Gochujang butter noodles are the kind of dinner that makes you wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Savory Korean chili paste melts into butter and garlic to create a glossy, spicy-sweet sauce that clings to every strand.
This easy gochujang butter noodles recipe is a true 10 minute gochujang noodles situation once the water boils, and it works with spaghetti, udon, or ramen noodles. If you love a good spicy butter noodles recipe, this is your new default.
Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 2 servings |
| Category | Dinner / Noodles |
Why You’ll Love These Gochujang Butter Noodles
- Ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish
- A balance of spicy, sweet, salty, and rich
- Made with pantry staples and one fridge-friendly paste
- Easy to customize with eggs, veggies, or protein
- Fully adjustable heat level
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces spaghetti, udon, or ramen noodles
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoons gochujang
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ cup starchy noodle water, reserved
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced, plus toasted sesame seeds for topping
How to Make Gochujang Butter Noodles (Step by Step)
- Boil the noodles in salted water according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, and honey and cook for 1 minute, whisking until smooth.
- Add ¼ cup of the noodle water and simmer for 1 minute until the sauce turns glossy.
- Toss in the drained noodles and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, adding more noodle water until the sauce coats every strand.
- Finish with sesame oil, scallions, and sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Gochujang Butter Noodles
- Do not skip the starchy noodle water — it turns the sauce silky instead of greasy.
- Different gochujang brands vary in heat, so start with 1 tablespoon and taste.
- Keep the heat at medium so the garlic and gochujang do not scorch.
- Toss the noodles in the pan, not the pot, so they absorb the sauce.
- Serve right away; the sauce tightens as it cools.
Variations to Try: Spicy Butter Noodle Ideas
- Add a jammy soft-boiled or fried egg on top.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy.
- Add sliced rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for protein.
- Finish with a little grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lime.
How to Store It
These noodles are best fresh, but leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce can separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does gochujang taste like?
Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste that tastes spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and deeply umami. It’s thicker and sweeter than most hot sauces.
Where can I buy gochujang near me?
Look in the international aisle of major grocery stores, Asian markets, or online. It usually comes in a red tub or squeeze bottle.
Can I make gochujang butter noodles less spicy?
Yes. Use just 1 tablespoon of gochujang, add an extra teaspoon of honey, and finish with more butter.
What noodles are best for gochujang butter noodles?
Spaghetti, udon, and ramen noodles all work well. Choose a noodle with some chew that holds up to a rich sauce.
Gochujang Butter Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Boil the noodles in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain.
- Step 2: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Tip: Keep the heat moderate so the garlic does not brown.
- Step 3: Whisk in the gochujang, soy sauce, and honey and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add ¼ cup noodle water and simmer until the sauce is glossy.
- Step 5: Add the noodles and toss for 1 to 2 minutes, adding more noodle water as needed.
- Tip: Add water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the noodles.
- Step 6: Finish with sesame oil, scallions, and sesame seeds. Serve right away.