This gochujang butter noodles recipe melts butter with gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar into a glossy, spicy-sweet sauce that clings to every noodle. This easy Korean-inspired noodle dish takes about 20 minutes and has become one of the most-cooked pantry dinners for how much flavor it delivers with so few ingredients.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Category: Main dish
Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Butter Noodles
- This gochujang butter noodles recipe turns pantry staples into a genuinely craveable dinner in 20 minutes.
- The butter mellows the gochujang’s heat into a rounded, savory-sweet sauce.
- One skillet, minimal cleanup, and easy to scale up for more servings.
- A fried egg on top takes it from good to genuinely restaurant-quality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz udon or spaghetti noodles
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sliced green onion
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Fried egg, optional
How to Make Gochujang Butter Noodles
- Cook the noodles according to the package directions, reserving some pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, whisking until smooth.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat and adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Top with green onion, sesame seeds, and a fried egg, if using.
Tips for the Best Gochujang Butter Noodles
- Whisk the gochujang butter sauce thoroughly for this recipe so it coats the noodles evenly without clumping.
- Save extra pasta water — it’s key to getting the sauce silky rather than thick and sticky.
- Adjust the gochujang amount up or down depending on your spice tolerance.
- A fried egg with a runny yolk adds a rich, creamy element that balances the heat.
Variations to Try
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Toss in cooked shrimp or shredded chicken for more protein.
- Use rice noodles instead of udon for a different texture.
How to Store It
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste with a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor, commonly used as a base for sauces and marinades.
Can I make gochujang butter noodles less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of gochujang and add a bit more butter and brown sugar to mellow the heat while keeping the flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, since the noodles can absorb the sauce and dry out if stored too long before serving.
Where can I buy gochujang?
Gochujang is available at most Asian grocery stores and in the international aisle of many major supermarkets.