Tangy Korean Spicy Cold Noodles with Gochujang Sauce Recipe

Summer heat meets its match in these korean spicy cold noodles with gochujang sauce that dance between cool refreshment and fiery excitement.

Noodles slick with vibrant red chili paste promise an adventure for adventurous palates.

Zesty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of flavors that awaken every taste bud.

Cooling cucumber and fresh herbs provide perfect balance against the sauce’s intense warmth.

Rich umami notes mingle with sharp spiciness, delivering a culinary experience both thrilling and satisfying.

Packed with bold character, this dish turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary celebration of korean cuisine.

You’ll want to savor each tantalizing bite and share this sensational recipe with everyone at your table.

Why Korean Spicy Cold Noodles Are So Refreshing

• Blast Spicy Flavors: Dive into a thrilling taste adventure with gochujang sauce that delivers bold, tangy heat perfect for spice lovers seeking an exciting culinary experience.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delicious Korean dish in minutes, making it ideal for busy individuals craving restaurant-quality meals without complex cooking techniques.
• Cool Down and Heat Up: Enjoy a refreshing yet spicy meal that balances cold noodles with fiery sauce, creating a unique sensory experience that awakens your taste buds.
• Customize Your Plate: Personalize the dish with various toppings like cucumber, kimchi, and boiled eggs, allowing each person to craft their perfect noodle bowl according to individual preferences.

Gather These For Korean Spicy Cold Noodles With Gochujang

• Noodles: Thin wheat or buckwheat noodles that serve as the base of this cold Korean dish.
• Gochujang: A spicy and sweet Korean red chili paste that provides the signature heat and depth of flavor.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil: Blend of seasonings that create a balanced and tangy sauce base for the noodles.

• Cucumber, Kimchi, Boiled Egg: Fresh and traditional Korean accompaniments that add texture, spice, and protein to the dish.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Aromatic and crunchy finishing touches that enhance the overall flavor and presentation.

Steps To Make Korean Spicy Cold Noodles With Ease

Step 1: Create Zesty Sauce Blend

Whisk together gochujang, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until smooth and fully incorporated. Let the sauce sit and develop its rich, complex flavors while preparing other components.

Step 2: Boil Noodle Strands

Cook wheat or buckwheat noodles in rapidly boiling water according to package directions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Shock and Refresh Noodles

Immediately drain noodles and plunge them into an ice water bath. Gently massage the noodles to remove excess starch, creating a slick and silky texture.

Drain thoroughly and transfer to a serving bowl.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Noodles

Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the chilled noodles.

Toss vigorously with chopsticks or tongs to ensure every strand is generously coated with the spicy, tangy sauce.

Step 5: Layer Vibrant Toppings

• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Chopped kimchi
• Soft-boiled egg
• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Step 6: Serve Chilled and Enjoy

Present the noodles immediately, allowing diners to appreciate the cool, spicy, and refreshing flavors of this classic Korean dish.

Hot Tips For Cold Gochujang Noodles

• Rinse noodles thoroughly with ice water to prevent clumping and remove extra starch for a smoother texture.
• Adjust gochujang sauce spiciness by adding more or less paste, catering to individual heat tolerance levels.
• Use high-quality refrigerated kimchi for an authentic Korean flavor and added tangy crunch.
• Choose thin wheat or buckwheat noodles for traditional Korean cold noodle experience, ensuring al dente cooking.
• Prepare toppings in advance to quickly assemble the dish during hot summer days for a refreshing meal.

Cool Flavor Twists For Korean Spicy Cold Noodles

• Vegetarian Fusion: Replace protein with tofu or tempeh, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for a nutritious plant-based version.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap noodles with rice noodles and top with grilled shrimp or seared scallops for a light oceanic profile.
• Chilled Protein Bowl: Add grilled chicken or beef strips for a hearty protein-packed meal that maintains the cool temperature and spicy gochujang flavor.
• No-Spice Family Edition: Reduce gochujang quantity and substitute with mild gochugaru or sweet chili sauce for a kid-friendly adaptation that retains authentic Korean taste.

Best Sidekicks For Korean Spicy Cold Noodles

• Pair with Crisp Rice Lager: Smooth Korean beer cuts through the spicy gochujang sauce, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Complement with Cucumber Soju: Light, clean soju balances the heat and enhances the cool noodle experience, creating a perfect Korean dining harmony.
• Match with Pickled Radish Side: Tangy, crunchy radish pickles provide a zesty counterpoint to the rich, spicy noodles, adding textural contrast and palate-cleansing brightness.
• Cool Down with Green Tea: Subtly sweet and grassy green tea helps temper the gochujang's intense heat, offering a smooth, soothing finish to each bite.

How To Store Spicy Cold Noodles Without Drying Out

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover noodles to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep sauce and noodles separate to prevent soggy texture.
• Quick Reheating: Warm noodles gently in a microwave for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly.
• Sauce Refresh: If sauce thickens, whisk in a small amount of water or rice vinegar to restore original consistency before serving.
• Cold Serving Option: Enjoy noodles straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing meal, adding fresh cucumber or herbs to revive the flavor profile.

Korean Spicy Cold Noodles FAQs Answered

• What is gochujang and why is it important in this recipe?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste that provides a spicy, sweet, and umami flavor. It’s essential to this dish because it creates the signature heat and depth of flavor in the sauce.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the boiled egg and use vegetable-based noodles. The gochujang sauce is already vegetarian-friendly.

• How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang you use. Start with a small amount and adjust to your personal heat tolerance. You can always add more or less to control the spiciness.

• What type of noodles work best for Korean cold noodles?

Typically, soba or somyeon (thin wheat noodles) are used.

Korean Spicy Cold Noodles with Gochujang Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Spicy Korean cold noodles dance with gochujang’s fiery charm, delivering a symphony of bold flavors that cool and ignite summer palates. Refreshing noodles and zesty sauce invite you to savor Seoul’s street food magic in one unforgettable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) somyeon (thin wheat noodles) or buckwheat/soba noodles

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar or honey

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Cucumber
• Kimchi
• Boiled egg
• Crushed sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Whisk gochujang, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic into a harmonious sauce, ensuring smooth blending. Let mixture rest at room temperature.
2. Bring a pot of water to rolling boil and cook noodles until perfectly al dente, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Immediately transfer noodles to colander and shock under frigid running water, massaging strands to eliminate residual starch and halt cooking process.
4. Thoroughly drain noodles, allowing excess water to drip away completely.
5. Transfer noodles to serving bowl and generously drizzle prepared sauce, tossing meticulously to guarantee uniform coating of each noodle strand.
6. Artfully arrange crisp cucumber matchsticks, tangy kimchi pieces, halved soft-boiled egg, and optional garnishes across noodle surface.
7. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for additional texture and visual appeal.
8. Serve chilled, presenting immediately to maintain optimal temperature and noodle consistency.

Notes

• Chill noodles completely before adding sauce to prevent a watery consistency and maintain the perfect texture.
• Adjust gochujang sauce spiciness by adding more or less paste based on personal heat tolerance.
• Use gluten-free noodles like sweet potato or rice noodles to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Prep toppings in advance and keep them separately chilled for a quick, refreshing summer meal that can be assembled in minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg