Description
This Spicy Korean Ramen Beef recipe combines tender marinated beef sirloin with a rich, flavorful broth, vibrant vegetables, and traditional Korean spices like gochujang and gochugaru. Quick and easy to prepare, this ramen dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and umami flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 4 packets instant ramen noodles (Korean Shin Ramyun recommended for spice)
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, cremini, or button)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped (optional)
Seasoning and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Nori seaweed sheets, cut into strips
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preparing the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine thinly sliced beef sirloin with soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even coating. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.
- Sautéing the Vegetables and Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add marinated beef and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Mix in red and green bell peppers along with mushrooms, cooking until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. If using kimchi, add now and cook for another minute while stirring to combine flavors.
- Cooking the Ramen and Enhancing the Broth: Pour 8 cups of water into the pot with the sautéed vegetables and beef. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, add ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes. While noodles cook, add soy sauce, gochugaru, sugar, and fish sauce (if desired). Stir well to dissolve sugar and incorporate seasonings. Taste broth and adjust seasoning as preferred. Add bean sprouts during the last minute of noodle cooking.
- Assembling and Serving: Divide ramen noodles, beef, vegetables, and broth evenly into four bowls. Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Top with halved soft-boiled eggs and strips of nori seaweed if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the beef longer intensifies the flavor but 15 minutes is sufficient for quick prep.
- Korean Shin Ramyun packets add an authentic spicy kick but can be substituted with any instant ramen of choice.
- Adjust the amount of gochugaru and gochujang to your preferred spice level.
- Kimchi is optional but adds extra tanginess and complexity.
- Soft-boiled eggs add richness and texture—cook eggs by boiling for 7 minutes then cooling in ice water for perfect yolks.
- Use a large enough pot to comfortably cook noodles and ingredients without overcrowding.
- For a vegetarian version, omit beef and fish sauce; substitute vegetable broth and add tofu or extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
