Korean ramen noodles are a tasty and quick meal that packs a punch with their spicy broth and chewy noodles. They are perfect for a cozy night in or a quick lunch.
I love adding some veggies and an egg to mine for extra flavor and nutrition. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, you can make it as spicy as you want. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broth: You can use chicken or vegetable broth for a deeper flavor. If you want a lighter version, plain water works too. I prefer broth for that extra depth!
Korean Instant Ramen Noodles: These noodles are perfect for this recipe. If they’re not available, any instant ramen will do, although the flavor might differ a bit.
Meat: While beef or pork adds richness, feel free to substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option. You can skip it altogether if you want a lighter meal.
Kimchi: Kimchi is essential for that tangy, spicy kick. If you can’t find it, try using pickled vegetables as an alternative, or even some hot sauce.
How Do You Make the Perfect Broth?
The broth is the heart of your ramen, so take care to build great flavor. Here’s how to make it splendid:
- Start with fresh water or broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add minced garlic and ginger; they create a lovely aroma and add depth.
- Incorporate gochujang and gochugaru. Stir until they’re fully blended in for a spicy and flavorful kick.
- Take your time to develop this stage; let the ingredients mingle for a few minutes before adding the meat or noodles.
This simple step makes all the difference, enhancing the final taste of your ramen! Enjoy cooking!
Korean Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 package Korean instant ramen noodles
- 100g thinly sliced beef or pork (optional)
- 1 soft boiled egg, sliced in half
- 1/4 cup kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage), sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach or bok choy
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Korean ramen can be made in about 15 minutes! It takes just a few minutes to prepare the ingredients and cook everything together. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Broth:
In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water or broth to a boil. Using broth will give your ramen more flavor, but water works too!
2. Add Flavor:
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the boiling liquid. Next, stir in the soy sauce, gochujang (chili paste), and gochugaru (chili flakes). Mix well until the spicy paste and flakes are fully dissolved into the broth.
3. Cook the Meat:
If you’re using meat, add the thinly sliced beef or pork to the broth. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the meat is just cooked through.
4. Add the Noodles:
Next, add the ramen noodles to the pot. Follow the package instructions, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to break apart any clumps.
5. Add Veggies:
In the last minute of cooking, toss in the fresh spinach or bok choy leaves, along with the sliced kimchi. This will help them stay bright and flavorful!
6. Finish with Seasoning:
Turn off the heat and drizzle the sesame oil into the pot. Give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors.
7. Serve Your Ramen:
Ladle the soup and noodles into a bowl. Top it off with the soft boiled egg halves and sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.
8. Enjoy:
Dig in immediately! You can serve it with extra chili flakes or kimchi on the side if you like it spicier. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting bowl of Korean Ramen Noodles!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While Korean instant ramen noodles are ideal, you can substitute with any instant ramen or even fresh noodles if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you use.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for a hearty, vegetarian version.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from getting too dry, and gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
To a certain extent! You can prepare the broth, vegetables, and meat ahead of time, then refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the broth and add freshly cooked noodles. This keeps everything fresh and tasty!
