If buttery noodles and Korean spice had a baby, this would be it. Gochujang Buttered Noodles are rich, spicy, and ridiculously easy, ready in 20 minutes with only a handful of ingredients. This is one of those dishes that satisfies your pasta craving without being boring, thanks to the deep umami of fermented chili paste.
In this recipe, you’ll get the perfect ratio of gochujang to butter, a few optional upgrades, and direct answers to the questions everyone’s asking about this viral dish.
Looking for more flavor-packed, fast meals? Check out our best chopped Italian sandwich or try a sweet-and-savory twist like these zucchini chocolate chip cookies.
Quick Answers (AEO)
Can you use gochujang for noodles?
Yes! Gochujang’s fermented chili flavor works perfectly in noodle dishes, adding a spicy-sweet depth that sticks to pasta beautifully.
Can gochujang be used in pasta?
Definitely. Blend it with butter or oil to create a Korean-inspired pasta sauce with a savory, mildly spicy kick.
What to do with gochujang butter?
Use it on noodles, roasted veggies, corn on the cob, or slathered onto grilled bread, it’s a flavor bomb in any form.
What is good to add to buttered noodles?
Garlic, scallions, gochujang, or crispy elements like fried shallots and sesame seeds add amazing contrast and texture.
Table of Contents
The Story & Personal Connection
A Noodle Dish With Bite
I wasn’t raised on Korean food, but the first time I stirred gochujang into hot butter, it felt like something just clicked. The result? A glossy, crimson sauce that tasted like comfort food with a secret. The kind of secret you want to share — like how good this is after a long day, or how easy it is to double the batch for lunch tomorrow.
Why It Works (and Wins)
This dish checks every box: quick, pantry-friendly, and infinitely riffable. Toss it with rice noodles or spaghetti. Add a jammy egg, spinach, or tofu. It’s as cozy as mac and cheese, but hits harder with heat and umami.
For sweet pairings, try it with a cooling finish like banana syrup iced coffee or go all in on indulgence with cinnamon sugar baked peaches.
The Recipe & Gochujang Breakdown
Gochujang Buttered Noodles (Quick Recipe)
This is the kind of recipe you memorize after the second time. All you need is your favorite noodles, butter, gochujang, and a couple of pantry staples. If you love a flexible base that welcomes add-ins (think soft eggs, greens, or tofu), this is your new weeknight win.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Noodles (udon, ramen, spaghetti) | 8 oz cooked | Reserve ¼ cup pasta water |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp | Softened |
| Gochujang | 1.5 tbsp | Adjust to your heat level |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp | Low sodium preferred |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Optional but recommended |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | Balances the spice |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp | For flavor and aroma |
| Scallions or sesame seeds | For garnish | Adds crunch and freshness |
How to Make It
- Boil your noodles according to package instructions. Save some of the pasta water.
- In a skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic (if using) and stir until fragrant.
- Add gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth.
- Toss in cooked noodles and splash in a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with scallions or sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
This spicy, buttery base is also great tossed with sautéed bok choy or crispy tofu cubes. And if you’re feeling creative, try pairing it with something sweet but light, maybe our mango sticky rice ice cream for a cool finish.
How to Use Gochujang Buttered Noodles in Real Life
Weeknight Staple With Endless Possibilities
One of the best things about Gochujang Buttered Noodles is how effortlessly they adapt. Toss in spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or leftover rotisserie chicken — the base sauce wraps everything in a rich, spicy coat. Craving a plant-based version? Swap in vegan butter and rice noodles. This isn’t a one-note recipe. It’s a framework you can return to over and over.
Need more cozy staples? Our Neiman Marcus chicken casserole and low-calorie, high-protein breakfasts are both fast favorites in our test kitchen.
Nutritional Edge & Long-Term Appeal
Unlike heavy cream sauces, this dish is naturally lower in dairy while still feeling indulgent. Gochujang Buttered Noodles combine fermented chili paste (which supports gut health) with healthy fats from butter and sesame oil. The result? A deeply satisfying, flavor-forward noodle bowl that doesn’t leave you sluggish.
