Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving something seriously comforting with a little spicy kick, I have to share this fan-freaking-tastic Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe that’s become a go-to in my kitchen. Imagine tender noodles coated in a luscious, buttery sauce that’s balanced perfectly with the sweet heat of gochujang paste—trust me, this simple dish packs so much flavor you’ll want to make it all the time. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your noodles come out just right!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe plays a key role in balancing flavor and texture, from the salty pasta water to rich butter and that punchy Korean chili paste. Here are my tips to get the most from what you bring home from the store.

• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water well, so your noodles have flavor all the way through.
• Spaghetti or long noodles: I love classic spaghetti, but you can totally get creative with udon or ramen for different textures.
• Vegan or dairy butter: Using good-quality butter makes the sauce luxuriously rich—vegan butter works great if you want to keep it plant-based.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives a fragrant, mellow heat once cooked in butter.
• Gochujang paste: This thick Korean chili paste is the star—make sure you get paste, not sauce, for the right intensity.
• Rice vinegar or sherry vinegar: Adds a bright, subtle tang that balances the richness and spice perfectly.
• Agave syrup: Sweetens just enough to round out the sauce without overpowering it.
• Scallions and cilantro: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness on top—don’t skip them!

Variations

I love how versatile this Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe really is. I often tweak it depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge—feel free to make it your own!

• Add protein: Sometimes I toss in some crispy tofu or grilled chicken for a heartier meal—both soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Switch up noodles: Using udon noodles adds a chewy, satisfying bite, while ramen makes it feel like a quick Asian noodle bowl.
• Adjust the heat: If you like things spicier, a dash of chili flakes or extra gochujang amps it up without losing balance.
• Make it gluten-free: Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check the gochujang label to avoid gluten.

How to Make Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Noodles Perfectly

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously—this is your secret for tasty noodles. Add your spaghetti and cook just until al dente, about one minute shy of package instructions, because they’ll cook a bit more when you toss them in the sauce. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water; this is key for thinning your sauce and helping it cling to the noodles.

Step 2: Make That Dreamy Gochujang Butter Sauce

While the noodles simmer, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add minced garlic, cooking gently for about a minute until it’s golden and fragrant—be careful not to burn it, as that can turn it bitter. Next, stir in the gochujang paste, rice vinegar, and agave syrup, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. Once it’s perfect, remove it from the heat.

Step 3: Toss and Finish Like a Pro

Return your cooked noodles to the pot, pour in the sauce along with the remaining tablespoon of butter, and stir vigorously. The butter will melt into the noodles, coating them luxuriously. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time, just enough to loosen the sauce and make it cling evenly without being watery. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, then toss again to mix everything perfectly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Hot

Scatter finely chopped scallions and cilantro on top. These fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a lovely crunch and color. Serve immediately and watch everyone go crazy for this spicy, buttery noodle magic.

How to Serve Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about fresh herbs here—scallions and cilantro bring that lovely brightness and a bit of freshness that balances the spicy, buttery sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted sesame seeds too, for an extra nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with gochujang.

Side Dishes

This spicy bowl of noodles pairs perfectly with light, crisp sides: a simple cucumber kimchi salad or quick pickled radishes provide cooling contrast, or try steamed greens like bok choy for some veggie balance. My family also loves it with a side of crispy pan-fried tofu to soak up more sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving these noodles in shallow bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg and a sprinkle of toasted seaweed flakes. It elevates the dish visually and adds another layer of flavor. You can also toss in some thinly sliced avocado or crushed peanuts for extra texture and richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be tricky!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The noodles will soak up the sauce further, so before reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up gently.

Freezing

This isn’t my favorite dish to freeze, as the noodles can get a bit mushy, but if you have to, freeze the noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency. Microwaving works too, but add liquid beforehand and stir halfway through to avoid dry noodles.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Gochujang Buttered Noodles Recipe takes just a handful of simple ingredients and turns them into something deeply satisfying and full of personality. It’s quick, it’s comforting, and the bold Korean flavors make it stand out from ordinary buttered noodles. Whether you’re making a solo lunch or a cozy family dinner, I promise this will become one of your favorite “go-to” dishes. Give it a try—I’m confident once you do, you’ll be making it again and again!

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