This easy spicy noodles recipe packs a one-two punch of flavor that's both mildly sweet with a touch of heat. These Korean-inspired gochujang sesame noodles explode with flavor in every bite and this gochujang noodles recipe makes a great side dish for people who like their food zes-TEE.
If you love food that's a combination of savory and spicy then this gochujang noodle dish is for you! Gochujang sesame noodles makes a tasty side dish for Costco Orange Chicken or these Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs!
If you love the simplicity of noodles, try some black bean garlic beef noodles!
Why You Will Love Gochujang Sesame Noodles
- From start to finish this super easy recipe takes only 25 minutes making it an ideal weeknight meal.
- Perfect party pleaser. Its tantalizing flavors and simplicity ensure this dish will be a hit at any social gathering or potluck.
- A great option for anyone following a vegetarian diet.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores.
Ingredients
This gochujang sesame noodles recipe uses simple ingredients, and while some of them might sound exotic, you can find them all at your local grocery store.
Be sure to check the complete list along with the amounts in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Noodles: This recipe works with spaghetti, long fusilli pasta, or any type of long noodles you want to use. Check out our noodle guide if you are looking to pick the perfect noodle for you and your family
- Cilantro and lime: These two ingredients add fresh flavor to this simple bowl of spicy noodles recipe.
- Sesame oil: Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor.
- Gochujang sauce: This savory and sweet red chili paste made with fermented soybeans is used extensively in Korean cooking. It adds amazing flavor to the noodles.
- Ancho chili powder: This medium-heat chili powder adds heat without being overwhelming.
- Red pepper flakes: For more intense heat! You can easily use less or more depending on your own taste preferences.
- Rice wine vinegar: This mild flavor vinegar balances out the spiciness of the c chilis and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Soy sauce: Infuses the noodles with its savory flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds more layers to this dish. Use fresh for the best results.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gochujang sauce: If you don't have it, you can swap it for sriracha, harissa paste, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or chili garlic sauce. However, these substitutions do not have the same flavor spicy and salty profile.
- Ancho Chile Powder: Smoked paprika or regular chili powder are the best alternatives though a bit different.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative with a similar flavor.
- Make it Sweeter: Add a touch of brown sugar or honey to the sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in sauteed or stir fry vegetables with the noodles right before serving. Some of our favorites are bell peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, bok choy, or zucchini.
How to Make Spicy Noodles at Home
This dish is full of complex flavors, but it's incredibly easy to make. It only takes a few minutes and a few simple steps. The highlights are here, but you'll find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Cook the pasta following the package directions. When it's ready, drain it and reserve a quarter cup of the cooking water.
- Add the sesame oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes to a Dutch oven and cook for one minute.
- Add the remaining ingredients and cook until the mixture begins to bubble.
- Add the pasta and cilantro and cook just to heat.
- Serve up with lime wedges and freshly sliced chilis on top!
⭐️ PRO TIP: Alway wash your hands and never touch your face when working with hot peppers.
If you love spicy recipes, you may also enjoy this sweet chili bacon wrapped shrimp.
What to Serve with Gochujang Sesame Noodles
Serve your spicy sesame chile noodles hot or cold! Either way makes for a delicious meal.
They make a great side for beef, pork, or chicken. You can also add cooked meats directly to the noodles. Here are a few favorites for inspiration!
- Honey Lemon Soy Chicken Thighs
- Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs
- Chinese-style Slow Cooker Pork Chops
- Sha Cha Beef
- Korean Beef Bowls
All decadent meals have a few side dishes that bring out the special flavors. To find ideas, go to What to Serve with Paella.
Tips
- Use long noodles for the best results.
- Don't boil the noodles for too long. Just until al dente as they will cook a bit more with the sauce before serving.
- For the best flavor in your spicy garlic noodles, use fresh garlic cloves instead of jarred minced garlic.
- Drain the noodles well so you don't dilute the sauce with excess water.
- Store leftovers for up to 5 days in an air-tight container. I don't recommend freezing it as the noodles will turn to mush.
- Reheat the noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat just until hot.
FAQ
Definitely! The sesame oil gives this dish its unique flavor profile and aroma. Without it, you won't get the same flavor but the dish is still enjoyable.
The ancho chile powder adds a mild smokiness, a bit of sweetness to the dish, as well as a kick of heat. It also helps to balance out other flavors in the recipe such as the gochujang, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce.
Gochujang is a type of fermented bean chili paste, originating from Korea. It adds a flavorful and spicy kick to the dish, as well as a slight sweetness.
More Noodle Recipes
Do you like noodles? Here are some recipes you may also like to try or check out all of our Best Asian Noodle Recipes in one place.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Gochujang Sesame Noodles Recipe with Garlic
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or stock pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti or long fusilli pasta
- ⅓ cup chopped Cilantro divided
- 2 Limes juiced (about ¼ cup)
- 2 ½ tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang
- 1 teaspoon Ancho Chile powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 3 Garlic cloves minced
- Garnish
- 2 Fresno Chiles sliced
Instructions
- In a dutch oven, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Boil pasta al dente according to package directions. Set aside ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain and rinse pasta. Set aside. Return the dutch oven to the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the dutch oven. Cook for 1 minute.
- Next, add pasta water, ½ the chopped cilantro, lime juice, gochujang, chile powder, salt, pepper, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce. Whisk and cook until it starts to bubble, about 7 minutes.
- Add pasta and remaining cilantro and stir well to coat. Cover and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced chiles and enjoy!
Notes
- Use long noodles for the best results.
- Don't boil the noodles for too long. Just until al dente as they will cook a bit more with the sauce before serving.
- For the best flavor in your spicy garlic noodles, use fresh garlic cloves instead of jarred minced garlic.
- Drain the noodles well so you don't dilute the sauce with excess water.
- Store leftovers for up to 5 days in an air-tight container. I don't recommend freezing it as the noodles will turn to mush.
- Reheat the noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat just until hot.
- Side dishes bring out the amazing flavors in a meal. Find sides here, at What to Serve with Paella.
Nutrition
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