Name: Gochujang Butter Noodles in 20 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 200 g Dried spaghetti or ramen noodles; 3 tbsp Unsalted butter; 2 clove Garlic, finely minced; 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chilli paste); 1 tbsp Soy sauce; 1 tsp Honey; 120 ml Reserved pasta water; 2 Green onions, sliced; 1 tsp Sesame seeds

Korean Vegetarian 20 min 3 servings392 Calories

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Gochujang butter noodles have become a popular weeknight meal. Korean chilli paste, butter and a splash of pasta water make a glossy sauce in minutes.

Why this sauce works

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chilli paste that is sweet, savoury and spicy at the same time. Melted into butter with garlic, soy sauce and a little honey, it makes a glossy sauce in the time it takes the noodles to cook. The starchy pasta water is the secret: it helps the butter and paste blend into a smooth coating instead of separating.

Tips for the best result

Save the pasta water before you drain. Cook the garlic for just thirty seconds so it does not turn bitter. Add the pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is glossy and clings to the noodles. Gochujang varies in heat and saltiness between brands, so start with less and taste.

Substitutions and variations

Top with a fried egg, kimchi, sliced cucumber or grated cheese. Ramen or udon noodles work well. If you cannot find gochujang, a spoonful of miso with chilli flakes and a pinch of sugar gives a similar sweet, savoury heat, though the flavour is not identical.

Storing and serving

These noodles are best eaten straight away. Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Note for allergies: the dish contains wheat (noodles), soy (soy sauce, gochujang) and dairy (butter).

Nutrition values are estimates based on USDA reference values and may vary depending on the brands and quantities you use.

Recipe