasty recipe, we would just turn down the sweet.

Marcel

Added a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a dash of sesame oil once the noodles were plated. Delish!

kat

I would follow Eric kim to the ends of the earth. Made this between terrifying tornado storms in the mid-south tonight. Just the right amount of concentration needed to be a welcome distraction. supremely comforting.

Cathy

This was easy and delicious. If anyone is wondering if it can be made vegan, I substituted maple syrup for honey and Earth Balance for butter and it was perfect.

Joel P

Super tasty and easy to make. It's got a good amount of heat but adjust gochujang up or down to your preference. As-is was perfect for me, a bit too spicy for my wife. We had it with sliced scallions, as suggested, and after a few bites I chopped up some roasted salted peanuts and threw those on and it really added something so I'd strongly recommend it.

Sao

I added some mukimame (shelled edamame) to the pasta water at the end of the noodles cooking to add some protein. Also, some matchstick carrots along with the scallions to add crunch. Yum.

DG

If I'm going to use some pasta water to enrich the sauce, why not cook the pasta in a smaller amount of water in a skillet, so the pasta starch is more concentrated in the water?

Frankieee

This is such a fabulous twist! I personally recommend using bucatini and leaving the sauce thicker (no pasta water). I added sesame seeds and a small drizzle of sesame oil with scallions. WOWIE! So. Good.

Kathleen

I'm amazed at the lack of notes describing modifications to this recipe. Unusual for our crowd (and I'm one that enjoys/appreciates/learns from reading all of the comments and ideas) and a true tribute to Eric Kim. Looks like this recipe just works and I can't wait to try it!

Laura G.

The pasta is more likely to be sticky/gluey if it doesn't have a lot of water to roam around in.

tREXgirl

Finally made this and WOW, where has it been all my life. Used the one serving list and used Trader Joes Squiggly noodles. Used rice vinegar as that's what I had and will be making this again and again. I have recently been keeping the paste in my pantry because gochujung is just so incredibly good.

PixieD

Followed the single serving instructions with a pack of Momofuku noodles. Decreased honey a bit as suggested by another reviewer. Topped with scallion, peanuts and furikake. Rounded it out with a quick little cucumber/cabbage slaw in rice wine vinegar on the side. Keeping this in the lineup for nights I just cook for myself.

Vince

Not my thing. I like Gochujang but this turned out greasy and too sweat.

Elisheva

This is incredibly good for something so easy. I did use Earth Balance because I don't eat dairy but otherwise followed exactly. I will make it again, with a bit more gochujang and less honey. Also next time I'll make a double recipe because my kids ate it up

Lisa

Decadent, easy pantry food. I can't wait to try this recipe with different proteins and veggies.

Maddog

Chuck a fried egg on it and we're off to the races.

Bryanna Parkes

Easy to modify to your liking! Keeps and reheats well

Emily Y.

Eric, I think I am in love with these noodles, and by extension, you. Since coming across this recipe, I’ve made them three times in the last ten days, and I am NOT a recipe repeater. (My favorite dish on earth is mapo tofu, and I make it - maybe - once per quarter.)I add red chile flakes to the sauce, because I am a fiend for spice, and I top the noodles with toasted sesame seeds, hot sesame oil, cilantro, and scallions, because I love garnishes. These noodles are heaven. Thank you.

kevin

So good. I put gochubutter on roast chicken, roasted cabbage, potatoes, toast. You should bottle this stuff and sell it at Whole Foods then retire early to the beach somewhere. Rock on.

jo

Incredible. Simple and delicious. Water is needed if sauce clumps, but don’t worry it comes together. Added sesame seeds and lots of green onion and SOBA NOODLES. Made with spaghetti before but soba was a GAME CHANGER. Perfect last minute meal.

robin

Just made this with one change; I didn’t have honey and used equal amount of mirin. I added some tofu and frozen broccoli. This recipe is further proof Eric Kim can do no wrong. Easy, spicy, tangy - kind of an amazing Asian barbecue kind of thing. The butter made it just ever so slightly creamy. We’ll add this to our usual rotation.

Maggie

The knife cut “squiggly” noodles from Trader Joe’s were perfect for this! Bless you, Eric, for the single serving instructions!

jz

Thanks to the commenters who suggested cutting back on honey. Topped with two jammy eggs and finished with sesame oil instead of the additional butter - delicious. Don’t skip the scallions!

misshangingrice

This is definitely a do over. For proteins, I sauteed mushrooms with olive oil. Melted one stick of butter, sauteed the garlic then added 1 lb of shrimp. Removed the half cooked shrimp then poured in the honey, gocuchang and sherry vinegar mixture till reduced. Put shrimp back in and let if finish cooking before adding the pasta.

GGM

Loved this! Agree with the reviewers who suggested to double up on the sauce and add something crunchy. I ended up with crunchy spicy garlic which was WOW. Def in my rotation now!

