Discover the Bold Flavors of Korean Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles
If you’re craving a quick, flavorful meal that packs a punch, this Korean garlic butter noodles recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with the savory richness of butter, the fragrant punch of garlic, and the vibrant heat of gochujang, this dish is the perfect balance between comfort food and Korean street flavor. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned fan, these spicy Korean noodles deliver an unforgettable taste that’s easy to whip up, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights.
This easy Korean pasta dish takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, so it’s great for anyone searching for quick garlic butter noodles that don’t compromise on flavor. Plus, the adaptable nature of this gochujang noodle recipe means you can customize the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering Korean favorite right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water or pasta cooking water
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium flame. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Mix well until the butter melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the noodles evenly. Toss until fully combined.
- Season and garnish: Add a pinch of black pepper. Transfer to serving bowls and top with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if using.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy this spicy Korean noodles dish hot for the best flavors.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the spice level: If you want a milder dish, reduce the amount of gochujang or substitute part of it with sweet Korean chili sauce.
- Use pasta water: Adding reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling perfectly to each noodle strand.
- Butter temperature: Make sure the butter is melted but not browned when adding garlic, to avoid a bitter taste.
- Gochujang alternatives: If you can’t find gochujang, try mixing miso paste with a bit of chili powder as a substitute.
- Fresh garlic counts: For a more intense garlic flavor, increase the garlic cloves or add a sprinkle of garlic powder while cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Servings: 2
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Recipe Variations
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes for a heartier meal.
- Veggie-packed: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to increase nutrition and texture.
- Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for a creamy fusion between Italian and Korean flavors.
- Vegan version: Use vegan butter and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Cold noodle salad: Toss the noodles in the spicy garlic butter sauce but serve chilled as a refreshing side salad.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This dish is best enjoyed fresh because the garlic butter sauce clings best when hot. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, making sure the noodles don’t dry out.
Serve your Korean Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles with a simple cucumber salad or pickled kimchi on the side to add crunch and balance the spicy richness. A cold glass of milk or lightly sweetened iced tea complements the heat perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! While spaghetti works well, you can substitute with udon, ramen, or even rice noodles to suit your preference.
Q2: How spicy are these Korean noodles?
A2: The heat level depends on the amount of gochujang used. It delivers moderate spice with fruity undertones, but you can easily adjust the quantity to make it milder or hotter.
Q3: Is gochujang gluten-free?
A3: Many brands of gochujang contain wheat, so check the label if you need a gluten-free option. There are gluten-free gochujang products available as well.
Q4: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A4: You can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Cook the noodles fresh and combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Q5: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A5: Cook garlic over medium or medium-low heat until fragrant. Avoid high heat as garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter.
Final Thoughts
This Korean garlic butter noodles recipe perfectly encapsulates the bold, comforting essence of Korean flavors combined with simple, familiar ingredients. It’s a standout example of how a few pantry staples like butter, garlic, and gochujang can transform an everyday bowl of noodles into a spicy, buttery masterpiece. Ideal for anyone craving a quick garlic butter noodles fix with an exciting twist, this easy Korean pasta dish will soon become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Try it tonight and savor the addictive combination of creamy, spicy, and garlicky goodness!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 2