Long-term, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the buttery base. Adults love the spice and versatility. And because gochujang lasts forever in the fridge, it’s a low-waste, high-reward pantry MVP.
Looking for more high-flavor, low-effort wins? Don’t miss our banana fig bread and gluten-free fig bars, sweet recipes that keep well and pack real depth.
Next-Level Gochujang Buttered Noodles & What’s Ahead
Pro Tips for Making Gochujang Buttered Noodles Unforgettable
Once you’ve mastered the base, here’s how to level up your Gochujang Buttered Noodles game:
- Brown the butter before adding gochujang for a deeper, nutty flavor.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to brighten the richness.
- Try topping with crispy garlic chips or fried shallots for crunch.
- Sub in miso paste for part of the gochujang to double the umami.
- Mix in a spoon of peanut butter for a creamy, Thai-inspired variation.
Want a chilled version for summer? Let the noodles cool and toss with a touch more sesame oil and sliced cucumbers. This dish doesn’t just hold up to variations it thrives on them.
Looking for more dishes with global flair? Try our calamansi drinks or this frozen fruit sorbet for a cool finish after spicy noodles.
What the Future Tastes Like (Hint: It’s Fermented)
Gochujang Buttered Noodles are part of a bigger shift in how we think about fusion cooking. Pantry pastes like gochujang, miso, and sambal are no longer niche they’re part of everyday meals. Expect to see them show up in lasagna, mac and cheese, and even pizza sauce.
The best part? Gochujang brings bold flavor without extra steps. As weeknight dinners get simpler, flavor is the new flex and this dish delivers.
FAQs About Gochujang Buttered Noodles
Can you use gochujang for noodles?
Yes, gochujang is a perfect match for noodles. This fermented chili paste from Korea delivers spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes that cling beautifully to pasta. When mixed with butter, it creates a glossy, umami-packed sauce that’s both comforting and complex. Gochujang works in everything from stir-fries to cold noodle salads, but it shines brightest in recipes like these Gochujang Buttered Noodles.
Can gochujang be used in pasta?
Absolutely. Think of gochujang as a bold, spicy alternative to tomato paste or chili oil. It blends especially well with creamy or fatty ingredients like butter, sesame oil, or cheese, helping it melt into pasta sauces effortlessly. Gochujang Buttered Noodles are just one way to use it, but you can also swirl it into carbonara, ramen, or mac and cheese for a spicy upgrade.
What to do with gochujang butter?
Gochujang butter is incredibly versatile. Use it as a finishing touch for rice bowls, grilled corn, baked sweet potatoes, or roasted vegetables. It makes a killer spread for sandwiches and melts beautifully over seared steak or tofu. For the simplest option, keep a jar in the fridge and toss it with hot noodles anytime you want fast comfort like our go-to Gochujang Buttered Noodles recipe.
What is good to add to buttered noodles?
Buttered noodles are a blank canvas. To take them from basic to bold, try mixing in garlic, gochujang, sesame oil, or soy sauce. Add protein like soft-boiled eggs, crispy tofu, or shredded chicken. Finish with scallions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes for texture. Our favorite? Tossing it all together with spicy gochujang butter, the heart of our Gochujang Buttered Noodles dish.
Conclusion
Gochujang Buttered Noodles are fast, fiery, and full of flavor, everything a modern comfort food should be. With just a few ingredients and 20 minutes, you get a restaurant-worthy dish that’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re tossing in greens, topping with a jammy egg, or keeping it simple, this recipe proves that bold doesn’t mean complicated.
So next time you need dinner with attitude (and ease), reach for the gochujang. Your noodles will never be the same.
PrintGochujang Buttered Noodles That Hit Every Craving
Spicy, buttery gochujang noodles with deep umami and a 20-minute cook time. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 oz noodles, cooked
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1.5 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
Scallions/sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. Boil noodles according to package instructions.
2. Melt butter in a skillet on low heat.
3. Add garlic, cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil.
5. Whisk until smooth.
6. Toss in noodles and a splash of pasta water.
7. Garnish and serve hot.
Notes
Use less gochujang if you prefer mild heat.
Top with a soft egg or crispy tofu for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: gochujang buttered noodles, spicy noodles, quick Korean pasta