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Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with Gochujang paste? ›

No judgement here! Try it as a baste on chicken wings or pork ribs, or added to soup broths like in my Spicy Pork Miso Noodle Soup. Gochujang can also be used in marinades for meat dishes like Korean bulgogi, stirred into dipping sauces, or used to punch up stews.

How to add gochujang to ramen? ›

In a small bowl, mix the gochujang and soy sauce using a fork until you get a smooth sauce. Cook the ramen or udon according to package instructions. Turn the heat off about 1-2 minutes before it's fully cooked, then drain and rinse with cold water.

How much Gochujang paste to use? ›

You'll often find gochujang in Korean dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi, as well as a number of stews and sauces. A little goes a long way with this umami-boosting ingredient. In the recipes below, only about a tablespoon or two of gochujang is called for, but you can always add more to suit your tastes.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter for buttered noodles? ›

Smart Swap: Pasta Dishes

You can easily substitute olive oil for butter in most pasta recipes, especially ones that have lots of fresh vegetables.

How do Koreans use gochujang? ›

This spicy paste is salty, savory and slightly sweet, and can be used in many ways including in soups, stews, marinades and sauces. Traditional Korean dishes that include gochujang are bibimbap, a mixed rice dish, tteokbokki, a spicy rice cake street food, and Jeyuk Bokkeum, a spicy marinated pork stir-fry.

Do you need to refrigerate Gochujang paste? ›

How to Store Gochujang. Once opened, gochujang should be stored in the refrigerator. Like miso, it has quite a long shelf life, as long as it hasn't dried out or changed in color. Should you find yourself with a lot of gochujang leftover, remember that it can be used up in lots of different ways.

Does gochujang taste good in ramen? ›

"Gochujang is a delicious spicy Korean red pepper paste that paired perfectly with these fresh ramen noodles."

Can you put gochujang in ramen broth? ›

The peanut butter gives this ramen a creamy, rich broth, and gochujang brings sweet heat and gives this vegan ramen recipe such a special flavor! You will want to make this every day! Change up the veggies and toppings for variation.

What flavors go well with gochujang? ›

Besides using it in Bulgoki marinade, I make a side sauce with it, honey, sesame oil, sometimes a little mirin or rice-wine. Yes! Best Korean fried chicken. Coat fried chicken in a sticky sauce of gochujang, some honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and sesame oil.

How long does gochujang paste last once opened? ›

If you aren't using it very often then it may be a good idea to wrap the box tightly in some clingfilm (plastic wrap) to help prevent the paste from drying out. If there is no date on the box then we would suggest using the paste within 3 months of opening, provided it is refrigerated.

Is gochujang good for gut health? ›

Fermented soybeans in Gochujang makes it a great source of probiotics that can boost healthy gut microbiomes. Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for digestion and overall gut health. However, it's important to note that Gochujang also contains chili peppers, which can be spicy.

Can you use gochujang by itself? ›

On its own, gochujang is quite pungent, so it's usually mixed with other ingredients to balance its intensity. In Korea, it's typically stirred into marinades for meat, stews, and stir-fries, or cut with vinegar or oil so it can be served as a sauce.

What can I put in my noodles if I don't have butter? ›

Pesto: A classic Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, pesto can add a delicious, herby flavor to your spaghetti noodles. Olive oil and garlic: A simple yet flavorful topping, sautéed garlic and olive oil can add a rich, savory flavor to your spaghetti noodles.

What can you substitute for butter in buttered noodles? ›

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil can be a healthy and flavorful substitute for butter. Drizzle it over cooked noodles and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.

Do Italians use butter or olive oil on pasta? ›

Italians often use olive oil (specifically extra virgin olive oil) to dress cooked pasta. This can be as simple as a liberal drizzle over a finished pasta dish, but the most famous example is pasta aglio e olio, or pasta with olive oil and garlic.

Is gochujang paste very spicy? ›

Sure, gochujang has heat — depending on the brand, it can be extraordinarily spicy — but it also has a salty, almost meaty depth and a slight sweetness. In other words, it's not a one-note hot sauce that you add to a dish after the fact. If you want to see Korean chefs bristle, tout gochujang as the “next Sriracha.”

What is the purpose of gochujang sauce? ›

While gochugaru provides heat and flavor, gochujang takes it a step further by combining those elements with a complex umami taste. Its versatility allows it to be used as a condiment, a marinade, a base for sauces, or even as a dip.

Is gochujang good for health? ›

According to a Pusan National University study, gochujang can be conducive to weight loss. The study aimed at treating fat cells with gochujang extract. The results showed a decrease in fat accumulation. This food can also help reduce the risk of contracting coronary heart disease due to its low cholesterol.

Can I use gochujang paste instead of sauce? ›

Anywhere a recipe calls for chili garlic sauce, you could experiment substituting gochujang for more complex flavor. One of the most famous uses of gochujang is in the delicious Korean rice and veggie bowl known as Bibimbap.

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