Description
This Spicy Korean Noodle Soup combines tender noodles with a flavorful broth infused with gochujang, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Packed with fresh vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots, this comforting and warming soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or whenever you crave a spicy, satisfying bowl of goodness. Optional proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu can be added for extra heartiness.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 150g Korean noodles (or any preferred noodles)
Broth and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped
Optional Protein
- Cooked chicken, beef, or tofu (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the Korean noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside for later use.
- Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the sliced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens. Then stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking an additional one minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Add Broth: Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Incorporate Spices: Stir in 1 tablespoon each of gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to combine the spicy, savory flavors thoroughly into the broth.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped bok choy, sliced mushrooms, and julienned carrot to the broth. Let the vegetables cook for 5-7 minutes until they become tender but still maintain some texture.
- Combine Noodles: Gently add the cooked noodles into the soup, stirring carefully to incorporate all the ingredients without breaking the noodles.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the chopped green onions. Optionally, add your choice of cooked protein such as chicken, beef, or tofu to make it more filling. Serve immediately for best flavor and warmth.
Notes
- You can substitute Korean noodles with soba, ramen, or even spaghetti if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier broth.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable broth and tofu as protein.
- If you want a richer broth, simmer the soup longer before adding noodles.
- Fresh vegetables can be swapped with frozen ones when fresh is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
