Gochujang Butter Noodles

Introduction

If you’re craving something that’s bold, buttery, and just a little fiery — but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen — you’re going to love these Gochujang Butter Noodles. It’s the kind of dish that’s taken over TikToks, Reels, and home kitchens, and for good reason: a simple emulsion of melted butter, gochujang, garlic, and soy sauce turns plain noodles into a rich, glossy, spicy masterpiece.

Whether you're cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or making something fun for your blog readers, this recipe delivers on flavor without complicated steps. Let’s dive in.

 

Ingredients

For 2 servings (you can scale up):

• 200g noodles (ramen / spaghetti / any long noodle)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1.5 – 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste) — adjust to spice preference

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon water (or more, to loosen the sauce)

• A pinch of salt (if needed)

• Sesame seeds & chopped scallions (for garnish)

• Optional: fried egg or shredded chicken / tofu as a topping

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles

   • Boil a pot of water. Cook the noodles according to the packet instructions until al dente.

   • Drain, reserve about 2 tablespoons of the noodle water, then set noodles aside.

2. Make the sauce

   • In a pan over low-medium heat, melt the butter gently.

   • Add minced garlic and sauté for ~30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn).

   • Stir in the gochujang and mix until it dissolves into the butter.

   • Add soy sauce and honey (if using), then pour in the reserved noodle water (or plain water) to loosen the sauce.

3. Combine noodles and sauce

   • Add the cooked noodles into the pan with the sauce.

   • Toss really well so every strand gets coated in that glossy, spicy butter.

   • Taste and adjust — if you want it spicier, add a bit more gochujang; if it’s too intense, add a splash more water or butter.

4. Serve

   • Plate the noodles.

   • Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

   • Optional: top with a soft-fried egg or shredded chicken/tofu for extra richness and protein.

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegan: Use a plant-based butter and add tofu instead of chicken.

• Protein boost: Toss in shredded cooked chicken or pan-fried tofu.

• Creamier twist: Add a tablespoon of heavy cream or cashew cream at the end.

• Add crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or roasted sesame for texture.

• Mix gochujang with a little tomato paste if pure gochujang is too spicy.