Gochujang Noodle Soup Recipe: Spicy, Comforting, and Easy to Make

Introduction

Craving something spicy, warming, and downright delicious? Gochujang Noodle Soup is here to answer that call. This Korean-inspired soup is loaded with bold flavors, silky noodles, and a spicy kick that’ll warm you up from the inside out.

What Is Gochujang Noodle Soup?

Gochujang Noodle Soup is a hearty, spicy dish made with Korean red chili paste (gochujang), noodles, a savory broth, and plenty of fresh veggies. It’s the perfect comfort food for cold days—or anytime you need a flavorful pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with bold, savory flavors
Quick and simple to make
Easily customizable to your taste
Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner

Key Ingredients

Gochujang Paste

The heart of this soup! Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste that’s spicy, slightly sweet, and full of umami.

Noodles

You can use ramen, udon, or rice noodles—whatever you have on hand works great.

Broth Base

A mix of vegetable or chicken broth, garlic, and soy sauce builds a rich, savory base.

Protein Choices

Tofu, chicken, shrimp, or even beef add protein power to your bowl.

Vegetable Add-ins

Think bok choy, mushrooms, carrots, and scallions for crunch and color.

Choosing the Best Gochujang

For the best flavor, look for authentic Korean gochujang with no unnecessary additives. Brands like Chung Jung One are great options.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large pot
Mixing bowls
Ladle
Sharp knife
Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the neutral oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth. Add the gochujang, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and sesame oil to the pot. Whisk everything together until the peanut butter and gochujang are fully incorporated into the broth. Bring the broth to a simmer.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add the julienned carrots and sliced bell peppers to the simmering broth. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

While the vegetables are cooking, prepare your noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles well.

Step 5: Add Greens and Serve

Stir the baby spinach (or chopped bok choy) into the simmering broth. Cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the noodles.

Step 6: Add Toppings (Optional)

Garnish your Peanut Gochujang Noodle Soup with your favorite toppings, such as chopped scallions, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, a squeeze of lime, fried garlic, or a soft-boiled or fried egg. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Gochujang Noodle Soup

Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll keep cooking in the hot broth.
Taste and adjust spice levels as needed.
Use fresh ingredients for the brightest flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding too much gochujang can overpower the dish. Start small and build up.
Overcrowding the pot with veggies can make the soup too thick.
Forgetting the garnish—those little extras really enhance the flavor.

Customizing Your Soup

Vegan Option

Use vegetable broth and tofu. Skip any animal-based garnishes.

Extra Spicy Version

Add Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) or a splash of sriracha.

Low-Carb Swap

Replace noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With It

Pair your soup with kimchi, Korean pancakes (pajeon), or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

The broth can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add noodles and fresh veggies just before serving for the best texture.

Health Benefits of Gochujang Noodle Soup

Boosts metabolism with spicy gochujang
Rich in vitamins from fresh veggies
Comforting yet balanced in calories

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gochujang Noodle Soup

Gochujang Noodle Soup is a spicy, comforting dish that has gained worldwide popularity. But like any recipe, it comes with its pros and cons. Let’s dive in to see what makes this dish a must-try—and where you might want to be cautious.

Advantages of Gochujang Noodle Soup

1. Bold, Unique Flavor

The star ingredient—gochujang—adds a deep, rich, and spicy flavor that’s hard to replicate. It’s perfect for anyone who loves bold and exciting tastes.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup can be ready in just 30 minutes—great for busy weeknights.

3. Highly Customizable

You can make it vegan, gluten-free, or extra spicy. Swap proteins, change veggies, or adjust the spice level to your liking.

4. Nutrient-Rich

Packed with fresh veggies, lean protein, and fermented chili paste, this soup offers a good mix of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

5. Comfort Food Perfection

There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of spicy noodle soup to lift your spirits on a cold or rainy day. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!

Disadvantages of Gochujang Noodle Soup

1. High Sodium Content

Both gochujang and soy sauce are salty, so this dish can be high in sodium. If you're watching your salt intake, you’ll need to adjust the recipe.

2. Can Be Too Spicy for Some

Gochujang packs a spicy punch, which might be overwhelming for those sensitive to heat.

3. Ingredient Accessibility

Depending on where you live, it might be tough to find authentic gochujang or Korean noodles locally.

4. Not Ideal for Meal Prep

Noodles tend to soak up the broth and get soggy if left too long, making it tricky for make-ahead meals.

5. Limited Freezing Options

While the broth freezes well, noodles and veggies don’t hold up after freezing and reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How spicy is Gochujang Noodle Soup?
It’s medium spicy, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.

Q2: Can I freeze this soup?
The broth freezes well, but add fresh noodles and veggies after thawing.

Q3: What can I use instead of gochujang?
Try a mix of sriracha and miso paste for a similar flavor profile.

Q4: Are there gluten-free options?
Yes! Use rice noodles and gluten-free soy sauce.

Q5: How long does it take to make?
About 30 minutes from start to finish.

Conclusion

Gochujang Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food—spicy, satisfying, and packed with Korean-inspired flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to slurp up some serious deliciousness!

Gochujang Noodle Soup Recipe