Noodles often take center stage in Korean cuisine, and it isn’t hard to see why. They are inexpensive and easy to cook with, making them a key ingredient in many popular Korean recipes.
Noodles are very versatile as well, so they work with a plethora of different ingredients in almost endless combinations.
Whether you are a meat eater or you follow a stricter vegetarian diet, there are many mouthwatering dishes that you can try.
If you are in the mood for some authentic Korean noodle recipes, then stick with us. We have put together a selection of 10 of the best Korean noodle recipes that you can make at home.
Popular Korean Noodle Recipes
There are lots of Korean noodle recipes that you can make, but if you are overwhelmed by the choice, we recommend starting with some of the most popular recipes.
Below, you will find our selection of the best and most popular Korean noodle recipes, which you can make in the comfort of your own home.
This dish can be ready in as little as 15 minutes, which is perfect for those nights when you need something quick and comforting.
Made using udon noodles, spicy kimchi, and bacon, this noodle stir-fry is full of umami that will ignite your tastebuds. The spice comes from gochujang, which is a popular type of Korean red chili paste, and it will quickly become a staple in your pantry.
Kimchi is usually paired with pork, so if you aren’t keen on using bacon, try the more classic pairing instead.
Spicy and sweet, these gochujang beef noodles will expand your palette and leave you wanting more.
The noodles are coated in a hot gochujang paste which is perfect for anyone who likes their meals hot. The added spice really brings out the hearty flavor of the ground beef and gives the added vegetables extra depth.
When it comes to what vegetables to add, this recipe actively encourages you to add your favorites.
This is the perfect recipe to make when you want to get creative and really experiment in the kitchen.
Meat Noodle Recipes
Whether you are in the mood for beef noodles or pork belly noodles, you are bound to find a recipe that suits your mood.
Keep reading to find out more about our selection of the best meat noodle recipes.
Also known as Korean Noodles in Black Bean Paste, this rich dish combines noodles with pork belly and black bean paste.
The results are absolutely sensational and a real treat to your tastebuds. The pork belly is tender and juicy, while the black bean sauce is a little sour and rich.
These flavors come together to create a unique dish you won’t be able to get enough of.
Another key aspect of Jjajangmyeon is the plethora of vegetables used to make it. If you are vegetarian, you can skip over the pork belly and still enjoy this dish just as much.
This chicken noodle bowl recipe is a cozy dish that is perfect if you enjoy meat, but you’re looking for a fun way to get your vegetables in.
In this recipe, the chicken is cut up into bite-sized chunks and marinated in a fantastic Korean stir-fry simmer sauce. The level of comfort you will feel as you eat this dish will quickly make this one of your favorite recipes.
The best part? This dish is fully customizable, so you can choose whatever veggies you want to compliment the chicken.
Typically, gochujang is paired with beef or pork belly, but it works just as well with chicken, too.
Made using chicken thighs, peanut butter, sesame oil, and soy sauce, these gochujang noodles are moreish and so simple to make. The whole recipe comes together in
Vegetarian Noodle Recipes
The meat noodle recipes are great, but if you follow a vegetarian diet, there are plenty of alternatives that taste just as fantastic.
Vegetables are very popular in Korean cuisine, and you will find that many Korean dishes are vegetarian-friendly.
Whether you want something tofu-based or full of mixed vegetables, the recipes we have shortlisted here are not to be missed.
Japchae is such a popular dish in Korea that there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan substitutes available if you can’t eat the meat version.
This vegan-style Japchae swaps out the beef for smoked firm tofu and doubles down on the vegetables. It still tastes just as delicious, and the tofu bulks the meal out to keep it filling.
Because the vegetables are the main star of this dish, you are free to pick and choose which ones you want in the recipe. Use this dish as a chance to experiment, get creative, and see what combinations work best for you.
Similar to the other spicy noodle recipes on this list, what makes this dish stand out is the fact that it is 100% vegetarian.
The secret to making this recipe taste so good is all in the sauce! Made from ingredients such as gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and even maple syrup, the sauce is rich in flavor, bringing both sweetness and spice to the table.
The udon noodles soak up the flavors to create an intense dish that you won’t be able to get enough of.
If you aren’t a big fan of spice, you can simply leave the gochujang and gochugaru out when you make the sauce.
A staple in Korean cuisine, noodle soup can be found all over the country, and this recipe will help you make it at home.
Made using somen noodles, kimchi, gochujang, maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic, this recipe is the perfect blend of spicy and sweet. The broth can be made from scratch if you have the time, but instant broth works just as well.
When it comes to the broth, don’t be afraid to experiment. You can use chicken, vegetables, or anything in between.
Known more simply as Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup, this recipe is fantastically briny and refreshing.
The star ingredients in this recipe include prawns, clams, and even baby octopus to create a unique dish any seafood lover will enjoy.
Incredibly comforting and easy to make, Jjamppong is a popular recipe in Korea, and it will become popular in your household too.
If you aren’t a fan of the seafood selection, you can switch it up and add in your favorites instead.
Conclusion
Noodles are used in a plethora of different recipes in Korea. Whether you want something meaty or vegetarian based, there are so many options for you to choose from.
If you are in the mood for some authentic Korean noodle recipes, try some of the options we have provided for you here and see which ones you enjoy the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Popular Noodle Dish In Korea?
The most popular noodle dish found in Korea is Japchae. Japchae is a little bit like a stir-fry crossed with a salad. Stir-fried vegetables are tossed in with the noodles in a bowl rather than on the stove, and the dish is served barely warm.
What Can I Add To Korean Noodles?
The beauty of Korean noodles is that you can add almost anything to them and they will taste fantastic. Some popular examples of what you can add to them include kimchi, steamed spinach, sesame oil, broccoli, green onions, and pork belly.
Is Korean Noodles Junk Food?
It depends on the noodles. If you are using instant Korean noodles, then it is important to know that they are generally quite unhealthy. If you are using regular Korean noodles, they aren’t typically unhealthy, but what ingredients you add to them will determine how healthy the dish is.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
