If you are craving a bold, comforting dinner with serious flavor, these Best Gochujang Noodles With Ground Meat are exactly what you need. This Korean-inspired noodle recipe brings together chewy noodles, savory ground meat, and a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
This dish is fast enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. It is customizable, family-friendly with simple spice adjustments, and made with easy-to-find ingredients. Once you try it, this recipe is likely to become part of your regular rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Noodles Recipe
There are many reasons these noodles stand out from typical spicy noodle dishes.
First, the flavor balance is excellent. Gochujang brings heat, sweetness, and deep umami without overwhelming the dish. The ground meat adds richness and protein, making the noodles hearty and satisfying.
Second, this recipe is quick and practical. From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Third, it is highly adaptable. You can use different proteins, swap noodles, or add vegetables based on what you have on hand. You can also adjust the spice level easily, which makes it suitable for a wide range of tastes.
Finally, it reheats well, so leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Ingredients for Gochujang Noodles With Ground Meat
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces rice noodles or wheat noodles
- 1 pound ground meat, beef, turkey, or chicken
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Optional sesame seeds for topping
Gochujang Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup gochujang paste
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Noodles:
Rice noodles keep this dish gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce. Wheat noodles, lo mein, or even spaghetti work well if needed.
Ground Meat:
Ground beef provides the richest flavor, while ground turkey or chicken creates a lighter dish. For a meat-free option, crumbled tofu, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms work beautifully.
Sweetener:
Honey adds a gentle sweetness. Brown sugar or maple syrup are good alternatives and keep the dish vegan-friendly.
Spice Level:
Gochujang varies in heat by brand. Start with the listed amount and reduce red pepper flakes if you prefer mild noodles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions until just tender. Drain well and toss lightly with a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Gochujang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, coconut cream, sesame oil, rice vinegar, tomato paste, water, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Combine Meat and Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Pour about half of the gochujang sauce into the skillet with the meat. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 5: Add Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Pour in the remaining sauce and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slightly undercook the noodles so they do not become mushy when tossed with the sauce.
- Taste the sauce before adding it to the skillet and adjust sweetness or saltiness early.
- Use a wide skillet or wok to make tossing the noodles easier and cleaner.
- Add a splash of noodle water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Let the sauce simmer briefly with the meat to deepen flavor.
Flavor Variations
- Veggie Loaded: Add bell peppers, shredded carrots, spinach, or snap peas.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in an extra tablespoon of coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Add one extra teaspoon of garlic for a bolder bite.
- Sesame Boost: Sprinkle toasted sesame oil at the end for deeper aroma.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili paste or extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these gochujang noodles on their own for a complete meal, or pair them with simple sides like steamed broccoli, cucumber salad, or sautéed green beans. They also work well alongside dumplings or spring rolls for a more complete Asian-inspired dinner spread.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is possible, but noodles may soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Best Gochujang Noodles With Ground Meat
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These bold and comforting gochujang noodles are tossed with savory ground meat and a spicy-sweet Korean-inspired sauce that coats every bite. Quick to make, deeply flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rice noodles or wheat noodles
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional sesame seeds for garnish
- 1/4 cup gochujang paste
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions until just tender.
- Drain noodles, toss lightly with oil or butter, and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, coconut cream, sesame oil, rice vinegar, tomato paste, water, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground meat until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat if needed and reduce heat to medium.
- Add half of the sauce to the meat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add cooked noodles to the skillet and pour in remaining sauce.
- Toss everything together until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Adjust spice level by reducing gochujang or red pepper flakes. Slightly undercook noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy when tossed with sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Values are estimates and will vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Gochujang Noodles
What is gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste made from red chili powder, rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It has a unique balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Are gochujang noodles very spicy?
They can be moderately spicy, but the heat level is adjustable. Use less gochujang and skip red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
What vegetables go well in this dish?
Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and spinach all pair well with the sauce and add texture and nutrition.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the sauce and cook the meat ahead, then combine with freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
These Best Gochujang Noodles With Ground Meat are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create bold, memorable flavors. They are quick, flexible, and satisfying, making them a reliable go-to recipe for busy nights or casual gatherings. With just one pan and one bowl, you can create a meal that feels exciting without extra effort.