Craving a bold, buttery noodle bowl that comes together in under 20 minutes? These Korean Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles deliver big on flavor with a simple pantry-friendly sauce that combines rich butter, punchy garlic, and the unmistakable heat and umami of gochujang. This easy weeknight recipe transforms ordinary pasta into a Korean-inspired comfort dish that’s perfect for busy evenings, late-night cravings, or when you want a quick spicy noodle dish without fuss. Whether you’re new to Korean flavors or already a fan of spicy sauces, this gochujang noodle recipe is approachable, customizable, and ready in a flash.

Korean Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes (total cooking time: 20 minutes)
Total time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 2–3

Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) noodles of your choice (spaghetti, ramen, udon, or Korean wheat noodles)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1–2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) — adjust to taste
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey or sugar (balances the heat)
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp water or reserved pasta cooking water
1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Pinch of black pepper
Optional proteins/veggies: cooked shrimp, sliced chicken, tofu, spinach, mushrooms, or kimchi

Step-by-step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente (usually 6–10 minutes depending on the noodle). Reserve 1/4 cup (or more) of the pasta cooking water before draining.
While the noodles cook, make the sauce. In a small bowl combine the gochujang, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of water or reserved pasta water. Stir until smooth — this is your gochujang sauce base.
In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic becomes bitter).
Reduce the heat to low and add the gochujang mixture to the skillet. Stir constantly to combine the butter and sauce into a glossy, silky sauce. If the sauce is very thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the drained noodles directly to the skillet. Toss thoroughly so every strand is coated in the spicy garlic butter sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water — this helps the sauce cling to the noodles and creates a silky finish.
Taste and adjust seasoning: add more soy sauce for salt, honey for sweetness, or gochujang for heat. Finish with a crack of black pepper.
Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. For protein or veggies, top with your cooked add-ins and a side of kimchi if you like an authentic Korean touch.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Choose your noodles: Spaghetti works great as a neutral canvas, ramen or udon add a chewy texture, and fresh Korean wheat noodles give the most authentic experience. This is a flexible Korean noodles recipe.
Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce into a glossy coating. Keep some on hand and add a tablespoon at a time until you get the perfect texture.
Gochujang variety: Gochujang brands vary in heat and saltiness. Start with 1 tablespoon, taste, and add more if you want a spicier gochujang noodle recipe.
Garlic control: For a mellow garlic flavor, add garlic earlier and sauté longer over low heat. For a punchier hit, add a bit of minced raw garlic on top when serving.
Butter vs. oil: Butter makes this an indulgent easy garlic butter noodles recipe. For a dairy-free version, swap with neutral oil and add a splash more sesame oil for richness.
Make it saucy: If you prefer a saucier bowl, increase gochujang and soy sauce slightly and add extra pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

Note: Nutrition can vary depending on the noodle type and add-ins.

Calories: ~520 kcal
Fat: 20–25 g (depending on butter amount)
Carbohydrates: 70–80 g
Protein: 12–18 g (higher if you add meat or tofu)
Sodium: variable (soy sauce and gochujang contribute)

To reduce calories, use less butter, swap to whole-wheat or lower-calorie noodles, or bulk the dish with lots of vegetables.

Recipe Variations

Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or pan-fried tofu. Toss the protein with the noodles in the last minute to warm through and absorb the sauce.
Veggie-loaded: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for color and nutrition. Quick-pan sauté them before adding garlic for extra flavor.
Milder version: Cut gochujang in half and increase honey or sugar to balance the heat. Add a splash of cream or milk for an ultra-creamy, less-spicy finish.
Vegan swap: Replace butter with vegan butter or neutral oil and use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based.
Kimchi twist: Toss in chopped kimchi at the end for tang and texture — this transforms the dish into a more authentic Korean noodles recipe experience.
Cheesy comfort: For a fusion twist, stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The butter sauce will solidify when cold; gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen it, or microwave with a damp paper towel and stir halfway through.
Freezing: Not recommended — texture of noodles changes after freezing and reheating. If you must freeze, separate sauce and noodles and combine after thawing and reheating.
Serving ideas: Serve with a side of kimchi, steamed vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness. A fried egg on top adds silkiness and extra protein.
Presentation: Finish with thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a small drizzle of sesame oil for aroma. For heat-lovers, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or extra gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant ramen noodles for this gochujang noodle recipe?

Yes — instant ramen works great and cooks quickly, which makes this a truly quick spicy noodle dish. Drain most of the seasoning packet (or skip it) and use the noodles with the garlic butter gochujang sauce for better flavor control.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It depends on how much gochujang you use. Start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer mild heat and increase to 2 tablespoons for a spicier kick. Remember that gochujang also adds sweetness and umami, so taste as you go.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?

Replace the butter with vegan butter or neutral oil and use maple syrup instead of honey. Add tofu or more vegetables for protein. This converts the dish into a satisfying vegetarian or vegan Korean noodles recipe.

What’s the best type of noodle for this dish?

Spaghetti is an easy, quick option if you don’t have Asian noodles. For a chewier texture, use ramen, udon, or Korean wheat noodles. Choose noodles you enjoy — the sauce adapts well.

How to make undefined? / What is undefined recipe?

Sometimes search queries like “how to make undefined” or “undefined recipe” appear when a search term wasn’t entered correctly. If you meant a specific variation — for example, “how to make Korean spicy garlic butter noodles” — follow the full instructions above. If you meant another undefined item, tell me which ingredient or dish you want to explore and I’ll provide a clear recipe.

Can I double this recipe for more servings?

Yes. Double all ingredients and use a larger pot/skillet. Keep an eye on seasoning — you may need to adjust gochujang, soy sauce, and honey to taste when scaling up.

Conclusion

These Korean Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles are proof that exceptional flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This easy garlic butter noodles recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish and gives you a rich, spicy, and addictive bowl that’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re after a quick spicy noodle dish for a weeknight dinner, a gochujang noodle recipe to impress friends, or a simple comfort meal with Korean flavors, this recipe has you covered. Try it once, then experiment with proteins, veggies, and heat levels until you find your perfect bowl. If you make it, share your twist — I’d love to hear how you customized your version of this Korean noodles recipe!