Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe

If you love noodles with a kick of spicy, sweet, and buttery goodness, then you’re in for a treat with this Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe. It’s one of those fan-freaking-tastic dishes that I whip up when I want a quick, satisfying meal that still feels special. The mix of savory garlic butter with the bold punch of gochujang and a hint of tangy vinegar really elevates simple noodles to something spectacular. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever ate noodles without it!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how simple the ingredients are for this Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe. They come together effortlessly – and getting quality gochujang paste and fresh garlic really makes all the difference in flavor. Don’t worry about finding exotic ingredients; this is a super accessible recipe.

• Kosher salt: Essential for properly salting your pasta water, which seasons the noodles from the inside out.
• Spaghetti or long noodles: I usually grab spaghetti, but udon or ramen noodles work beautifully if you want a more authentic Korean touch.
• Vegan or dairy butter: Butter creates that smooth richness, so get a good quality one for best results.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds that irresistible aroma and depth to the sauce.
• Gochujang paste: This is the star – Korean chili paste that’s sweet, spicy, and umami-packed – be sure to use the paste, not the sauce.
• Rice vinegar or sherry vinegar: Vinegar balances the heat with some tangy brightness.
• Agave syrup: Adds subtle sweetness to round off the spicy and tangy notes perfectly.
• Scallions and cilantro: Fresh herbs for garnish that make the whole dish pop with color and freshness.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Depending on your mood or what you have on hand, you can jazz it up or keep it simple. Feel free to get creative – this is your kitchen playground!

• Add protein: I often toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or pan-fried tofu for a heartier meal. It soaks up that spicy sauce beautifully.
• Kick up the veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
• Heat level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a little less gochujang and add more as needed—remember, it’s easier to add heat than take it away!
• Herbs: Cilantro and scallions are my go-to, but parsley or Thai basil also work great for a fresh twist.

How to Make Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Noodles to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salting the water well is key because it flavors the noodles as they cook. Add your spaghetti or preferred noodles and cook just until al dente — usually a minute or two less than the package suggests. This way, your noodles won’t turn mushy when tossed with the sauce later. Don’t forget to scoop out and save 1 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—that’s your secret weapon to silky sauce!

Step 2: Make the Gochujang Garlic Butter Sauce

While the noodles cook, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and softly sauté it for about a minute until golden and fragrant—be careful not to let it burn, as that imparts bitterness. Then stir in gochujang paste, rice vinegar, and agave syrup. Give it a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer for a minute, swirling constantly so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.

Step 3: Toss Noodles in the Sauce Until Perfectly Coated

Return your drained noodles to the warm cooking pot, then pour the sauce and remaining tablespoon of butter over them. Stir vigorously so the butter melts through and everything gets evenly coated. If the mixture feels too thick, gradually add spoonfuls of that reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce until it clings beautifully to every strand. Finish with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Scatter finely chopped scallions and cilantro on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while still warm for the best experience—this is one you want to eat fresh and fast!

How to Serve Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my Gochujang Buttered Noodles with scallions and cilantro because their fresh, herbal notes balance out the richness of the butter and heat of the gochujang perfectly. Feel free to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or even crushed peanuts for extra crunch and nuttiness—they bring great texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple crunchy cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to refresh the palate. I also like serving it alongside steamed or roasted broccoli or bok choy to add some greens and round out the meal nutritious and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served Gochujang Buttered Noodles in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers and extra scallions, alongside small dishes of kimchi and sliced radishes. It makes for a pretty, colorful spread that always sparks conversation and delights my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend adding a splash of water or extra butter when reheating, as the noodles tend to dry out a bit after sitting.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this recipe because the butter sauce can separate and the noodles lose their texture upon thawing. However, if needed, freeze in portions without the fresh herbs and reheat gently to minimize quality loss.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the noodles gently on the stovetop with a splash of pasta water or a little butter, stirring frequently to revive that luscious sauce coating. Microwave works too but be sure to cover and add moisture to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe comes together with so much flavor from simple ingredients and in such a short time. It’s become a staple in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes—spicy, buttery, tangy, and just downright comforting. If you’re looking to spice up your noodle game without fuss, give this a try. I promise you’ll have everyone around your table reaching for seconds and asking for the recipe. It’s like a warm hug with a spicy kick, perfect for any day you want something quick but special.

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