Description
Spicy Korean Ramen Beef is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining savory ground beef with spicy gochujang sauce, tender Korean instant ramen noodles, and tangy kimchi. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers delicious Korean-inspired comfort food with bold flavors and a satisfying, hearty texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1½ cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
Noodles & Toppings
- 2 packs Korean instant ramen noodles (like Shin Ramyun), seasoning packets omitted
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Optional toppings: soft-boiled eggs, nori strips, shredded carrots, bean sprouts
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Mix in the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the beef to fully absorb the sauce flavors.
- Simmer with Broth and Kimchi: Pour in the beef broth or water and bring to a simmer. Add the chopped kimchi and continue to simmer for 3–4 minutes, blending the flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions, omitting the seasoning packets. Drain well.
- Combine Noodles and Beef Mixture: Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Toss to combine thoroughly and heat everything through.
- Serve & Garnish: Top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Add optional toppings like soft-boiled eggs, nori strips, shredded carrots, or bean sprouts as desired before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your preferred spice level.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground pork or tofu for variation.
- Best served hot and fresh, though leftovers can be reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
